Peridot
Image: Jarno from Rotterdam, Netherlands (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NamePeridot
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor to distinct on {010} and {100}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.34
Colorsgreen, yellowish-green, olive-green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityPakistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralspyroxene, chromite, magnetite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A small, naturally rounded or tumbled, translucent to transparent gemstone exhibiting a vibrant olive-green to yellowish-green color, with some rougher, earthy patches on its surface.
Geological Context
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, typically forming in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks deep within the Earth's mantle, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. It can also be found in some meteorites.
