Olivine is a type of mineral which has been used in human activities since ancient times. The name “olivine” comes from the Latin word “oliva” which means olive and refers to the greenish color of the mineral. Olivine usually occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks, such as basalts and gabbros, and is composed of magnesium and iron in the form of two silicate crystals, fayalite and forsterite. It is often mined in the form of gemstones, and is known for its lustrous greenish-yellow color, like the skin of an olive.
While olivine is a common mineral, it is not often the primary component in rocks. Olivine can also be found in other rocks and meteorites. In nature, it is usually found as crystals and grains in different sizes, usually ranging from 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters in width and length.
In addition to its use in jewelry, olivine has also been used in many industries. Due to its high concentration of magnesium and iron, it is used as a filtering material for oil and gas production, as a refractory material for glass-making and other industrial processes, and as a filler for plastics.
Olivine is also used as a soil amendment, especially to reduce soil acidity, improve drainage, and create larger soil grains. It has also been used in the production of ceramics and as an additive in cement manufacture.
The most common variety of olivine used in jewelry is called peridot which is a mineral composed of magnesium and iron and is transparent with a yellowish-green color. Peridot is the August birthstone, and was traditionally associated with luck and protection.
Olivine is a beautiful and valuable mineral which has been used in a variety of ways since ancient times. It can be found in its natural form in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and also in some meteorites. It is an important mineral for many industries, and is often used to make jewelry and gemstones. Olivine is an excellent filtration material and soil amendment, and it can also be used as a refractory material in glass-making and other industrial processes, as well as an additive in cement products. Its greenish-yellow luster makes it a popular stone for jewelry, and it is the August birthstone.
