Olivine
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Mineral NameOlivine
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.3
Colorsyellowish-green, yellow, olive-green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityOahu, Hawaii
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesgemstone (peridot), refractory material, industrial sand
Associated Mineralspyroxene, plagioclase feldspar, chromite, magnetite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays numerous small, sub-angular to rounded, yellowish-green olivine grains, many containing tiny dark inclusions, against a bright background. The field of view is 5.5 mm.
Geological Context
Olivine is a common rock-forming mineral in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, crystallizing from magma at high temperatures. In Hawaii, it is abundant in basaltic lavas and forms the characteristic green sand beaches.
