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

As the cone eroded over time, olivine crystals became concentrated in this area. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

This involves adding finely ground olivine—a naturally occurring olive-green colored mineral—to sandy beaches. —ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025

The asteroid is a rare example of an A-type asteroid, which are typically found in the inner asteroid belt and have a reddish spectrum with a strong chemical fingerprint of the mineral olivine. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025

One way, related to my own mining venture, is through olivine, a naturally abundant magnesium silicate with extraordinary potential. —Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Olivin, from Latin oliva

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for olivine

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

Kids Definition

olivine

noun

ol·​iv·​ine ˈäl-ə-ˌvēn 

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