{"id":216,"date":"2023-07-12T12:08:20","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T19:08:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/houndingrocks.com\/?p=216"},"modified":"2023-07-12T12:08:20","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T19:08:20","slug":"olivine-hunting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/houndingrocks.com\/olivine-hunting\/","title":{"rendered":"Olivine Hunting: Identification, Characteristics, and Rock Hounding Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of olivine hunting! This intriguing rock, known for its stunning green hue, has captivated rock collectors and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll explore the history, identification, characteristics, and rock hounding tips for olivine, so you can start your own collection of these beautiful gems.<\/p>\n

History & Origin of Olivine<\/h2>\n

Olivine is an ancient rock-forming mineral that has been present on Earth since its formation. Its name is derived from the Latin word ‘oliva,’ meaning olive, due to its characteristic green color. This mineral has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a gemstone, a construction material, and even as an offering to gods in ancient cultures. In Hawaiian culture, olivine is known as the tears of the goddess Pele, as it is commonly found near volcanic eruptions on the islands.<\/p>\n

Olivine Identification & Physical Properties<\/h2>\n

To aid in olivine identification and appreciation of its unique properties, refer to the table below for an overview of its physical characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Property<\/th>\nCharacteristic<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Color<\/td>\nYellow-green to green<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luster<\/td>\nVitreous to resinous<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness<\/td>\n6.5-7 on the Mohs scale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transparency<\/td>\nTransparent to translucent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crystal System<\/td>\nOrthorhombic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cleavage<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Olivine Colors<\/h3>\n

Olivine typically exhibits a range of green hues, from pale yellow-green to deep olive green. The variation in color is determined by the amount of iron and magnesium present in the mineral’s crystal structure. Higher concentrations of iron result in a darker, more olive-toned green, while higher magnesium concentrations yield a lighter, yellow-green hue.<\/p>\n

Olivine Hardness<\/h3>\n

Olivine has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which indicates that it is relatively hard and resistant to scratching. This hardness makes it suitable for use in jewelry and other applications where durability is important.<\/p>\n

Olivine Types<\/h3>\n

Forsterite<\/h4>\n

Forsterite is the magnesium-rich end member of the olivine series, with a magnesium to iron ratio greater than 9:1. This variety exhibits a lighter, yellow-green color and is considered the more valuable of the two primary olivine types.<\/p>\n

Fayalite<\/h4>\n

Fayalite is the iron-rich end member of the olivine series, with a magnesium to iron ratio less than 1:9. This variety is darker, with a more olive-toned green color. Due to its higher iron content, fayalite is less commonly used in jewelry and other applications.<\/p>\n

Olivine Uses<\/h2>\n