Peridot

Peridot is a captivating gemstone recognized for its mesmerizing olive green hues, ranging from pale lime to deep olive. Belonging to the olivine mineral family, peridot's distinct color is due to the iron content in its crystal structure. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is relatively durable, making it suitable for daily wear jewelry.

Sourced mainly from Pakistan, Myanmar, China, the United States, and Vietnam, this enchanting gemstone has been admired for centuries and adds a touch of elegance to any jewelry piece.

Peridot price and value

The price and value of peridot gemstones are influenced by several factors, including color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and origin. Although peridot is generally more affordable than other precious gemstones, specific characteristics can impact its value.

Color: The most valuable peridots exhibit a vivid, saturated green hue with a slight hint of gold. Stones that are too pale or yellowish-green are considered less desirable and, therefore, less valuable.

Clarity: Peridots with fewer inclusions and better transparency are more valuable. Eye-clean stones are preferred, as they showcase the gemstone's vibrant color and brilliance more effectively.

Cut: A well-cut peridot enhances its color and overall beauty. Expertly cut stones are more valuable than poorly cut ones. Unique and intricate cuts can also increase the value of a peridot.

Carat Weight: Larger peridots are generally more valuable than smaller ones, especially if they possess exceptional color and clarity. However, the overall quality of the gemstone should be considered, as a larger stone with poor color or clarity may be less valuable than a smaller, higher-quality specimen.

Origin: Peridots from specific locations, such as the Suppat region in Pakistan, can command higher prices due to their exceptional color and quality.

Here are some general price examples for peridot gemstones:

Smaller Peridots (under 1 carat): Prices for smaller peridots can range from $10 to $50 per carat, depending on their quality. Stones with better color and clarity will be at the higher end of this range.

Medium-sized Peridots (1-5 carats): For medium-sized peridots, prices can range from $50 to $200 per carat. High-quality stones with vivid green color and excellent clarity will command premium prices within this range.

Larger Peridots (over 5 carats): Prices for larger peridots can range from $200 to $500 per carat or more, especially for exceptional specimens with top color and clarity. Large, high-quality peridots from sought-after locations like Pakistan's Suppat region may fetch even higher prices.

Peridot origins

Peridot gemstones can be found in various locations across the globe, each with its unique characteristics that can influence the gemstone's quality and value. Some of the most notable sources of peridot include:

Pakistan: The Suppat region in Pakistan is renowned for producing some of the finest peridot specimens, known for their vivid green color and excellent clarity. These gemstones are highly sought after and can command premium prices in the market.

Myanmar (Burma): Myanmar is another significant source of peridot, yielding gemstones with rich green colors. Peridots from Myanmar are well-regarded for their quality and can be quite valuable.

China: China has become a prominent producer of peridot gemstones in recent years. While Chinese peridots may not always have the same color intensity as those from Pakistan or Myanmar, they offer an affordable option for those seeking the gemstone's unique green hue.

United States: Peridot deposits can be found in the United States, particularly in Arizona. The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona is known for producing peridot with a distinct yellowish-green color. While these stones may not have the vivid green coloration of some other sources, they still possess an appealing hue that is prized by many collectors.

Vietnam: Vietnam also produces peridot gemstones, with deposits located in the Central Highlands region. Vietnamese peridots often exhibit a bright, lively green color that adds to their desirability.

Other locations: Peridot deposits can also be found in countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Norway, and Russia, among others. The quality and characteristics of peridot from these sources can vary widely.

The origin of a peridot gemstone can play a significant role in its overall quality, color, and value. Knowing the source of your peridot and understanding the differences between various origins can help you make informed decisions when purchasing these vibrant green gemstones.

Peridot colors

Peridot is renowned for its distinctive green hues, which can range from pale lime green to deep olive green. The gemstone's color is mainly determined by the presence of iron within its crystal structure. While peridot's color is primarily green, there can be subtle variations in shade and intensity, influenced by factors such as trace elements, the gem's origin, and the presence of inclusions. Here, we explore the spectrum of peridot colors:

Pale Lime Green: Peridots with a pale lime green color are often more affordable and readily available. They offer a subtle, refreshing green hue that can be appealing to those looking for a lighter-toned gemstone.

