mineral
Olivine (Peridot)
Magnesium Iron Silicate ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4)
Hardness: 6.5–7; Color: Olive green, lime green, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.3
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive green, lime green, or yellowish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5–7; Color: Olive green, lime green, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2–4.3
Formation & geological history
Primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks (basalt, gabbro, peridotite). Formed deep in Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity or tectonic uplift. Also found in Pallasite meteorites.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone (Peridot) for jewelry, as a slag conditioner in steel making, as a casting sand in foundries, and for carbon sequestration research.
Geological facts
Olivine is one of the most common minerals on Earth by volume, as it makes up much of the upper mantle. It is also found in lunar rocks and meteorites, making it an extra-terrestrial mineral.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive olive-green color and sugary (granular) texture in basaltic rocks. Look for glassy, translucent green crystals in dark volcanic stones. Common locations include Arizona, Hawaii, Norway, and Egypt.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic