mineral

Peridot (Olivine)

Olivine, (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27-3.37

Hardness: 6
Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Lime, olive, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.27-3.37

Formation & geological history

Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity in basaltic rocks. It can also be found in certain types of meteorites (pallasites).

Uses & applications

Primary use is as a gemstone in jewelry. Industrial-grade olivine is used as a flux for steel production, in refractory materials, and as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. It is the birthstone for August and has been found in comet dust and on the moon.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'oily' bottle-green color and glass-like fracture. Common locations include Arizona (USA), Pakistan, Myanmar, and volcanic islands like Hawaii.