mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Olivine ((Mg, Fe)2SiO4)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green to lime green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green to lime green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green to lime green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity or found in meteorites; typically found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry; also used in industrial processes as a refractory material or as a slag conditioner in steelmaking.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: olive-green. It has been found in pallasite meteorites, meaning it literally comes from outer space in some instances.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive bottle-green color and lack of cleavage. Often found in volcanic 'bombs' or as small grains in basaltic sand. Common locations include Arizona, Hawaii, and Pakistan.