What is peridot?
Peridot is a gemstone variety of the mineral olivine. A gemstone of vivid color, peridot is formed deep in the earth's mantle and carried out by lava. Its characteristic green comes from the presence of iron, and its hues range from greenish-yellow to brownish- and yellowish-green.
Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original
Mineral: Olivine
Origins: China, Vietnam, Tanzania, United States
Symbols: Strength, Good Health
Properties: Mood-boosting, Creativity
Durability: 6.5 to 7
ENHANCEMENTS
None
CARE
Special Gemstone Care: Do not use ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid sudden temperature changes, chemicals, perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray.
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Citrine
What to Look for in Peridot
Peridot is a relatively common gemstone found in hardened lava flows around the world, including in China, Vietnam, Tanzania and the United States. The finest and rarest peridots in the purest green hues come from Myanmar and Pakistan. The August birthstone, peridot is a much-loved gemstone for special jewelry.
When shopping for jewelry with the peridot gemstone, consider the color, cut, carat, clarity and any gemstone enhancements. Jewelry-quality peridot crystal and gemstone pieces are often heated to permanently improve their clarity.
Peridot is one of the few green-colored gemstones, and gemstone-quality peridot is rather rare, although the mineral itself is very common throughout the world. When you’re perusing peridot, look for these qualities:
COLOR
Gemstone color is probably the most important aspect of a gem. The most desirable peridot gemstones feature a rich green color with no visible inclusions, while the best value is found in a gemstone with olive tones and minor inclusions that look just as striking. A high-quality peridot stone will have a more intense color. We offer a wide range of peridots in lighter and deeper colors to meet different styles and budgets. Consider the peridot stone shape and hue that most appeals to you.
CUT
Though it has a smaller color range, peridot also works with a variety of gemstone cuts that showcase its hues in different ways. Popular shapes for peridot include emerald, oval, round, pear, triangle, cushion and marquise. The ideal cut and shape for any gemstone is the one that best displays its color and brilliance. An emerald cut enhances the color of peridot, while round and oval cuts maximize sparkle.
CLARITY
Gemstone clarity is an important evaluator for many gemstones. Almost every gemstone contains marks known as inclusions, which are liquids, gas bubbles, mineral traces, and other debris found inside stones. Fine peridot is usually "eye clean," meaning that its inclusions are only visible when magnified. Peridot with a few visible inclusions offer the best value, and their unique marks only add to their one-of-a-kind appeal.
SIZE (CARAT)
Gemstone size, unlike diamond size, is generally measured in millimeters in diameter. Peridot is available in a variety of sizes. Smaller gemstones are abundant, while larger sizes are rarer.
ENHANCEMENT
Most gemstones receive enhancements, such as heat treatment and infusions, to improve their appearance. Our gemstones are enhanced using only approved techniques to bring out the brilliant color and clarity of our peridot jewelry.
HARDNESS & WEARABILITY
On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot ranks from 6.5 to 7, making it a fairly durable gemstone for any type of jewelry wear, although it’s susceptible to scratches. It’s gorgeous in a silver setting as a pendant, earrings or bracelet. Peridot is suitable for rings that you won’t be wearing every day, since too many hard knocks may chip or crack it. But if you wear it with care, you can enjoy your peridot jewelry for a lifetime.
Choosing the Right Peridot Jewelry
Ultimately, the most important aspect of choosing peridot jewelry is to pick a piece you love. At the end of the day, you should choose your favorite type of jewelry with your preferred metal, and whatever embellishments or accent stones you think would look fabulous on your personage.
Shop Popular Peridot Jewelry
Peridots Throughout History and in Popular Culture
Cleopatra was the first to popularize peridot gemstones back in Ancient Egyptian times, with many of her jewels featuring this “Gem of the Sun.” It is believed that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Edward VII of England, with many vintage Edwardian jewels from 1901-1910 featuring this green gem. Peridot’s popularity continued through the 20th century and it has maintained its standing as a gemstone of choice today.
In modern popular culture, peridots can be found everywhere. They're a gem of choice for modern-day royalty and pop culture celebrities. Peridot’s popularity has even spilled over into children’s shows, with a children’s cartoon featuring a character named after this vibrant gemstone.
Peridot Gemstone Meaning
This gemstone’s ties to the sun, volcanoes and even celestial origins (some peridot gems have been found in meteorites!) bring unique energy and symbolism. Ancient Egyptians regarded peridot as “The Gem of the Sun” due to its persistently bright colors. It was believed that peridots could provide protection from evil. Today, peridot gemstones symbolize strength and good health.
As with all jewelry, you may have your own special meanings you attribute to peridots. Some people choose to wear this jewel for its August birthstone symbolism, or they wear it simply because they like the color.
Matching Metals to Peridot
We offer jewelry featuring the peridot gemstone in a variety of metals and styles. It is most often set in lighter metals such as white gold or silver but can also be found in yellow gold. Adding peridot stones to a white gold or silver jewelry setting will allow the gem to shine without contrasting colors. A yellow gold setting, on the other hand, will complement the tones of peridot and create color conversations between the setting and the gemstone.
Famous Peridot Gemstones
The first recorded uses of peridot came from Egypt, though it was often mistaken for other gemstones like topaz and emerald throughout ancient and medieval times. Some historians suggest that Cleopatra's famous collection of emeralds may have actually been peridots. What were thought to be emeralds on The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral turned out to be stunning deep green peridots as well. Today, it’s the gemstone that traditionally celebrates a 16th wedding anniversary. All gemstones have meanings for those in possession of them — peridot has been used for centuries to protect the wearer from evil spirits and night terrors.
Peridot Buying Tips
If you’re looking for your very own “Gem of the Sun” or you’d like to purchase peridot jewelry as a gift, review our buying tips to make the most of your purchase.
1
Focus on the color that’s within your budget. Lighter-green peridots are often available for a lower price than darker ones.
2
Pick a metal that matches the style. Peridot jewelry is available in white gold, yellow gold and silver. Choose the metal that best matches your style or the style of the wearer.
3
Choose the cut that maximizes the best features for you or your loved one. Certain gemstone cuts will highlight peridot’s features differently. An emerald cut will highlight the stone’s green hues, while a round cut will highlight sparkle.
The best peridot is the one that offers your favorite features while keeping your budget in mind. Explore our wide selection of high-quality peridot jewelry to find the perfect piece.
Top Questions and Answers About Peridot
What are peridots?
Peridot is the gem of the mineral olivine. It is a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable gemstone for many settings. These green gems have been revered since Ancient Egyptian times, holding popularity for centuries.
Is the peridot stone popular?
Yes, the peridot gemstone is incredibly popular. It's common for birthstone jewelry, anniversary gifts and even unique engagement rings.
What color is peridot?
Peridot's signature color is yellowish green.
Where is the peridot gemstone found?
Peridots have been found on meteorites, in lava deposits and within the earth’s crust at sites around the world. Peridot gemstones have been found in China, Vietnam, the United States, Tanzania, Myanmar and Pakistan.
Does peridot have any special meaning?
First mined in Egypt over two millennia ago, peridot was, at that time, associated with sunlight. Today, peridot stones have additional meanings of strength and good health.
What other names is peridot known by?
The bright hues of the peridot gemstone have given it the nickname Gem of the Sun.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEMSTONES
Like peridot, every gemstone has its own distinct characteristics that amaze and enthrall. Learn about other extraordinary gemstones, and choose the one you love best.
