Mineral
Peridot
Olivine (Mg, Fe)2SiO4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, to brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37
Formation & geological history
Formed deep within the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Also found in pallasite meteorites.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, especially as the birthstone for August.
Geological facts
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: an olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green depend on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive yellow-green color and strong double refraction. Common locations include the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China.
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Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
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Schist
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Metamorphic