AllMineralsRock
Halite Vs. Olivine
Halite is a very popular mineral composed of sodium chloride.[1] Olivine is also a very popular mineral series and its chemical composition is magnesium iron silicate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Halite and Olivine
For a quick recap of the differences halite and olivine:- For chemical formulas, halite is NaCl while olivine can be Mg3(SiO4)(F or OH)2.
- Halite streaks white while olivine streaks colorless.
- Halite can be commonly clear while olivine can be commonly brown, green or yellow.
- Halite's specific gravity is lower than olivine - halite ranges from 2.1 to 2.6 and olivine ranges from 3.2 to 3.4.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Halite and Olivine
The similarities of halite and olivine include:- Halite and olivine both can be translucent or transparent.
- In terms of luster, halite and olivine both are vitreous.
- Halite's rarity is similar to olivine.
Summary of Halite
Halite, also known as rock salt, is a mineral that is easily recognizable by its white or colorless appearance. This mineral is formed through the process of evaporating seawater or other saline solutions. Halite is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and its crystals are usually cubic in shape. The mineral is soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5, and it has a salty taste.Summary of Olivine
Olivine is a common mineral found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is a silicate mineral that is made up of magnesium, iron, and silica. Olivine is usually green in color and has a glassy luster. It is a relatively hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it a popular choice for use in jewelry.Table Comparison of Halite vs Olivine
| Halite (src) | Olivine (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | NaCl | Mg3(SiO4)(F,OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium chloride | magnesium iron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.1, 2.6 | 3.2, 3.4 |
| Streak | white | colorless |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: clear sometimes: red less common: blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, white, orange, violet, yellow, colorless, multicolor |
common: green, brown, yellow sometimes: white, colorless less common: gray, orange |
| Category | halide | nesosilicate |
| Fracture | conchoidal | conchoidal |