Comparison · Minerals vs Semi-Precious Stones
Olivine vs Peridot
Olivine and Peridot are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7, 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 Olivine and Peridot
- Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7, 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 3.3 for Peridot).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Olivine is Transparent to translucent, Peridot is transparent.
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Olivine also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Olivine is Orthorhombic, Peridot is orthorhombic.
Olivine vs Peridot properties
| Property | Olivine | Peridot |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.3–4.3 | 3.3 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Olive green, Yellowish green, Brown | Yellow-Green, Olive Green, Lime Green |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Peridot is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $20 for Olivine, and premium Peridot can reach $2000 or more.
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.
About Peridot
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, one of the most common minerals in Earth's mantle. Its distinctive yellow-green color comes from iron.
Olivine vs Peridot FAQ
Is Olivine the same as Peridot?
No. Olivine is a mineral while Peridot is a semi-precious stone. Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Olivine from Peridot?
Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7, 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 3.3 for Peridot). Hold a thin edge to the light: Olivine is Transparent to translucent, Peridot is transparent.
Which is harder, Olivine or Peridot?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6.5–7.
Which is more valuable, Olivine or Peridot?
Peridot is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $200 against $20 for Olivine, and premium Peridot can reach $2000 or more.
