Olivine

Olivine (or chrysolite) is a silicate mineral made of magnesium iron silicate with the formula (Mg,Fe)
2SiO
4.

Olivine (Peridot)

It ranges in colour from chartreuse green to pale olive. In its gem form, it is called peridot.

Dunite contains (or has) over 90%+ olivine in it. Dunite and other peridotite rocks are major constituents of the Earth's mantle above a depth of about 400 kilometers. Dunite is rarely found on land, except where slabs of mantle rock from a subduction zone have been thrust onto continental crust. Olivine has also been found at several extraterrestrial locations, such as the moon and many passing space rocks - as well as the outer layers of dust orbiting young stars.

  • Light green olivine crystals in peridotite xenoliths in basalt from Arizona
    Light green olivine crystals in peridotite xenoliths in basalt from Arizona
  • Olivine basalt from the Moon, collected in 1971 by the crew of Apollo 15
    Olivine basalt from the Moon, collected in 1971 by the crew of Apollo 15
  • Bright green olivine from Pakistan
    Bright green olivine from Pakistan
  • Olivine in lava from the Azores
    Olivine in lava from the Azores
  • Olivine in cross-polarized light
    Olivine in cross-polarized light
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