mineral
Peridot (Olivine)
Magnesium Iron Silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green, yellow-green
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Also found in Pallasite meteorites. Common in ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry; high-quality specimens are faceted for rings and necklaces. Industrial-grade olivine is used as a flux for steel making 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 comet dust from the Stardust robotic spacecraft and is called the 'Evening Emerald' due to its glow under artificial light.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive oily-green color and lack of reaction to acid. Often found in volcanic 'bombs' or as small grains in basaltic sand (e.g., Green Sand Beach in Hawaii).
