mineral
Peridot (Olivine)
Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
Hardness: 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.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic