olivine

noun

ol·​iv·​ine ˈä-lə-ˌvēn 

: a usually greenish mineral that is a complex silicate of magnesium and iron used especially in refractories compare peridot

olivinic

ˌä-lə-ˈvi-nik 

adjective

or olivinitic

ˌä-lə-və-ˈni-tik 

Examples of olivine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, in this image, the blue- and green-toned rocks could be full of minerals like pyroxenes and olivine, according to scientists analyzing the image. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Deep underground, groundwater comes into direct contact with iron-rich minerals such as olivine, triggering a chemical reaction called serpentinization. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

The researchers used the acid as a leaching agent for olivine, a common greenish mineral containing small amounts of nickel. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

Although olivine occurs on Earth’s surface as the green gemstone peridot, ringwoodite is typically blue and occurs deep within Earth, at depths of about 410 to 660 km (250 to 410 miles) in the mantle transition zone, just above the lower mantle. — Divya Dubey, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Olivin, from Latin oliva

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for olivine

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Kids Definition

olivine

noun

ol·​iv·​ine ˈäl-ə-ˌvēn 

: a usually greenish mineral that is a silicate of magnesium and iron