mineral
Olivine
(Mg,Fe)2SiO4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, typically olive green in color, vitreous luster, and an orthorhombic crystal system with conchoidal fracture.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Olivine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, typically olive green in color, vitreous luster, and an orthorhombic crystal system with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in high-temperature igneous environments, particularly in mafic and ultramafic rocks like peridotite and basalt.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the production of foundry sands, as a refractory material, and in gemstone form (peridot) for jewelry.
Geological facts
Olivine is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's upper mantle and has also been identified in meteorites and on Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic olive-green color and granular texture, commonly found in beach sands and volcanic xenoliths.
