mineral

Olivine (Peridot)

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

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green, or brownish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous environments, primarily in ultramafic and mafic rocks like basalt and peridotite. It is one of the first minerals to crystallize from a cooling magma melt and is a major component of the Earth's upper mantle.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone (known as Peridot) in jewelry. Industrially, it is used as a flux for steel production, as foundry sand, and as an abrasive in sandblasting.

Geological facts

Olivine is a 'sky mineral' found in many stony-iron meteorites (pallasites). It is also abundant on the moon and has been detected on Mars.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct translucent olive-green color and sugary (granular) texture in basaltic rocks. Generally found in volcanic areas like Hawaii, Norway, and Arizona.

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