Olivine is green to olive green, yellow brownish-red when oxidised. It occurs in basic igneous rocks low in magnesium and silica. In Australia two main locations are noted-one Station on the Kennedy Development Road in Queensland and Mortlake in Victoria.

There are two varieties of Olivine-Forsterite, which is white, green or yellow- Fayalite, which is greenish-yellow to black.

When used as a gemstone Olivine is known as Perodot, these pieces are generally green and transparent. Peridot makes a beautiful cut stone when faceted.