Definition

1. Noun:
   • A green mineral: Olivine is a common silicate mineral, typically olive-green in color, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
   • A magnesium iron silicate: Chemically, olivine is a solid solution series between magnesium silicate (forsterite) and iron silicate (fayalite), with the formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The basalt contained abundant crystals of olivine.
  • Olivine is a primary mineral in the Earth's upper mantle.

Advanced Usage

• Geological Context: Olivine is often used to describe the mineralogy of rocks like peridotite and basalt. Its presence and composition can indicate the conditions under which a rock formed.
  • The olivine in this dunite is highly magnesium-rich.
• Planetary Science: Olivine has been identified on other planetary bodies, such as Mars and the Moon.
  • Spectral data suggested the presence of olivine on the Martian surface.

Variants and Related Words

• Forsterite (n): The magnesium-rich end-member of the olivine solid solution series (Mg₂SiO₄).
• Fayalite (n): The iron-rich end-member of the olivine solid solution series (Fe₂SiO₄).
• Peridot (n): The gem-quality variety of olivine.

Synonyms

• Chrysolite: An archaic or alternative name for olivine, particularly the gem variety.
• Peridot: Specifically refers to the transparent green gem form of olivine.

Related Phrases

• Olivine weathering: A phrase describing the chemical alteration of olivine when exposed to water and air, a process important in the carbon cycle.
  • Olivine weathering is being studied as a potential method for carbon sequestration.

Noun

1. a mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate; a source of magnesium