Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral forsterite-fayalite. It is prized for its signature 'olive green' color and is often found as small, rounded grains in volcanic rocks or as well-formed prismatic crystals in pockets.
Is this peridot?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch peridot with a known reference. Peridot sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Peridot leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Peridot typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: olive-green, yellow-green, lime-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Peridot vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside peridot
Minerals reported to co-occur with peridot. 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
- 3.2-4.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Gemstone, Lapidary, Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Lavas, Peridotite Xenoliths, Ultramafic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-50 per carat for average stones, higher for collector specimens
Where rockhounds find peridot
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Arizona, USA
- Zabargad Island, Egypt
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
- China
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic lavas, peridotite xenoliths, ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where peridot typically forms. If you start seeing enstatite, chromite, pyrope in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in New Mexico, North Carolina — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify peridot?+
Where is peridot found?+
Can I find peridot in the United States?+
How much is peridot worth?+
What rocks look like peridot?+
What minerals are found with peridot?+
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Find peridot on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
