|
Home »
Minerals »
Olivine
Olivine
Mineral Properties and Uses
Physical Properties of Olivine |
| Uses |
gemstones, bricks, refractory sand |
| Color |
olive to yellowish green |
| Streak |
colorless |
| Luster |
vitreous |
| Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage |
none |
| Mohs Hardness |
6.5 - 7 |
| Specific Gravity |
3.2 - 4.4 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
glassy luster, color |
| Crystal System |
orthorhombic |
| Peridot, a variety of olivine, from Arizona. These are approximately 11 millimeters by 7 millimeters each. |
| Peridot, a variety of olivine, cut into a pear shape gem, from Arizona. This gemstone is 2.8 carats, and approximately 12 millimeters by 6 millimeters. |
| A cut gemstone peridot, a variety of olivine, from Arizona. This gem is 1.3 carats, and approximately 8 millimeters by 5 millimeters. |
More from Geology.com |
 | Sunstone: a feldspar with aventurescence caused by light reflecting from platy inclusions. |
|
|
 |
 | Salt Glaciers are masses of salt that flow downslope under their own weight. |
|
|
 | What is a Maar? The second most common volcanic landscape feature on Earth. |
|
 | Minerals are the building blocks of our society. We use items made with them every day. |
|
|
 | Rocks Galleries of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock photos. |
|
|
 |
| Olivine from Mitchell County, North Carolina. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
| Olivine from Mitchell County, North Carolina. Overall specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
| Basalt and olivine from Arizona. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
|
| 
