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Glittering
Stones >> Semi
precious stones >> Olivine
Semi Precious Stone Olivine
The mineral olivine is an orthosilicate of magnesium
with the formula (Mg,Fe)2SiO4, in which the ratio of magnesium
and iron is found to vary between the 2 end members of forsterite[?]
(Mg-rich) and Fayalite [?] (Fe-rich). Olivine crystallizes
in the orthorhombic system in somewhat flattened forms
but may occur massive or granular. It has a concordat fracture
and is rather brittle. The hardness of olivine is 6.5-7, its specific
gravity is 3.27-3.37 and it has a vitreous luster. It is usually
colored olive-green (hence the name), though it may be reddish
from the oxidation of iron. It is transparent to translucent.
Olivine occurs in both igneous rocks as a primary mineral and
in certain metamorphic rocks, and has also been discovered in
meteorites.
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Historical Facts of Olivine
| Refractive index |
1.630 – 1.650, 1.650 – 1.670, 1.670 –
1.690 |
| Chemical Composition |
(Mg, Fe)2SiO4 |
| Mohs Scale Hardness |
6.5 – 7 |
| Density |
3.27 – 3.37 |
| Crystal system |
Orthorhombic |
| Luster |
Vitreous |
| Color |
Yellow to yellow-green |
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Gem Jewelry Olivine
| Olivine Bracelet |
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| Olivine Earrings |
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| Olivine Necklace |
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| Olivine Rings |
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