mineral
Olivine
Magnesium Iron Silicate ((Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green to yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.27–4.37.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green to yellow-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5–7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green to yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.27–4.37.
Formation & geological history
Formed in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks as a primary mineral. It is a major component of Earth's upper mantle and forms from cooling magma with high magnesium and iron content.
Uses & applications
Industrial use as a flux for steel production, refractory casting sand, and as the gemstone 'peridot' when of high quality.
Geological facts
Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth by volume, but it weathers quickly on the surface. It is also frequently found in meteorites and has been detected on Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive olive-green color and grainy, vitreous texture. Look for it in basaltic lava flows or as inclusions in xenoliths.
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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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous