igneous
Olivine-bearing peridotite (likely a small mantle-rock fragment)
Peridotite, chiefly olivine ((Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄), with possible pyroxene
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCoarse, granular, olive-green to yellow-green and glassy; olivine hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, orthorhombic crystals, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 3.2–4.4. The image is too small to confirm mineral composition or identify the rock definitively.
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Physical properties
Coarse, granular, olive-green to yellow-green and glassy; olivine hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, orthorhombic crystals, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 3.2–4.4. The image is too small to confirm mineral composition or identify the rock definitively.
Formation & geological history
Peridotite crystallizes slowly from magnesium- and iron-rich magma and makes up much of Earth’s upper mantle; fragments can reach the surface in volcanic eruptions. Its age varies widely with its source.
Uses & applications
Peridotite is mainly of geological and collector interest; olivine is also used as an industrial refractory and foundry material, and gem-quality olivine is called peridot.
Geological facts
The pictured specimen’s coarse green-and-dark texture is consistent with olivine-bearing rock, but a close-up alone cannot distinguish peridotite from other green mineral aggregates.
Field identification & locations
Look for granular olive-green crystals and test hardness or examine a fresh surface; common sources include mantle-derived volcanic rocks and ultramafic intrusions. Identification from this image is provisional.
