Overview
About Peridot
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, the source for many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Today this gem is still prized for its restful yellowish green hues and long history. Large strongly-colored, examples can be spectacular, and attractive smaller gems are available for jewelry at all price points.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Peridot is the birthstone for August and the 15th anniversary gemstone.
4.5 billion
Some peridot is ancient: it's found in pallasite meteorites, remnants of our solar system's birth.
Stardust
In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the
Stardust robotic space probe.
Olivine
Gem variety of the mineral olivine: found in peridotite rock from the
earth’s upper mantle.
Facts
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Mineral:
Olivine
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Chemistry:
(MgFe)2SiO4
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Color:
Yellowish green
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Refractive index:
1.65 to 1.69
-
Birefringence:
0.035 to 0.038
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Specific gravity:
3.34
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Treatments
There are a number of processes used to alter the color, apparent clarity, or improve the durability of gems.
Learn MoreSynthetics
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
Learn MoreImitations
Any gem can be imitated—sometimes by manmade materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
Learn More
Why We Love This Gemstone
Extraterrestrial
Peridot crystals are found in meteorites: some rare extraterrestrial crystals are even big enough to facet as cut gemstones.
Iron Gem
Most gems are colored by impurities such as iron. Peridot's color is intrinsically yellow-green. Higher-quality stones have an intense color.
Seeing Double
Peridot has extremely high double refraction: when you look closely through the gem, you can see two of each pavilion facet.
Quality Factors
Beautiful, yellowish green peridot has been treasured since earliest times.
Color
Although the best peridot is a pure grass green, most peridot is yellowish-green.
Clarity
Most fine peridot is eye clean. Tiny black spots might be visible with magnification.
Cut
Peridot is cut in a wide variety of styles, including ovals, emerald cuts, and cushions.
Carat Weight
Large crystals of peridot have cut gems more than 50 carats in size.
Peridot Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Research
Explore sources, gemological research, and the role of gems in history.
Peridot from the Central Highlands of Vietnam: Properties, Origin, and Formation
Nguyen Thi Minh Thuyet, Christoph Hauzenberger, Nguyen Ngoc Khoi, Cong Thi Diep, Chu Van Lam, Nguyen Thi Minh, Nguyen Hoang, and Tobias Häger , Nov 7, 2016 Read Article
Identification of Extraterrestrial Peridot by Trace Elements
Andy H. Shen, John I. Koivula, and James E. Shigley , Nov 11, 2011 Read Article
Characterization of Peridot from Sardinia, Italy
Ilaria Adamo, Rosangela Bocchio, Alessandro Pavese, and Loredana Prosperi , Jun 1, 2009 Read Article
The Creation of a Magnificent Suite of Peridot Jewelry: From the Himalayas to Fifth Avenue
Robert E. Kane , Dec 1, 2004 Read ArticleRecommended Reading
Gems of the World
Cally Oldershaw
