About PERIDOT - History and Introduction
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It belongs to the forsterite-fayalite mineral series. Some even refer to peridot as 'olivine', but when it comes to the gemstone, 'peridot' is the correct term. Peridot is found only in green. In fact, peridot is one of the few gemstones available that can be found only in one color. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, with records dating back as early as 1500 B.C. Historically, the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John) in the Red Sea, east of Egypt, had the most important deposit that was exploited for over 3500 years.
Peridot: Origin and Sources
Most gemstones are formed in earth's crust, but peridot is formed much deeper in the mantle region. Peridot crystals form in magma from the upper mantle and are brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity where they are found in extrusive igneous rocks.
Today, China has become of the largest producers of peridot. the other deposits are found in Pakistan (in the Kashmir region). Beautiful material is also found in upper Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam. Other deposits are found in Australia (Queensland), Brazil (Minas Gerais), China, Kenya, Mexico, Norway (north of Bergen), South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States (Arizona and Hawaii).
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It belongs to the forsterite-fayalite mineral series. Some even refer to peridot as 'olivine', but when it comes to the gemstone, 'peridot' is the correct term. Peridot is found only in green. In fact, peridot is one of the few gemstones available that can be found only in one color. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, with records dating back as early as 1500 B.C. Historically, the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John) in the Red Sea, east of Egypt, had the most important deposit that was exploited for over 3500 years.
Peridot: Origin and Sources
Most gemstones are formed in earth's crust, but peridot is formed much deeper in the mantle region. Peridot crystals form in magma from the upper mantle and are brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity where they are found in extrusive igneous rocks.
Today, China has become of the largest producers of peridot. the other deposits are found in Pakistan (in the Kashmir region). Beautiful material is also found in upper Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam. Other deposits are found in Australia (Queensland), Brazil (Minas Gerais), China, Kenya, Mexico, Norway (north of Bergen), South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United States (Arizona and Hawaii).
Peridot: Color
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in a single color. The depth of green depends on its level of iron content. Peridot's color can vary from yellow-green and olive to brownish green and looks best under natural daylight. Its vivid green color does not change under artificial light. The best-colored peridot has an iron percentage of less than 15% and typically includes some trace elements of nickel and chromium, which contribute to its color. A deep and intense green colored peridot is considered the most desirable and the most valuable.
Peridot: Clarity and Luster
Peridot occurs with excellent transparency. Eye-clean specimens are abundant. Larger stones may appear slightly cloudy owing to the presence of inclusions and impurities. When cut and polished, peridot has an attractive, greasy and vitreous luster.
Peridot Cut and Shape
Peridot is typically faceted due to its excellent transparency. Table and step cuts are very popular, as well as unconventional checkerboards. Peridot can be found in many shapes including fancies and traditional rounds, ovals, emeralds (octagons) and cushions.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in a single color. The depth of green depends on its level of iron content. Peridot's color can vary from yellow-green and olive to brownish green and looks best under natural daylight. Its vivid green color does not change under artificial light. The best-colored peridot has an iron percentage of less than 15% and typically includes some trace elements of nickel and chromium, which contribute to its color. A deep and intense green colored peridot is considered the most desirable and the most valuable.
Peridot: Clarity and Luster
Peridot occurs with excellent transparency. Eye-clean specimens are abundant. Larger stones may appear slightly cloudy owing to the presence of inclusions and impurities. When cut and polished, peridot has an attractive, greasy and vitreous luster.
Peridot Cut and Shape
Peridot is typically faceted due to its excellent transparency. Table and step cuts are very popular, as well as unconventional checkerboards. Peridot can be found in many shapes including fancies and traditional rounds, ovals, emeralds (octagons) and cushions.
Peridot Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas
Peridot is an excellent gemstone for jewelry. It possesses good hardness and durability, rendering it suitable for just about any type of jewelry application, including everyday-wearing peridot gemstone rings. Its attractive color and affordable pricing makes it prized by many jewelers. It is especially popular in China, since many important deposits are now being mined from there.
Peridot's green color is ideal for men's jewelry, women's jewelry and unisex jewelry designs. Along with spinel, peridot is often set and worn in August birthstone jewelry too.
Famous Peridot Gemstones
The largest cut peridot was found on the island of Zabargad, weights 319 carats and belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. In Russia there are some cut peridots from a meteorite that came down in Eastern Siberia in 1749.
