mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Lime green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37

Hardness: 6
Color: Lime green to olive green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

Explore Peridot (Olivine) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Lime green to olive green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral Forsterite (olivine). It is found in ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite.

Uses & applications

Primary use is as a gemstone for jewelry (birthstone for August). Industrial-grade olivine is used in blast furnaces to remove impurities from steel and in foundry sand.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. It has been found in pallasite meteorites (extraterrestrial origin) and is sometimes referred to as 'the Evening Emerald' due to its glow under artificial light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive lime-green color and oily/glassy luster. Frequently found in volcanic areas such as the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, or in Hawaii's 'green sand' beaches.