Peridot
Sunstone & Evening Emerald
📜 History and Stories
Peridot has a history of over 3,500 years and was known as the 'sunstone' by the ancient Egyptians, who believed it could dispel the fear of the night. Interestingly, many of the gemstones thought to be emeralds throughout history were actually peridots, including the one that adorns the cathedral in Cologne, Germany.
Even more amazingly, olivine is one of the few gemstones that can be found in meteorites, and these "extraterrestrials" are known as "olive meteorites," adding a layer of cosmic romance to the mix.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
Today, approximately 80-951 TP3T of global gem-quality olivine comes from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, USA. Other important sources include Pakistan, Myanmar and China. Kashmir Peridot from Pakistan is known for its superb quality and size.
📍 Explore Primary Origin: Arizona, USA🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Mineral Types | Olivine |
| Chemical composition | Magnesium-iron silicate `((Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄)`. |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 - 7 |
| index of refraction | 1.654 - 1.690 |
| Key Features | Strong birefringence, double rear faceted prisms visible from the table top. |
Peridot vs.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of peridot is largely determined by its color. Unlike many gemstones, peridot has only one color - green - but it varies greatly in hue and saturation.
1. Color
The most important factor. Rich, pure greens are the most valuable, and excessive yellow or brown tones should be avoided.
2. Clarity
A high quality peridot should be clean to the naked eye. Typical inclusions are "water lily leaf-like" inclusions.
3. Cut
A good cut maximizes its brightness and luster, revealing its distinctive yellow-green color.
4. Carat
Large carats are relatively rare and the value of high quality peridots over 5 carats increases significantly.
Different Colors of the Value Ladder
The value of peridot is closely related to the purity of its green color. Peridots with a brownish tint are the least valuable, while rich, pure green peridots without a yellowish tint are the most valuable.
💖 Symbolism
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August Birthstone
Sharing the honor of being the birthstone of August with spinel, it brings peace and happiness.
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16th Wedding Anniversary Stone
It symbolizes the happiness and long-lasting companionship between husband and wife.
☀️
Peace and Healing
It is believed to relieve stress, anger and jealousy and bring peace of mind.
🛡️ Care and Wear
With a hardness of 6.5-7, peridot is relatively soft and requires gentle care to avoid scratches and damage.
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Avoid hard contact.
Not suitable for strenuous activities.
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Disable ultrasound
Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
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Avoiding Temperature Differences
Huge temperature changes may cause it to rupture.
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Gentle and clean
Warm soapy water and a soft brush are the best choices.
👑 celebrities and fashion
The bright green color of peridot has made it popular in the fashion world. Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has a beautiful pair of peridot, citrine and diamond earrings which she has worn on many public occasions to show off her fresh and vibrant style.