Olivine

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɒl.ɪˌviːn/

Definitions

1. A silicate mineral characterized by its green hues, commonly located in volcanic rock formations and valued for both its aesthetic and industrial uses
2. A distinctive mineral recognized for its composition of magnesium and iron silicates, often discovered in basalt and influential in geochemical research and applications
3. A semi-precious gem belonging to the silicate group, often found in igneous rocks and significant for its role in geology and jewelry making

Etymology: Olivine is named for its colour, not for any tree or fruit. The mineral's sage-to-olive green is what gave it the name, built from "olive" with the chemical-sounding ending "-in" (the same ending found in many mineral and chemical names), later reshaped to "-ine" to fit the pattern of other mineral names. The olive colour is the same one the fruit gives its name to, so the word carries a simple visual idea into a mineral context. Olivine is a common mineral in the Earth's upper mantle and is found in some meteorites, and its gem variety, peridot, is one of the few gemstones that comes in just one colour.

Synonyms: peridot, chrysolite