Dunilite has long been mistaken for green peridot; Dunilite was identified in 2000 as a new gem variety from olivine group. It is an orthorhombic, magnesium, iron, manganese silicate.
The color of dunilite varies from light greenish yellow to brownish green, the depth of color being related to the iron content. Dunilite is not quite as hard as quartz and thus is not so durable and does not have cleavage. Lustre is Vitreous.
Dunilite occurs in only one locality called, “Katukubura mountain” Kolonne , Sri Lanka . It has been found as tabular rectangle shaped crystals in white calcite rock
Faceted stones have a light greenish yellow appearance resembling yellow chrysoberyl or sinhalite and the usual size range is from 0.05 to 1 carat. Few cabochon cut stones show four weak silver rays.
