The rate of cation redistribution between M 1 and M2 sites in olivine is theoretically studied on the basis of elementary processes of cationic migration. Cationic migration in olivine structure is assumed to be the superposition of a unit exchange of cations between closely spaced couple of sites. Such a process gives rise to both cation redistribution and also cationic interdiffusion in olivine crystal. The time constant of cationic equilibration in the redistribution reaction is related to the interdiffusion coefficient along b-axis, and its numerical value is given as a function of temperature and composition in Mg-Fe olivine. This time constant is very short, e.g., in the order of 10-2~10 -4 s at 1000 ~ C. The temperature dependence of cation distribution in Mg-Fe olivine could not be detected by heating and quenching experiments in some previous works, because of insufficient cooling rate. A skepticism is presented for the utility of cation distribution as a geothermometer or rate meter of cooling. Cation redistribution in olivine in the deep upper mantle is sufficiently fast to take place almost in phase with the seismic waves of long periods.