Arizona, USA
Basalt-hosted peridot from San Carlos is commonly found as rounded nodules.
Semi-Precious gemstone profile
Peridot
Olive-Green Olivine From the Mantle
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of olivine, recognized by its naturally yellowish green to olive color. Unlike many gems, its color comes mainly from iron in the crystal rather than trace impurities.
Gemological Properties
- Chemical composition
- Magnesium iron silicate (Mg₂SiO₄–Fe₂SiO₄)
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5
- Color range
- Yellow-green to olive green
- Primary sources
- Arizona, USA, Pakistan, Myanmar, Egypt, China
- Luster / transparency
- Vitreous / Transparent to translucent
Science, structure & identification
A practical field note on what Peridot is made of, how it forms, how light behaves inside it, and what professionals look for when identifying it.
Browse the plain-language gemstone glossary or learn how to read a lab report.
- Mineral family
- Olivine group · magnesium-iron silicate
- Formation
- Peridot crystallizes in Earth's upper mantle and can reach the surface in basaltic lava or mantle-derived rocks. A small amount also occurs in meteorites.
- Optical behavior
- Peridot is doubly refractive and weakly pleochroic. Its medium refractive index and lively vitreous luster produce brightness even in smaller cuts.
- Treatments & enhancements
- Most peridot is untreated. Surface-reaching fractures may be filled in some commercial material; any filling or coating should be disclosed.
- Identification notes
- A refractometer, loupe, and specific-gravity test help separate peridot from green tourmaline, glass, and synthetic-looking imitations. Its iron-related absorption spectrum is diagnostic in a laboratory.
- Care & durability
- Peridot is moderately soft and can chip at facet junctions. Use warm soapy water, avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, and protect it from hard impact.
Where Peridot is found
Representative source regions, not a map of every occurrence.
Pakistan
High-altitude mountain deposits can yield larger, transparent crystals.
Zabargad Island, Egypt
Historic Red Sea source, also known as St. John's Island.
The color spectrum of Peridot
Color is shaped by chemistry, structure, inclusions, and light. These are representative varieties—not a promise that every stone will show every shade.
Lime green
Light yellow-green color caused primarily by iron in olivine.
Olive green
The classic peridot tone, with yellow and green balanced at medium saturation.
Bottle green
Higher iron or darker tone can produce a deeper green appearance.
Trusted references
Traditional beliefs & modern crystal claims
Gemstones have rich symbolic histories. The claims below are presented as folklore, cultural tradition, or modern pseudoscience—not as proven medical, psychological, or supernatural effects.
Historical lens
Egyptians called peridot a stone of the sun and used it in amulets and treasure.
The association reflects its warm green glow and historic Zabargad source.
Historical lens
Ancient and modern traditions connect peridot with renewal, prosperity, and protection from nighttime fears.
These are symbolic traditions, not effects demonstrated by olivine mineralogy.
Gemological properties can be measured and tested. Symbolic meaning is personal and cultural; crystals should never replace qualified medical or mental-health care.
History of the Peridot
Mineral & material history
Peridot was mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad for more than two thousand years. Some historic emeralds in royal collections were later identified as peridot, including stones associated with Cleopatra.
Cultural Significance
Ancient and modern traditions have associated peridot with sunlight, renewal, prosperity, and protection from nighttime fears. These associations are cultural or spiritual traditions, not scientifically demonstrated effects.
Cultural meanings and historical beliefs are included for context. They are not scientific evidence or medical advice.
Traditional beliefs & legend
Folklore and modern spiritual practices attach symbolic meanings to Peridot. Those beliefs are presented as cultural history, not as medical guidance or evidence of physical effects.
This section records cultural history and folklore. These stories are not scientific evidence or medical guidance.
Expert Buying Guide
Look for a lively green bodycolor without excessive brown or yellow. Peridot can contain distinctive lily-pad inclusions and is sensitive to sharp impacts, so inspect edges and avoid ultrasonic cleaning for heavily included stones.
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