How do I identify Olivenite?

Olivenite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, Olive green to yellow color, Pearly, Resinous, Silky, Sub-vitreous, Sub-adamantine luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Olivenite?

Olivenite typically appears in Olive green to yellow, brown, gray-green, grayish white, light green in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Olivenite?

Olivenite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Olivenite

A variety of Olivenite Group

Rare

Olivenite specimen - rock identification

What is Olivenite?

Olivenite is readily found intermingled with other copper-rich minerals in copper deposit regions where oxidation has been abundant. It possesses a perfect density and sheen for polishing and cutting. When processed in that manner, it becomes the popular birthstone, Peridot. The existence of olivenite is reported from outer space: fragments of it have been found in meteors and it is likely present on asteroids.

Etymology & Origins

A characteristic feature, and one to which the name alludes (German, Olivenerz, of A. G. Werner, 1789), is the olive-green color, which varies in shade from blackish-green in the crystals to almost white in the finely fibrous variety known as woodcopper.

Uses & Applications

Olivenite is a minor source of copper in some places. Copper has a variety of applications, from making coins to conducting electricity to detecting sugar. However, the relative rarity of this mineral makes other more common ores preferential. Olivenite is also collected as a specimen.

Olivenite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Olivenite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Olivenite Localities Map

See where Olivenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Harm Reason: Olivenite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Copper.
⚠️How to prevent the risks of Olivenite?

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Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Olive green to yellow, brown, gray-green, grayish white, light green in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs): 3
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Streak: Olive green to brown
Luster: Pearly, Resinous, Silky, Sub-vitreous, Sub-adamantine
Crystal System: Monoclinic