olivine
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.ol·iv·ine
noun \ˈä-lə-ˌvēn\Definition of OLIVINE
: a usually greenish mineral that is a complex silicate of magnesium and iron used especially in refractories — compare peridot
— ol·iv·in·ic \ˌä-lə-ˈvi-nik\ or ol·iv·in·it·ic \-və-ˈni-tik\ adjective
See Origin of OLIVINE
German Olivin, from Latin oliva
First Known Use: 1794
olivine
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Any member of a group of common magnesium, iron silicate minerals. Olivines occur in many igneous rocks and are a major constituent of the Earth's upper mantle. They also have been found in some lunar rocks and in many meteorites. Olivine forms yellow to greenish yellow crystals and is sometimes used in making bricks. Transparent green olivine (precious olivine) is called peridot.
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