Gemstone profile and identification guide
Olivine
Olivine is a magnesium-iron silicate mineral; transparent gem-quality material is known as peridot.
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Overview
Olivine is a magnesium-iron silicate mineral; transparent gem-quality material is known as peridot.
Did you know? Peridot-quality olivine has been mined from both terrestrial and meteoritic sources.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Olivine
Scientific classification: Silicate (Nesosilicate: Olivine, Gem Variety Peridot)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Primary colour: Olive Green
Secondary colour: Yellow Green
Colour family: Greens
Doubled back-facet effect and olivine optical constants are classic diagnostics.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition and treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Common locations: Pakistan, Myanmar, China, United States (Arizona), Egypt
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Olivine gem material in yellow-green to olive-green tones, commonly traded as peridot when gem quality.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Olivine (peridot gem variety)
Mineral group: Olivine group
Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Poor
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37
Refractive index: 1.65-1.69
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Yellow-green to olive green
Common inclusions: Growth features, fractures, and matrix/inclusion structures as applicable
Geological environment: Species-dependent; see formation process
Principal mining regions: Pakistan, Myanmar, China, United States (Arizona), Egypt
Important commercial sources: Gem olivine is widely traded as peridot from major basaltic and mantle-derived sources
Historical significance: Recognized in modern gem and mineral trade contexts.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on material category.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes in trade.
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and jewelry.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness; protect from impact and avoid harsh acids.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Olivine.
Formation
Forms in mantle-derived igneous rocks and some volcanic/metamorphic settings.
Origin
Gem olivine is widely traded as peridot from major basaltic and mantle-derived sources
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and jewelry.
Ideal uses: Daily-wear jewelry in protective settings.
Care
Moderate hardness; protect from impact and avoid harsh acids.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Olivine FAQ
How can I identify Olivine?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Orthorhombic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Olivine appear in?
Olivine gem material in yellow-green to olive-green tones, commonly traded as peridot when gem quality.
Where is Olivine commonly used?
Daily-wear jewelry in protective settings.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 07 factual verification pass.