This mesmerising gemstone was first discovered in Ancient Egypt on the Red Sea island of Zabargad. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”, complimenting it’s bright, almost-electric colour.
Colour & Composition
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, and it is the iron that is the cause of its radiant colour. The intensity of the green depends on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure, meaning that peridots can range in hue from yellow, to lime, to brownish-green.
Peridot measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so while the raw crystal is prone to cracking during cutting, the finished gemstones are robust and suitable for daily wear.
Where is it found?
The gem often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in both iron and magnesium. It is formed deep inside the earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. It is then found lodged in between air pockets or lining veins of solidified lava rock.
While the mines in Zabargad are source of many of the largest peridots found, the deposits are now exhausted. However, the gem has also been discovered in the United States, China, Vietnam, Finland, Pakistan and Myanmar.
Peridot can also have an extraterrestrial source, having been discovered in rare pallasite meteorites (formed 4.5 billion years ago!) that have fallen to earth. In 2005, peridot was also found in comet dust brought back from the
Stardust robotic space probe.
In Jewellery
Peridot is readily available for many types of jewellery and is can be a very affordable and diverse stone with it’s variety of size, colours and cuts.
It is known as the birthstone of August, as well as gemstone for 15 years anniversary. It is said to be a gemstone of prosperity and good fortune, bringing luck and protection to those who wear it.
