mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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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.