Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brown or yellow-green olivine: A mineral belonging to the olivine group, typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
   • A gemstone: A transparent variety of this mineral, valued and used in jewelry.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist identified the green crystal in the basalt as chrysolite.
  • She wore a beautiful pendant set with a piece of polished chrysolite.

Advanced Usage

• As a specific mineralogical term: In geology, "chrysolite" is an older term often used synonymously with the mineral olivine, particularly its gem-quality varieties.
  • The specimen contained forsterite, a type of magnesium-rich chrysolite.

Variants and Related Words

• Olivine (n): The mineral group to which chrysolite belongs.
  • Olivine is a common mineral in the Earth's mantle.
• Peridot (n): The gem-quality variety of olivine/chrysolite.
  • Peridot is the birthstone for August.

Synonyms

• Olivine: The more common modern mineralogical name.
• Peridot: Specifically refers to the gemstone form.

Noun

1. a brown or yellow-green olivine found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and used as a gemstone