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Buying guide

Peridot

Peridot is idiochromatic, its green comes from iron in the crystal structure itself, so every stone is green and the only question is tone. The finest is a pure grass green without brown or yellow masking, most often from Pakistan.

Peridot at a glance

Mineral family
Olivine
Chemical formula
(Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Mohs hardness
6.5 - 7
Refractive index
1.654 - 1.690
Specific gravity
3.34
Crystal system
Orthorhombic
Colours
green
Birthstone month
August
Anniversary
16th
Typical treatment
Essentially never treated. Peridot reaches the market in its natural state.
In stock now
12 stones from $64.50

What drives the price

Peridot is idiochromatic, its green comes from iron in the crystal structure itself, so every stone is green and the only question is tone. The finest is a pure grass green without brown or yellow masking, most often from Pakistan.

In one line: Colour purity, size (large clean stones are scarce), clarity.

Treatment

Essentially never treated. Peridot reaches the market in its natural state.

Any seller unwilling to state treatment in writing is telling you something. Every listing on this site states it.

Durability and daily wear

Sensitive to acids and to rapid temperature change. Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water only. Never ultrasonic.

Mohs 6.5 - 7, orthorhombic crystal system, specific gravity 3.34.

Tradition and meaning

A stone of renewal, abundance and release of old patterns. Worked with at the heart and solar plexus.

Birthstone for August. Associated with Leo and Virgo. Anniversary stone: 16th.

Frequently asked

Why does peridot look different under artificial light?

Peridot has a strong yellow-green body colour and low dispersion, so it can appear flatter under warm incandescent light and most vivid in daylight or cool LED. This is normal and not a fault.

Is peridot a soft stone?

At 6.5-7 Mohs it is moderately durable but has distinct sensitivity to acid and thermal shock. It suits earrings and pendants better than everyday rings unless protectively set.

Where does the best peridot come from?

Pakistan's Kohistan region produces the largest and cleanest peridot in the world, including stones over 20 carats with exceptional colour. Arizona and Myanmar are the other significant sources.

Peridot in stock

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