Comparison · Minerals
Labradorite vs Olivine
Labradorite and Olivine are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Labradorite and Olivine
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Olivine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3–4.3 versus 2.7 for Labradorite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Labradorite is translucent, Olivine is Transparent to translucent.
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Labradorite also comes in gray and blue and Olivine also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Labradorite is triclinic, Olivine is Orthorhombic.
Labradorite vs Olivine properties
| Property | Labradorite | Olivine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 6.5–7 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.3–4.3 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | Orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash | Olive green, Yellowish green, Brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Olivine, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
About Olivine
Olivine is a magnesium iron silicate, (Mg,Fe)2SiO4, forming a solid-solution series between the magnesium-rich end member forsterite and the iron-rich end member fayalite. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's upper mantle. Its gem-quality green variety, peridot, is one of the few gemstones formed deep within the mantle rather than the crust.
Labradorite vs Olivine FAQ
Is Labradorite the same as Olivine?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Labradorite from Olivine?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Olivine feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3–4.3 versus 2.7 for Labradorite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Labradorite is translucent, Olivine is Transparent to translucent.
Which is harder, Labradorite or Olivine?
Olivine is harder: Mohs 6.5–7 against Mohs 6 for Labradorite.
Which is more valuable, Labradorite or Olivine?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Olivine, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
