Olivine
Real mineral · common · (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
A magnesium iron silicate forming one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's upper mantle. Weathers rapidly at the surface to serpentine and iron oxides. Found in basaltic volcanic rocks and in stony-iron meteorites.
Identity
- Formula
- (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
- Chemical class
- silicate
- Mineral group
- Peridot
- Also known as
- Peridot (gem variety), Chrysolite (archaic)
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Habits
- massive, granular, prismatic
- Fracture
- conchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.3 g/cm³
- Luster
- vitreous
- Colors
- olive green, yellow-green, brown, black
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- igneous, metamorphic
- Host rocks
- basalt, gabbro, peridotite, dunite
- Associated minerals
- pyroxene, Spinel, Chromite, Magnetite
- Geography
- worldwide
Classification
- Rarity
- common
- Gem quality
- No
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- earth, fire
- Effects
- elemental earth, warding
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
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