Peridotite is a dense, coarse-grained ultramafic igneous rock consisting mostly of olivine and pyroxene. It is the dominant rock type of the Earth's upper mantle and is often found at the surface in ophiolite complexes or as xenoliths brought up by volcanic activity.
Is this peridotite?
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 peridotite with a known reference. Peridotite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Peridotite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Peridotite typically shows a vitreous to dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, olive green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Peridotite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside peridotite
Minerals reported to co-occur with peridotite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.1-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Scientific Research, Geological Study
- Host rock
- Earth's Mantle
- Typical price
- $5-50 for hand samples
Where rockhounds find peridotite
3 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Oman
- South Africa
- Norway
- USA (Hawaii)
- Canada (British Columbia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in earth's mantle country — that is the host setting where peridotite typically forms. If you start seeing olivine, pyroxene, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Kentucky, New York — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify peridotite?+
Where is peridotite found?+
Can I find peridotite in the United States?+
How much is peridotite worth?+
What rocks look like peridotite?+
What minerals are found with peridotite?+
What kind of rock does peridotite form in?+
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Find peridotite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
