igneous
Olivine in Basalt matrix
Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate - (Mg, Fe)2SiO4)
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green to yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.4
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green to yellowish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green to yellowish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.4
Formation & geological history
Formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by basaltic volcanic eruptions. Crystallizes from cooling magma at high temperatures and pressures.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality varieties (Peridot) are used in jewelry; industrial uses include blast furnace flux, refractory sand for metal casting, and CO2 sequestration research.
Geological facts
Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's upper mantle and has been found in meteorites and on the Moon and Mars.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive olive-green color and glassy luster against a darker igneous matrix. Commonly found in basalt flows in locations like Hawaii, Arizona, and Norway.
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