mineral

Olivine

(Mg,Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: olive green, yellowish-green, brownish; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal system: orthorhombic; Cleavage: poor; Specific gravity: 3.2 to 4.4

Hardness: 6
Color: olive green, yellowish-green, brownish
Luster: vitreous (glassy)

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: olive green, yellowish-green, brownish; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal system: orthorhombic; Cleavage: poor; Specific gravity: 3.2 to 4.4

Formation & geological history

Formed in high-temperature igneous environments, typically crystallizing from mafic and ultramafic magmas deep within the Earth's upper mantle. It is a primary constituent of rocks like peridotite and basalt.

Uses & applications

Used in the gemstone industry (as peridot), as a refractory material in metal casting, and in the production of foundry sands.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's upper mantle and has also been identified in moon rocks and meteorites (pallasites).

Field identification & locations

Easily recognized by its characteristic olive-green color and granular texture, commonly found in basaltic lavas, beach sands in volcanic regions, and mantle xenoliths.