OLIVINE Meaning and
Definition
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Olivine is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family and is commonly found in igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro. It has a distinctive olive-green color, hence its name. Olivine is also known as the "gemstone forsterite" when it occurs as a transparent or translucent crystal.
Chemically, olivine is composed of magnesium, iron, and silicon, with magnesium being the predominant element. The chemical formula for olivine is (Mg, Fe)2SiO4, indicating its composition of magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) combined with silicon (Si) and oxygen (O).
Olivine has a high melting point and is often formed deep within the Earth's mantle under intense heat and pressure. It can also be found as small crystals in volcanic rocks. In addition to its occurrence in rocks, olivine can be present in certain meteorites due to its formation in the early solar system.
One of the distinctive properties of olivine is its hardness, which ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its crystals are typically granular or prismatic in shape. Olivine also exhibits a brittle nature and can have a glassy, vitreous, or greasy luster.
In industrial applications, olivine is used as a refractory material for high-temperature processes and as a flux in steel production. As a gemstone, olivine is used in jewelry, and various varieties such as peridot are sought after for their beauty and unique green hue. Olivine is also of great interest to scientists as it provides valuable insights into the Earth's geological processes and the formation of planets.
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An olive-coloured, semi-transparent mineral, occurring in rounded grains and crystals in many basaltic rocks and lavas.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OLIVINE
Etymology of OLIVINE
The word "olivine" is derived from the Latin word "oliva", which means "olive". This is because olivine minerals typically have a greenish color that resembles the color of olives. The term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a group of silicate minerals with a similar composition.
Similar spelling words for OLIVINE
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