Peridot

What is Peridot?

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate — ((Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄). It is one of only two gemstones — the other being Diamond — that is formed not in the earth's crust but deep within the earth's upper mantle, at depths of 20 to 55 kilometres below the surface. Peridot is brought to the surface through violent volcanic activity and tectonic plate movements. Its distinctive vivid lime-green to olive-green colour is unique — unlike any other green gemstone — and is caused by the presence of iron within its crystal structure. Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness — suitable for pendants, earrings, and bracelets, and for rings with a protective setting.

Peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones — it has been mined for over 3,500 years from the Egyptian island of Zabargad (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, making it one of the most historically significant gemstones in the world. Ancient Egyptians treasured it above all other gems, calling it the 'Gem of the Sun' — believing it to be a gift from the sun god Ra. Today, Peridot continues to captivate gemstone lovers worldwide — cherished for its extraordinary colour, fascinating origins, and powerful healing properties.

Fascinating Facts About Peridot

Peridot from Outer Space — Found in Meteorites: One of the most extraordinary facts about Peridot is that it has been found in meteorites — making it one of the very few gemstones of confirmed extraterrestrial origin. Peridot crystals have been found in pallasite meteorites — a rare type of stony-iron meteorite — that have fallen to earth from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This makes Peridot one of the most literally 'out of this world' gemstones available.

The 'Gem of the Sun': Ancient Egyptians called Peridot 'Topazios' — the Greek name from which the word 'Topaz' later derived — and referred to it as the 'Gem of the Sun.' They believed it had the power to ward off evil spirits and night terrors, and that its green glow was so vibrant it could even be seen glowing at night. Many of Cleopatra's famous 'Emerald' are believed by historians to have actually been Peridot.

Born in Lava — A Gift of Volcanic Fire: Peridot is one of the very few gemstones formed not in the earth's crust but deep within the upper mantle — brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. In Hawaii, Peridot crystals are found on beaches — tiny green gems that have been carried to the surface by lava flows from the island's volcanic activity. Hawaiians traditionally believed these green crystals were the tears of Pele — the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

The Lily Pad Inclusion — Peridot's Unique Signature: Peridot is famous for its unique and beautiful natural inclusion known as the 'Lily Pad' inclusion — a characteristic fingerprint-like disc of fluid or crystal surrounded by stress fractures that resembles the circular leaf of a water lily floating on the surface of a pond. Lily Pad inclusions are unique to Peridot and are considered a charming natural characteristic that confirms the gemstone's natural origin. While heavily included stones are less valuable, a Peridot with a beautiful Lily Pad inclusion visible under magnification is a fascinating and authentic natural treasure.

Peridot Gemstone Properties

Peridot Sources & Origins

Peridot is found in very specific geological environments — primarily associated with volcanic and mantle rocks. Here are the world's most significant Peridot origins:

Pakistan (Kohistan, Himalayan Region) — The World's Finest

Pakistani Peridot — primarily from the Kohistan district and the Himalayan ranges of northern Pakistan — is widely considered the finest Peridot in the world. Discovered in the 1990s, Pakistani Peridot quickly gained international recognition for its extraordinary deep green colour, exceptional transparency, brilliant lustre, and impressive crystal sizes. The high-altitude Himalayan deposits produce Peridot of exceptional quality — with some stones displaying a richly saturated, pure green colour that rivals the finest specimens from any other origin. Pakistani Peridot commands the highest prices and is the most sought-after for fine jewellery and astrological use.

Burma (Myanmar) — Fine Quality, Highly Valued

Burmese Peridot — from the Pyaung-Gaung area of Myanmar — is known for its beautiful vivid green colour, good transparency, and fine lustre. Burma has a long history of producing fine quality Peridot that is highly valued by gemstone connoisseurs and collectors. Burmese Peridot is considered an excellent choice for fine jewellery and astrological use — offering outstanding quality and natural beauty.

Egypt (Zabargad Island) — The Legendary Ancient Source

Egypt's Zabargad Island (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea is the most historically significant Peridot source in the world — mined for over 3,500 years, making it one of the oldest known gemstone mines in human history. Egyptian Peridot was treasured by the ancient pharaohs and is believed to have adorned many of the jewels of Cleopatra. While Zabargad production is now very limited, Egyptian Peridot is a rare and historically significant collector's gemstone — prized for its historical provenance as much as its beautiful green colour.

USA (Arizona) — San Carlos Reservation

American Peridot from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona is one of the most significant commercial sources of Peridot in the world. San Carlos Peridot typically displays a bright, vivid yellow-green colour — slightly lighter than Pakistani or Burmese stones — with good transparency and lustre. It is widely used in jewellery and is readily available at good price points.

China — Commercial Grade

Chinese Peridot — primarily from Hebei province — is the most widely available and most commercially abundant Peridot in the world market. Chinese stones typically display a lighter, more yellowish-green colour with acceptable transparency. While of lower quality than Pakistani or Burmese Peridot, Chinese Peridot offers a natural, genuine green gemstone at the most accessible price points — suitable for everyday jewellery and birthstone use.