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ENCYCLOPEDIA
Peridot Full Guide
Characteristics of the Peridot
Etymology: The origins behind the name are uncertain, some attributing it to the Anglo-Norman pedoretés, a kind of opal, and others to the Arabic faridat, which means "gemstone".
Family: Olivine
Chemical Composition: Magnesium/Iron Silicate
Hardness: 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale
Density: 3.28 - 3.48
Optical Properties: Strong double refraction.
Refractive Index: 1.65 - 1.69
Birefringence: 0.035 - 0.038
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
The origin of Peridots
Peridots were first found on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea by the ancient Egyptians.
Peridot crystals can be found in lava flows and basaltic rocks in the United States, China or the Himalayas, but also in Myanmar or Pakistan.
Interestingly, it can also be found in some meteorites, however too small to be faceted for the jewelry market.
Carat
The carat is the standard unit of measurement for the weight of gemstones. One carat equals 200 milligrams.
It must not be mistaken with karat, the standard unit for the purity of gold.
The peridot is denser than most semi-precious stones used in jewelry, and even denser than the more precious diamonds and emeralds. As a result, at equivalent carat weight, a peridot will be smaller than a diamond.
The color of Peridots
Peridots are among the rare gemstones that don a single color : olive-green. The quantity of iron in the stone will determine the intensity and tint of the green, making the color go from yellowish to olive or brownish-green.
Discover our Guide on the Colors of Gemstones.
The clarity of the Peridot
The Peridot is expected to be eye-clean, meaning that its inclusions will only be visible under magnification. As such, the value of the peridot will be more dependent on its color and its cut.
When inclusions occur in peridots, they will be take the shape of lily pads with a small crystal inclusion in the center.
Cut & Shapes
Due to the strong double refraction of the peridot, its cut will be of utmost importance. Indeed, this particular optical property causes the light to split into two rays. Those rays will bounce off the facets independently, making it look like they are multiplied.
Due to its relative softness, the peridot is a relatively easy stone to cut into various shapes, and it will often be sold on the jewelry market in round, oval, pear, emerald cut or even cushion cut.
Princess Shape Peridot
Trillion Cut Peridot
Oval Shape Peridot
Round Shape Peridot
Pear Shape Peridot
Cushion Cut Peridot
Birthstone & Wedding Anniversary
The peridot is the birthstone of August.
It is used to celebrate the 15th wedding anniversary.
Discover our Birthstone Full Guide.
Treatment
Peridots are often left untreated due to their consistent color.
They can however, in rare cases, go through fracture-filling enhancements with colorless oils or waves.
Discover Gemnat's Peridot Collections
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