Dinite is a rare magnesium-rich olivine variety originally described from the Dinaric Alps. It typically occurs as granular aggregates within peridotite bodies and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted geographical occurrence.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareOlivine Group family

Dinite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this dinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch dinite with a known reference. Dinite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive.

Often confused with

Dinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside dinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with dinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Imperfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks, Peridotite
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find dinite

Classic worldwide localities

Dinaric Alps
Italy
Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks, peridotite country — that is the host setting where dinite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, serpentine, enstatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dinite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.

Where is dinite found?+

Notable localities include Dinaric Alps; Italy; Greece.

How much is dinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dinite?+

Dinite is most often confused with Forsterite, Fayalite, Peridot. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dinite?+

Dinite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Serpentine, Enstatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dinite form in?+

Dinite typically forms in ultramafic rocks, peridotite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dinite used for?+

Dinite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find dinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.