Olivine Crystal Value Guide

Olivine is a captivating mineral known for its distinct olive-green hue and its fascinating presence in both Earth's upper mantle and extraterrestrial meteorites. Highly collectible for its geological significance, this 'gem of the sun' has been prized since the era of Ancient Egypt.

What Is Olivine Crystal Worth?

The typical price range for Olivine Crystal is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The intensity and saturation of the green color, with brighter specimens commanding higher prices.
• The size and clarity of the individual crystals protruding from the host matrix.
• The overall weight of the specimen and the aesthetic balance between the olivine and the surrounding rock.
• The presence of gem-quality transparency, which can elevate a standard specimen toward peridot status.

How to Identify Olivine Crystal?

• Look for the signature olive-green to yellowish-green coloration characteristic of magnesium-iron silicate.
• Examine the specimen for a vitreous luster and a granular or crystalline structure embedded within a darker volcanic matrix.
• Verify the hardness, as authentic olivine typically ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale.
• Check for the absence of cleavage, as olivine usually displays a conchoidal fracture when broken.

History of Olivine Crystal

Olivine, also known as peridot when in gem quality, has been admired for centuries. Ancient Egyptians called it the 'gem of the sun' and mined it on an island in the Red Sea. It has been found in meteorites, on the Moon, and is a major component of Earth's upper mantle, making it a truly extraterrestrial and terrestrial mineral.