Gems, Precious Stones, Precious Metals - Olivine

Olivine - Gem Color 14 - #9AB973

The mineral olivine (when of gem quality, it is also called peridot and chrysolite), is a magnesium iron silicate with the formula (Mg,Fe) ₂ SiO ₄ . It is a common mineral in the Earth's subsurface but weathers quickly on the surface.

Olivine incorporates only minor amounts of elements other than oxygen, silicon, magnesium and iron. Manganese and nickel commonly are the additional elements present in highest concentrations. Olivine gives its name to the group of minerals with a related structure (the olivine group) which includes tephroite, monticellite and kirschsteinite.

Olivine is named for its typically olive-green color (thought to be a result of traces of nickel), though it may alter to a reddish color from the oxidation of iron.