Yellowish-Green: Some peridots exhibit a yellowish-green color, which can be found in stones from sources such as the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. While not as vivid as other shades, this hue is still attractive and can be a more budget-friendly option.

Bright Green: Bright green peridots are sought after for their lively, vibrant hue. This color is often associated with peridots from locations like Vietnam and is a popular choice for many gemstone enthusiasts.

Rich Olive Green: The most valuable peridots boast a rich olive green color with a slight golden undertone. This shade is considered the top color for peridot and is typically found in high-quality specimens from sources like Pakistan and Myanmar. These gemstones command premium prices in the market due to their exceptional color and quality.

Peridot's enchanting green colors make it a beloved gemstone for collectors, jewelry designers, and gem enthusiasts alike. From delicate lime hues to deep, saturated olive tones, peridot offers a stunning array of shades that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Peridot characteristic

Peridot is a unique and captivating gemstone with a range of fascinating characteristics that contribute to its appeal. Here, we explore some of the key features, including treatments, hardness, composition, and more.

Composition: Peridot belongs to the olivine mineral family and is composed of magnesium iron silicate. The presence of iron in its crystal structure gives the gemstone its distinctive green hue. The chemical formula for peridot is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄, indicating the varying amounts of magnesium and iron within the stone.

Hardness: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is considered a relatively durable gemstone suitable for various jewelry applications. However, it's not as hard as gemstones like sapphires or diamonds, so care should be taken to avoid scratches, chips, or other damage.

Treatments: One of the appealing aspects of peridot is that it is typically not subjected to any treatments or enhancements. The color and clarity of peridot gemstones are generally natural and unaltered, making them highly desirable among collectors and gem enthusiasts. However, it is always essential to buy from reputable dealers who can provide certification of authenticity and origin to ensure that you are purchasing an untreated gemstone.

Cleavage: Peridot exhibits a weak basal cleavage, which means that it can be susceptible to breaking along specific planes if subjected to sharp impacts or pressure. This characteristic should be taken into account when cutting, setting, and wearing peridot jewelry to avoid damage.

Double Refraction: Peridot is doubly refractive, meaning that light entering the gemstone is split into two separate rays, causing an optical phenomenon known as birefringence. This effect can sometimes be observed as doubling of facet junctions when looking closely at the gemstone, giving it an added depth and allure.

Inclusions: Peridot can contain various types of inclusions, such as "lily pad" inclusions, which are thin, disk-shaped negative crystals surrounded by a partial halo. These inclusions are unique to peridot and can help confirm the gemstone's identity.

By understanding the various characteristics of peridot, you can better appreciate its unique appeal and make informed decisions when purchasing or designing jewelry featuring this alluring green gemstone.

Peridot birthstone and wedding anniversary

Peridot holds special significance as both a birthstone and a gemstone associated with wedding anniversaries. Its vibrant green hue, captivating beauty, and rich history make it a popular and meaningful choice for celebrating life's milestones.

Birthstone:

Peridot is the birthstone for those born in August. As a birthstone, it is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, and protection to those who wear it. The vibrant green of peridot is often associated with growth, renewal, and harmony, making it a fitting gemstone for individuals born in the late summer month. Gifting a peridot to someone with an August birthday is not only a thoughtful gesture but also provides them with a beautiful and durable gemstone that can be worn daily.

Wedding Anniversary:

Peridot is traditionally associated with the 16th wedding anniversary. Gifting a peridot on this occasion symbolizes the enduring love and companionship shared by a married couple as they continue their journey together. The gemstone's unique green hue and symbolic meaning offer many options for creating a memorable and personalized anniversary gift, such as a ring, pendant, or pair of earrings featuring the recipient's favorite peridot shade.

In summary, peridot gemstones hold special meaning as both a birthstone for August and a symbol of the 16th wedding anniversary. Its alluring green color, durability, and rich symbolism make it a popular and heartfelt choice for commemorating life's important milestones.

Peridot mineral details:

Mineral Olivine
Formula (MgFe)2SiO4
Color Yellowish green to deep green
Mohs Hardness 6.5 - 7.0
Refractive Index 1,65 - 1,69