mineral

Peridot

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

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green to lime-green. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific gravity: 3.27–3.37.

Hardness: 6
Color: Olive-green to lime-green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale. Color: Olive-green to lime-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 in basaltic rocks. It is also found in pallasite meteorites. Ancient specimens date back billions of years, though most gem-quality sources are found in Tertiary or Quaternary volcanic deposits.

Uses & applications

Primary use as a gemstone in jewelry. It is also the birthstone for August. Industrial-grade olivine is used in metal casting and sandblasting.

Geological facts

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Some peridot is extraterrestrial, having been harvested from meteorites that crashed into Earth. It was famously called the 'emerald of the evening' by Romans because its color does not darken at night.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct 'oily' green color and presence in dark volcanic rocks like basalt. Common locations include San Carlos Apache Reservation (Arizona), Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Red Sea island of Zabargad. For collectors: look for high transparency and lack of brown tints.

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