Peridot is a vivid green gemstone, and is produced from gem-quality forsteritic olivine. Although the mineral olivine can be found in abundance, gem quality Peridot is much rarer and high quality specimens can command top prices.

Also known as chrysolite, the stone has an oily look. Small stones (3 carats or less) are common inexpensive to buy, whilst large stones (above 10 carats) are rare and extremely expensive. The largest cut Peridot olivine can be found in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C, and is a 310 carat specimen.

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August.

Colors of Peridot

Peridot one of the few gemstones that comes in a single color - green. The actual shade of green can vary, and depends on the iron content of the crystal structure. This results in a color spectrum that runs from yellow-green to olive green and brownish green, with some of the best green hues containing just the slightest hint of gold.

A dark-olive green is considered the most valuable hue of Peridot, though the stone should never be confused with similar-looking emeralds.

Other Peridot Facts

Hardness: 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale.

Geographical Origin: Peridot has been mined on St. John’s Island (in the red Sea, off the coast of Egypt) for over 3,000 years, and is today mined in several sites around the world, in a number of countries that include USA, Burma, Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Norway and Sri Lanka. Some of the highest quality Peridot is found in Pakistan.

Where Found: Olivine is found in mafic and ultramafic rocks, lavas and peridotite xenoliths of the earth’s mantle.

Chemical Composition: Forsterite:Mg₂SiO₄
Olivine(Peridot):(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄

Origin of Name: The origin of the name ‘Peridot’ is uncertain. The most common belief is that it comes from the Arabic word for gem - faridat.