mineral

Peridot

Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate), (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37.

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green, lime-green, or yellowish-green. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 3.27–3.37.

Formation & geological history

Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Often found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks like basalt. Some specimens have been found in pallasite meteorites.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as a gemstone. Historically used as a protective talisman. Large, high-clarity specimens are highly sought after by collectors.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. It is the birthstone for August and has been found on the moon and in stardust samples from space probes.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'oily' or olive-green hue and strong double refraction. Commonly found in San Carlos, Arizona, as well as Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Red Sea (St. John's Island). Collectors should look for vibrant lime-green color without brownish tints.

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