An Olivine "Bomb" Containing Gemmy Peridot Fragments Collected at Kilbourne Hole

This is what you hope to find at Kilbourne Hole. This olivine nodule was intact when found. A whack from my rock hammer split it into the pieces shown above. Although the nodule was only about three inches in diameter, it contained two or three olive-green peridot fragments sufficiently large to cut 1 carat gemstones. The green arrows point to the larger fragments of facet-grade peridot. This peridot is the prime yellowish-green color most prized for use in jewelry. Click here to see another gemmy olivine nodule collected on this trip. Back to the trip report.