Olivine identification and geology

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• Epidote
• Diopside
• Green minerals — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:36:47.367416+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Olivine?

Green magnesium-iron silicate and one of the most common minerals in the Earth mantle. Gem variety is peridot.

How can you identify Olivine?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Olive green, yellow-green; lustre: Vitreous; streak: Colorless; Mohs hardness: 6.5-7; cleavage: Poor; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Olivine form?

Crystallizes at high temperatures from mafic and ultramafic magmas; first mineral to form in Bowen reaction series.

Where is Olivine commonly found?

Worldwide; essential in basalt, gabbro, peridotite. Gem peridot from Egypt, Myanmar, Arizona.

What is Olivine commonly confused with?

Olivine may be confused with Epidote, Diopside, Green Garnet. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.