mineral

Olivine

Olivine group (Mg, Fe)2SiO4

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.22 to 4.39

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

Identified April 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific gravity: 3.22 to 4.39

Formation & geological history

Primary mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks (basalt, gabbro, peridotite). Formed at high temperatures in the upper mantle and crystallizes early from cooling magma. Can also be found in meteorites.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel making, as a refractory material, and in decorative landscaping. Transparent, high-quality specimens are known as the gemstone 'Peridot'.

Geological facts

Olivine is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's upper mantle and has been found on Mars and the Moon. It was once famously found in pallasite meteorites, suspended in a matrix of nickel-iron.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinctive green color, granular texture, and lack of good cleavage. Common in volcanic regions with basaltic flows like Hawaii, Iceland, or the Canary Islands.