Olivine is composed of magnesium and iron silicate. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and usually occurs in the form of granular masses. The color ranges from olive green or grayish green to brown. Olivine has a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7 and a specific gravity ranging from 3.27 to 3.37. It exhibits conchoidal fracture, has a glassy luster, and is transparent or translucent. 

Found principally in ferro-manganese igneous rocks, such as basalt or peridotite, it occurs in the lavas of Mount Vesuvius near Naples, Italy, in Norway, Germany, and Arizona. A rock called dunite is composed almost entirely of olivine. A transparent, green variety of olivine called peridot, and a greenish-yellow variety of olivine called chrysolite are used to some extent as gemstones.

Magic & Myth

The joyful and friendly energy of this stone helps to make and seal friendships. It clears the heart, releasing ego, jealousy and anger and brining a sense of peace and quiet amusement. For specific chakra work, because it acts to seal the aura, it is suggested that peridot be removed while working on chakras other than the heart and solar plexus.