Olivine: the versatile green mineral with numerous applications

Olivine is a fascinating and versatile mineral that ranges from forsterite, rich in magnesium, to fayalite, rich in iron. These silicate minerals have the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 and form the so-called forsterite-fayalite series. Because it is difficult to determine exactly which mineral is involved from the outside, the term “olivine” is used for the entire series.

Unique properties of olivine

Olivine can occur both solid and granular, as in volcanic bombs. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic form and has a hardness of 6 1/2 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Olivine is quite brittle and has a high density of 3.32, which is heavier than most other minerals.

The color ranges from olive green (from which the name is derived) to brown, yellow-brown and even reddish due to the oxidation of trivalent iron. The mineral is transparent to translucent and has a glassy luster.

Peridote: the gem variety of olivine

Transparent olivine of good quality is also called peridote, derived from the French word for olivine, “peridot.” This variety is popularly used as a gemstone in jewelry because of its transparency and beautiful green color.

Olivine in rocks and meteorites

Olivine is formed mainly in magma rich in magnesium and poor in silica (silicon dioxide). It is an important mineral in rocks such as gabbro, norite, the mantle rock peridotite (dunite) and as small crystals in basalt. It also occurs in certain metamorphic rocks. In addition, olivine is often found in meteorites and considered an important mineral for studying the early history of the solar system. Olivine has even been traced on Mars!

Olivine and CO2 reduction

Olivine has been mentioned as an inexpensive way to extract CO2 from the atmosphere. Professor Olaf Schuiling wrote an interesting book about this in 2017, “Olivine, philosopher’s stone,” in which he offers practical applications for using olivine. Due to the natural properties of this mineral, it can bind CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into harmless byproducts. This makes olivine a potentially valuable tool in the fight against climate change and global warming.

Different forms of olivine

Herewith various forms of olivine from my collection:

  1. Volcanic bomb with olivine (peridotite) – found in Deudesfeld, Eifel, Germany.
  2. Forsterite crystal – discovered in Sapat Gali, Naran, Kaghan Valley, Pakistan.
  3. Olivine in Pallasite (stone iron meteorite) – from Sericho, Isiolo, Kenya.
  4. Peridote (faceted) – found in Pakistan.

Olivine is a versatile and unique mineral that has a wide range of uses. From the beautiful gemstone peridote, used in jewelry, to the crucial role it plays in studying the early history of the solar system. In addition, olivine offers potential for CO2 reduction, making it an important mineral for the future of our planet.

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