mineral
Likely olivine (peridot)
Olivine-group silicate, approximately (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, rough yellow-green fragments with a vitreous-to-dull luster; olivine has Mohs hardness 6.5–7, orthorhombic crystals, and poor cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification or provide reliable specific gravity.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Likely olivine (peridot) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Small, rough yellow-green fragments with a vitreous-to-dull luster; olivine has Mohs hardness 6.5–7, orthorhombic crystals, and poor cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification or provide reliable specific gravity.
Formation & geological history
Olivine crystallizes in magnesium-rich igneous rocks, especially basalt and peridotite, and may also occur in meteorites. Its age and exact formation environment cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality olivine is cut as peridot; common material is collected and studied as a rock-forming mineral.
Geological facts
Olivine is a major mineral in Earth’s upper mantle and is commonly altered by weathering into greenish serpentine minerals.
Field identification & locations
Check for glassy luster, hardness near 7, and granular crystals; similar green minerals include epidote and serpentine. Occurs in basalt and peridotite worldwide, including Hawaii, Arizona, and Pakistan.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral