mineral
Peridot (Olivine)
Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, yellow-green. Luster: Vitreous/oily. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Translucent to transparent.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green, yellow-green
- Luster
- Vitreous/oily
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, yellow-green. Luster: Vitreous/oily. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Translucent to transparent.
Formation & geological history
Forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity in basaltic rocks. It can also be found in certain types of stony-iron meteorites (Pallasites).
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry as a gemstone and as a specimen for geological collections. It is the birthstone for August.
Geological facts
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Some specimens have been found on the Moon and in meteorites, making it an extraterrestrial gemstone.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive olive-green color and lack of reaction to acid. Often found in volcanic areas such as Hawaii, Arizona, or Egypt. Collectors look for clarity and saturation of color.
