Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. It is sometimes referred to as 'olivine', but 'peridot' is the correct term with reference to its use as gemstone.Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, and iron is the cause of its attractive yellowish green colors. The gem often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in these two elements.

Peridot identification

Peridot is an iron magnesium silicate and its intensity of color depends onthe amount of iron present. Peridot can be mistaken for other similar colored gems, but its strong double refraction is often a distinguishing trait.

Peridot Origin

Peridot is formed much deeper, not in the earth’s crust but in the mantle region. Much of the world's peridot used in mass-production jewelry is mined at the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. Today, the most important deposits of higher quality peridot are foundin Pakistan and Myanmar.

Peridot Hue

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in a single color.The color ranges from a brown-green color to yellowish green to pure green. Its vivid green color does not change under artificial light. Yellowish green Peridot is the most common color seen in jewelry.

Peridot Clarity and Surface

Peridot occurs with excellent transparency. Specimens with eye-clean clarity are abunant. Larger stones may show some inclusions and impurities and appear cloudy. When cut and polished, peridot shows attractive, greasy and vitreous luster.

Peridot care and cleaning

• Peridot is relatively hard and durable stone. It is not very sensitive to acid, but it does have a brittle tenacity.
• Clean your stone using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
• Store your peridot jewelry separately and away from other gems and jewelry
• Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or heat steamers to clean your peridot.

Peridot Gemological Properties:

Chemical Formula: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 Magnesium iron silicate

Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; short compact prisms, vertically striated

Color: Yellow-green, olive-green, brownish

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale

Refractive Index: 1.650 to 1.703

Density: 3.28 to 3.48

Cleavage: Indistinct

vTransparency: Transparent

Double Refraction: 0.036 to 0.038

Luster: Vitreous, greasy

Fluorescence: None