Where is Olivine found?
Mg2SiO4 – Fe2SiO4
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Open the appOlivine occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Olivine
Peridot Mesa, San Carlos Apache Reservation, Arizona, USA
One of the world's most significant sources of gem-quality peridot (olivine).
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, USA
Olivine is a common phenocryst in Hawaiian basalts, leading to 'green sand' beaches (e.g., Papakolea Beach).
St. John's Island (Zabargad), Egypt
Historically important source of peridot, known since ancient times.
Pakistan (Kaghan Valley)
Produces fine gem-quality peridot.
Norway (Åheim, Nordfjord)
Significant industrial deposits of olivine, particularly for refractory uses.
Various Ophiolite Complexes Worldwide
Olivine is a major component of the mantle section of ophiolites (e.g., Oman, Cyprus).
Collecting tips
- Look in Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks. Search for olivine in basalts, gabbros, peridotites, and dunites. It often appears as small, green, glassy grains.
- Check Volcanic Areas. In volcanic regions, especially those with basaltic lavas, olivine crystals can be found as phenocrysts or in volcanic bombs.
- Examine Weathered Surfaces. Olivine weathers relatively quickly, often altering to serpentine, iddingsite, or iron oxides. Fresh surfaces are best for identification.
- Magnet Test (for fayalite-rich varieties). Fayalite-rich olivine can be weakly magnetic due to its higher iron content. This is not a definitive test for all olivine.
- Specific Gravity Test. Olivine has a relatively high specific gravity (3.2-4.3), which can be a useful distinguishing feature when compared to lighter minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Olive-green to yellowish-green
- Luster:
- Vitreous to greasy
- Streak:
- Colorless (white)
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