Peridot

Peridot is a green gemstone formed deep within the Earth's mantle and pushed to Earth's surface through volcanic activity. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in a single colour, ranging from yellow-green to deep olive. Historically, peridot has been valued since early times. The Ancient Egyptians referred to it as the 'gem of the sun' and believed it held protective and healing powers. It was mined on Zabargad Island (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea as early as 300 BCE. Its distinct colour and brilliance make it a popular choice for custom jewellery.

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

Crystal System: Orthorhombic

Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69

Specific Gravity: 3.32 to 3.37

Double Refraction: 0.036

Mohs Hardness: 6.5

Lustre: Dull Vitreous to Oily Vitreous

Peridot is found in several locations worldwide, with notable sources including Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, China, Vietnam, and the United States (Arizona). Some of the finest peridot comes from Arizona's San Carlos Apache Reservation, where Native American miners have extracted the gemstone for generations. Interestingly, peridot has also been discovered in meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones originating on Earth and in the heavens.

Yes, peridot can be set in an engagement ring, but it requires mindful care. With a hardness of 6.5, it is much softer than sapphires and diamonds, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and abrasions. When designing an engagement ring, a protective setting, such as a bezel or diamond halo, is recommended to safeguard the gemstone. Regular cleaning with a gentle product such as sunlight soap and a soft toothbrush and avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals will help maintain your peridot's brilliance over time.

Peridot's value, as with all coloured gemstones, is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most desirable peridots exhibit a vivid green hue with minimal yellow or brown undertones. Gemstones with high clarity and few inclusions command the highest prices. More significant, high-quality peridots are rarer and more valuable, with Burmese and Pakistani peridots being especially sought after for their deep, rich green tones.

Peridot's value, as with all coloured gemstones, is determined by its colour, clarity, size, and origin. The most desirable peridots exhibit a vivid green hue with minimal yellow or brown undertones. Gemstones with high clarity and few inclusions command the highest prices. More significant, high-quality peridots are rarer and more valuable, with Burmese and Pakistani peridots being especially sought after for their deep, rich green tones.

The rarest peridots are those of exceptional size and colour, particularly the Burmese peridot, which displays a rich, saturated green. Another rare variety is extraterrestrial peridot found in pallasite meteorites, which is incredibly rare and highly valued by collectors. While not typically used in jewellery, these space-born peridots add a fascinating layer to the gem's history.

Peridot was added as the modern August birthstone in 1912. It replaced sardonyx as the primary August stone, likely due to its greater commercial appeal and availability. Peridot's bright green colour made it a more visually distinctive and marketable option, aligning with the trend of assigning gemstones that were both attractive and accessible. While sardonyx remains a traditional birthstone for August, peridot has since become the most widely recognized and commonly associated gem for the month.

Peridot has long been associated with protection, abundance, and good fortune. The Ancient Greeks and Romans associated peridot with the power to drive away malevolent forces and bring peace. In medieval Europe, peridot was believed to offer protection against enchantments and evil spirits. Peridot was also used in religious artifacts, including The Shrine of the Three Magi, where peridot was once thought to be emeralds.

Natural peridot often has small, characteristic inclusions known as 'lily pad' inclusion, which can help distinguish it from imitations. Synthetic peridot is rare, but some green glass or synthetic spinel can be misrepresented as peridot. To ensure the authenticity of your peridot, it is best to purchase from a reputable gem dealer or jeweller or have the gemstone examined by a professional gemologist.