mineral
Peridot (Olivine)
Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
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)
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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.
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Mineral/Rock