Peridot: The Green Gem of the Sun

Peridot is sometimes referred to as an extraterrestrial gem. This is because small quantities of it have been found within pallasite meteorites that landed on Earth. When these fallen meteorites, made of iron with set crystals of olivine were cut open, peridot was discovered inside. Despite this intriguing celestial source, most peridots form in the earth’s mantle, like diamonds, and emerge in areas of volcanic activity as the force of eruptions push them closer to the surface.

Where is peridot mined?

The best-known sources of top-quality peridot are Myanmar and Afghanistan, although conflict in these areas has caused supply to dwindle. Other peridot-producing countries include Vietnam, Hawaii, Madagascar and Tanzania. In the US, Arizona is an important source of commercial-quality peridot. In recent years, China has also emerged as a prolific source of both rough and polished peridot, with Fuli Gemstones claiming to have discovered what is believed to be the world’s largest deposit of peridot.

Top producers of peridot include:

• United States
• China
• Australia
• Vietnam
• Myanmar

The color spectrum of peridot's green hue

The intensity and tint of peridot’s green color depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure. This can cause the shade of individual peridots to vary from yellowish green to greenish yellow to brownish green. Peridot's color is an intrinsic part of its mineral structure and therefore always present no matter how low the light is, and higher-quality stones have an especially vivid saturation.

Peridots are most widely available in an olive-green color with yellow as a secondary hue, which causes many to consider that shade representative of the stone. However, top-quality peridots display a pure green color with a medium-dark tone.

Stones from Myanmar are a vivid light to moderate green, with fine inclusions and a silky sheen. Peridot from Arizona, typically found in smaller carat sizes than those from Myanmar, are often a bit more yellowish or golden-brownish in hue.

The cuts best suited to peridot gemstones

Peridot is usually cut in traditional faceted shapes and classic table cuts, as well as cabochons or beads.

If not properly cut, peridot can look slightly washed out, so it is important to seek out an excellent cut. In an effort to avoid peridots looking too pale, cutters will sometimes turn to modern cuts, such as cushion shapes with checkerboard tops, which have risen in popularity. Additionally, a briolette cut, which takes the form of a faceted teardrop, intensifies the color and brilliance of a peridot, making peridot briolettes the perfect choice for earrings or a statement necklace.

Peridot lends itself well to a number of cuts, including round beads.

How durable is peridot?

Peridot measures 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so it is not the most scratch-resistant gem in comparison to sapphire and ruby at 9. Despite this, peridot is reasonably tough, although probably should not be worn every day in jewelry pieces that can be exposed to frequent knocks.

A quick guide to peridot

The history of peridot: a gem loved by ancient Egyptians

Peridot’s history with jewelry begins in Egypt. There is evidence of peridot being mined on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt, dating back to 1500 BCE. Ancient Egyptians referred to peridot as the gem of the sun, and associated it with light.

In the past, certain gemstones’ similarities to the hues of profitable spices and fruits added to their appeal as good-luck charms. Peridot’s likeness to the green shade of olives made it a popular talisman for merchants in the Mediterranean.

Peridot reached the height of fashion during the Belle Époque or Edwardian period. The love of peridot during this time extended into the late 19th century and early 20th century, and was often set in romantic Art Nouveau-style jewels. Jewelry artists at that time chose gemstones and materials based on artistic merit rather than commercial value. Peridot, with its subtle olive-tinged hues, possessed a beauty that corresponded to the theme of nature in all aspects of its cycle: birth, decadence, death and rebirth.

A powerful talisman: the legends associated with peridot

In addition to calling peridot the gem of the sun, Ancient Egyptians believed it glowed in the dark. As with much folklore, this is based in truth. Due to peridot’s double refraction (when light passes through the stone and splits in two), it emits a glow that can still be seen in low lights. Because of this interesting gemological feature, it was suggested by ancient cultures that peridot could protect its owner from terrors of the night. Further rumors claimed that the night-time talismanic properties of peridot increased if the stones were set in yellow gold.

Ancient Hawaiian folklore told stories of peridot being tears from the goddess of elements, Pele. They claimed that when it rained, peridot would fall from the sky. In Oahu, Hawaii, small pieces of peridot wash ashore near volcanic areas. This can be attributed to peridot being made of olivine, which is found in lava rocks.

In the early 1500s, German writer Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa said that if you held peridot to the sun, a golden star would shine from it to heal any respiratory ailments. Apothecary shops at the time kept the gemstone in powdered form to use as an antidote to insomnia, bleeding, madness and nightmares. It was also believed to help with a range of other things, from improving memory to easing labor.

In crystal healing circles, peridot is believed to help bring down a fever.

Contemporary peridot jewelry trends

Because of their double refraction light dispersion properties, tumbled peridots — rough stones that are hand-polished but not cut — are becoming popular amid a resurgence of vintage styles, such as jewelry featuring filigree and intricate details.

Peridot is also used in modern minimalist designs, often placed in simple, geometric settings that enhance the stone's natural beauty and color.

As peridot pairs well with other gemstones, such as amethyst, garnet, and citrine, it has become popular to layer or stack jewelry containing peridot with jewelry featuring other stones. This allows the consumer to create a unique and personalized look.