PERIDOT FEATURED GEM

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth's mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.

Yellow-green gem variety of the mineral olivine. Found as nodules in volcanic rock, occasionally as crystals lining veins in mountains of Myanmar and Pakistan, and occasionally inside meteorites.

BIRTHSTONE: AUGUST

overview

The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, the source for many large fine peridots in the world's museums. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Today this gem is still prized for its restful yellowish green hues and long history. Large strongly-colored, examples can be spectacular, and attractive smaller gems are available for jewelry at all price points.

OLIVINE

Gem variety of the mineral olivine:
found in peridotite rock from
the earth's upper mantle.

4.5 billion

Some peridot is ancient: it's found in
pallasite meteorites, remnants of our
solar system's birth.

STARDUST

In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.

QUALITY FACTORS

Beautiful, yellowish green peridot has been treasured since earliest times.

color

Although the best peridot is a pure grass green, most peridot is yellowish-green.

clarity

Most fine peridot is eye clean. Tiny black spots might be visible with magnification.

cut

Peridot is cut in a wide variety of styles, including ovals, emerald cuts, and cushions.

carat weight

Large crystals of peridot have cut gems more than 50 carats in size.