The Peridot
The mesmerizing "gem of the sun" radiating a lustrous, unmistakable olive-green hue.
Overview
Peridot, the mesmerizing birthstone of August, is a breathtaking variety of the mineral olivine. It forms deep within the earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Fascinatingly, peridots have also been found in pallasite meteorites containing remnants of our solar system’s birth!
Idiochromatic in nature, it is one of the few gemstones that occurs only in one color—its hue determined by its chemical composition rather than impurities. Historically mined in the Red Sea, modern sources include Burma, Norway, Arizona, Hawaii, and Pakistan, making this gem accessible in an assortment of brilliant shapes and sizes.
Symbolism
The ancient Egyptians bestowed upon it the title “gem of the sun” because of the exhilarating color it displays in natural daylight. Because its glistening green hue could be easily spotted at night with the help of a lamp, it was often mined after sunset, leading the Romans to call it the “evening emerald”.
Mined for thousands of years (and mentioned in the Bible as "pitdah"), early cultures believed peridot brought good health, relief from anxiety, and an abundance of wealth. Set in gold, it was often used as a powerful talisman against nightmares and evil spirits.
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
Peridots are rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. While they may not be as rugged as sapphires or rubies, they are still widely used in all types of jewelry. A peridot is not particularly sensitive to acid, but it is somewhat prone to scratches.
Treatment
This gem is hardly ever subjected to treatments. In rare cases, pale stones may be coated with green foil to deepen their hue, or enhanced with colorless oils to reduce the visibility of inclusions. Synthetic peridots are produced but are highly uncommon in the market.
Color & Clarity
Boasting a narrow color spectrum (dark olive to yellow-green), peridots derive deeper hues from higher iron content. Real peridots display the exact same color under daylight and artificial light. Most high-quality peridots are eye-clean, occasionally featuring reflective, disk-like inclusions called "lily pads".
Cut & Carat Weight
A good quality cut significantly elevates its brilliance. It is frequently carved into round, oval, pear, cushion, and elegant emerald step-cuts. While relatively inexpensive in smaller sizes, the price per carat rises notably for fine stones weighing over 10 carats.
Peridot Grading System
Top 1%
Comprising the top 1% of exceptionally rare peridots, these exhibit flawless, eye-clean brilliance and can be distinguished by their rich, deeply saturated olive-green color.
Top 10%
Almost 10% of all natural peridots available belong to this category. These gemstones are completely eye-clean and display a beautiful, vibrant yellowish-green hue.
Top 33%
Representing the top 33% of the available peridots on the market, these stones are a medium yellowish-green in color and possess slight natural inclusions.
Top 75%
Light yellowish-green in color, this entry-level category includes the top 75% of available peridots that feature slight to moderate visible inclusions.
Peridot Care Instructions
Found in lava, meteorites, and deep within the earth’s mantle, a peridot is no ordinary gem. A little extra care toward its maintenance will ensure this dazzling stone stays spotless for a lifetime:
- Avoid High Heat: Sudden temperature changes and excessive heat must be completely avoided, as they can cause the color of the stone to fade or fracture.
- No Ultrasonic Cleaning: Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Stick to a mild soap and warm water solution, drying gently with a soft cloth.
- Remove Before Activity: Avoid wearing this gem when engaging in rigorous household chores or outdoor activities where it could be scratched.
- Avoid Chemicals: Keep your peridot away from cosmetics, perfumes, and harsh household chemicals (like cleaning agents).
- Store Separately: Because peridot is prone to scratching from harder gems, consider wrapping it in a soft cloth or placing it inside a fabric-lined, protected jewelry box.