What is peridot?
Peridot is a gemstone, prized in jewelry for its luminous green color and natural brilliance. Although it is not one of the traditional precious stones like diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald, it remains a sought-after and elegant stone.
Where does this gemstone come from?
Peridot is a gem variety of olivine, a mineral that often forms in volcanic rocks. It rises to the surface through volcanic activity. Its name is thought to come from the Arabic "faridat," meaning gem. Peridot primarily comes from regions such as the United States, particularly Arizona, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The GIA also mentions Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, famous since ancient Egypt for its peridots. The Egyptians believed that peridot protected against evil spirits and nightmares, especially when worn at night. If you are prone to nightmares, our Green Apples earrings could become your best allies.
What are the properties of peridot?
- Color: Peridot remains true to its green signature, but it comes in a vibrant palette ranging from bright lime green to deeper olive hues. The most sought-after shades are generally the brightest, purest, and most well-balanced, without a too-pronounced brownish tone. Its fresh, sunny color is one of the reasons why it is so popular in jewelry.
- Hardness: Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a sufficiently durable stone for earrings, a necklace, or a pendant. For rings, especially when worn daily, it does require a bit more care. It is best to avoid shocks, hard surfaces, and activities that could expose it to scratches.
- Clarity: High-quality peridots are generally quite clear to the naked eye, allowing their brilliance and color to express themselves well. Small inclusions may be present, as in many natural stones, but when they are too visible, they can detract from the stone's brilliance and transparency. Clarity is therefore an important criterion to observe when choosing peridot jewelry.
Why choose a peridot for jewelry?
Peridot is for those looking for a different, luminous, and less common stone, with a history spanning several millennia. As the birthstone for August, it's the ideal choice for offering a symbolic piece of jewelry to those born in this month. Associated with light, positivity, and renewal, peridot brings exactly that fresh and sunny energy that we love to find in jewelry. More accessible than several other precious stones, it allows you to acquire a quality piece without compromising on brilliance. In earrings, as a pendant, or in a ring, it adds a touch of sunny green, elegant and easy to wear, beautiful in both summer and winter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peridot
Softer than diamond, ruby, or sapphire, peridot requires special care, especially when worn in a ring. To preserve its brilliance, avoid impacts against hard surfaces and store it separately from harder stones. In a necklace or earrings, it is perfectly suited for regular wear and adds a delicate touch to everyday life.
Visually, the emerald stands out with its deep green, while the peridot offers a lighter, brighter, and more radiant hue. Although both are green, they do not belong to the same family of stones. The emerald, often marked with natural inclusions, requires more attention. Our guide to emerald identification helps you recognize it more easily.
Regular cleaning with lukewarm water, a mild soap, and a soft toothbrush is sufficient. Opt for gentle hand cleaning and avoid exposing it to excessive heat, as it does not tolerate sudden temperature changes.