Olivine vs. Peridot — What's the Difference?

The mineral olivine () is a magnesium iron silicate with the chemical formula (Mg2+, Fe2+)2SiO4. It is a type of nesosilicate or orthosilicate.

Peridot ( PERR-ih-dot, -⁠doh), sometimes called chrysolite, is gem-quality olivine and a silicate mineral with the formula of (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. As peridot is a magnesium-rich variety of olivine (forsterite), the formula approaches Mg2SiO4.

A mineral silicate of iron and magnesium, principally (Mg, Fe)2SiO4, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and used as a structural material in refractories and in cements. Also called chrysolite.

A yellowish-green variety of olivine used as a gem.

Any of a group of olive green magnesium-iron silicate minerals that crystallize in the orthorhombic system.

A transparent olive-green form of olivine, used as a gem.

A common name of the yellowish green mineral chrysolite, esp. the variety found in eruptive rocks. It is a silicate of magnesium and iron ((Mg,Fe)SiO4).

A yellow-green colour, like that of the peridot.

A mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate; a source of magnesium

Chrysolite.

A pale green variety of chrysolite; used as a gemstone