gemstone
Peridot (Olivine)
(Mg, Fe)2SiO4
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, pale green, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green, pale green, or yellowish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Olive-green, pale green, or yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and brought to the surface through volcanic activity in basaltic lavas and xenoliths. It can also occur in pallasite meteorites.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a popular gemstone in jewelry, especially as the birthstone for August. Also studied by geologists to understand Earth's upper mantle composition.
Geological facts
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Extraterrestrial peridot crystals have been found inside stony-iron meteorites (pallasites) that are over 4.5 billion years old.
Field identification & locations
Look for a translucent to transparent yellowish-green hue with a glassy luster and characteristic conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in Arizona (USA), Pakistan, Myanmar, Brazil, and Egypt.
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