mineral

Small rough mineral grain, possibly olivine (peridot)

Olivine-group silicate, commonly (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄; identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tiny, yellow-green to brown, irregular grain with a dull-to-glassy luster. Olivine has Mohs hardness 6.5–7, orthorhombic crystals, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 3.2–4.4; these properties cannot be confirmed visually here.

Identified October 8, 2026More mineral →

Explore Small rough mineral grain, possibly olivine (peridot) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

If olivine, it crystallized from mafic or ultramafic magma, commonly in basalt or mantle rocks; such grains form across many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality olivine is cut as peridot; common grains are mainly valued as geological specimens, while olivine is also used in refractory and foundry materials.

Geological facts

Olivine is a major mineral of Earth’s upper mantle and can also occur in some meteorites.

Field identification & locations

The grain’s greenish color is compatible with olivine, but its tiny size and image alone do not establish its identity. A hardness test, crystal examination, or instrumental analysis would help distinguish it from other minerals.