Peridot

Peridot is a gem-quality specimen of the mineral Olivine. It is a term coined by gemologists. Peridot has an olive- or bottle-green color due to the presence of iron. It has a distinctive oily or greasy luster. Peridot has high birefringence, so doubling of the facets is easily visible in larger specimens when viewed from the front. Good-quality crystals are very rare.

The Crusaders brought Peridot to Europe in the Middle Ages. They transported stones from St. John’s Island in the Red Sea, where they had been mined for more than 3,500 years. Peridot was often used in ancient jewelry.

Occurrence

Peridot is found in Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), St. John’s Island (Egypt), China, Brazil, Hawaii, and Arizona (USA), Australia, South Africa, and Norway.

Peridot Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.34
• Refractive Index: 1.64-1.69
• Birefringence (DR): 0.036
• Luster: Vitreous to greasy
• Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
• Composition: Magnesium iron silicate
• Hardness: 6½

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