Its main chemical general formula is R2Sio4 _ 4, and the crystal belongs to nesosilicate mineral family of orthorhombic (orthorhombic) crystal system. Often olive green, hence the name olivine. In the chemical formula, R is mainly a divalent cation of magnesium, iron and manganese. Because of isomorphic substitution between them, magnesium silica-fayalite, iron silica-manganese silica (fayalite-manganese olivine) and manganese silica-magnesium silica (manganese olivine-magnesium olivine) series can be formed. Members of forsterite-fayalite series are very common.

The intermediate member of this series (Mg, Fe)2[Sio4], commonly known as olivine, is the most common in nature. The crystals are short columns and often form granular aggregates. Magnesium-rich color is light, usually yellow tone, while iron-rich color is dark, with glass luster and fracture grease luster. The hardness of moss is 6-7, and the specific gravity increases with the increase of iron content, which is 3.3-4.4. Olivine is the main mineral that constitutes the upper mantle, and it is also the main mineral component of meteorites and moonstone. As the main rock-forming mineral, it is commonly found in basic and ultrabasic magma. Forsterite is also produced in magnesium skarn. Olivine becomes serpentine under the action of heated liquid. Transparent, bright and flawless olivine crystals can be used as gems. The ancient Egyptians in BC decorated with olivine. The ancient church in Cologne, Germany, is inlaid with high-quality olivine gems.