Peridot
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePeridot
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.34
Colorsgreenish-yellow, olive-green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalitySuppat, Kohistan, Pakistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector specimens
Rarityuncommon
Description
A cluster of well-formed, translucent, lustrous, greenish-yellow peridot crystals, with the largest crystal measuring 4.0 cm in length. These superior quality specimens are typical of those found in the Suppat deposit.
Geological Context
Peridot forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, such as basalt and peridotite, deep within the Earth's mantle, and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity or tectonic uplift.
