Learn About the Peridot: The Affordable Green Coloured Gemstone

Green is a curious colour in the gemstone world. Arguably it is among the most mysterious hues in the world of gems as it harkens to a bygone age. To a different time of ancient peoples, to cultures where the unknown was held in awe.

For those who have played the Lara Croft games, notably Tomb Raider III, in the PC version the player interacts with a save crystal that takes on a mysterious glowing green form. Rather fitting for a franchise that is built on raiding ancient tombs for priceless treasure. And rightly so. For those who have had the chance of owning a cut, polished top green gemstone, there is a sense of mystery that accompanies it. And with good reason as we shall see.

Now when one thinks of a top green gemstone what comes to mind naturally is the famous emerald. And rightly so. It is after all the world’s most famous green gem. Or for some, it might be the elusive green diamond. In addition to these big players in the market for green gemstones, there are interesting, mid-tier players. Green gemstones which, whilst not the most expensive in the world, come with their own set of interesting features. Enter the peridot. The special green gemstone.

What are Peridots?

If you have found your way through any of our Education pages you will know the drill by now: We start by breaking down the basic features of the gemstone (or jewellery) in question. Analyse its strengths and provide customer recommendations when it comes to purchases. But we will try to make things interesting for you at the end.

First up what are peridots? Peridots are a type of hardened silicate material. Another, but less known name for peridot stones is olivine. Technically, the peridot is used only for gem-quality stones in this range. Peridots are known by the equation Mg2SiO4: Implying their magnesium-rich character. However, they can also be found in another mineral olivine combination known as fayalite: which is recognised by the equation: Fe2SiO4. Which technically makes the olivine a mineral group with sub-variants.

Now those with an eye for mineralogy might find this interesting, in that peridots are somewhat unique in the gemstone world in that peridots fall under the heading of solid solution minerals: In that they are made from a combination of atoms whose structure corresponds to different elements which feature dominantly in one type, making them different in parts (such as having a dominant magnesium (Mg) vs iron (Fe) atoms) but are united by a singular crystal structure.

The Availability and Durability of Peridots

One of the reasons why peridots have not made their way into the market for top green gemstones, one that continues to be dominated by emeralds, is the relative abundance of these types of gemstones. Peridots are sourced from across the world, from top gem mining nations to nations with strong mining industries that supply these stones. With countries as far apart as Burma and China, to the US and Australia being suppliers. New entrants like Pakistan and Vietnam also add to the supply.

When it comes to the market for top jewellery, the three main factors that determine their value are the rarity of the stone, its natural beauty in terms of colour and brilliance, and its durability or hardness. Whilst it noted that peridots are not the hardest gemstones in the world: as that honour goes to the world-famous diamond.

However, peridots are not too far behind one of their main green gemstone competitor: the emerald. In the Mohs scale for hardness, peridots follow close behind emeralds with a durability rating of 6.5 – 7 vs 7.5 – 8 for emeralds. Which makes them more than a decent choice when it comes to your choice of jewellery. Though in practice, peridots are the choice of fashion jewellery, as opposed to the more high-end fine jewellery.

What is Different About Peridot Colour?

When it comes to coloured gemstones colour is naturally king. Provided the other key factors of gemstone quality that we have outlined above holds, the hue, in terms of type, vividness and tone are key factors that contribute to its value.

When it comes to peridots the same principles hold true. As in more pricey gems like sapphires, the more concentrated and bright the colour of the stone, the higher it is valued. However, when it comes to peridots there is an interesting feature about the origins of colour in this stone that is worth considering.

You see in the gemstone world colour is often a function of the trace mineral character of the gemstone. Meaning, elements which are extraneous to the mineral enter it during the course of its formation. Gemstones that derive their colour from such trace elements, which are sometimes understood as impurities are known as allochromatic. Peridot on the other hand is different in that its colour is a function of its distinct chemical composition: thus making it idiochromatic in nature.

This is a reason why peridots are among the few gems that are only found in the dominant green colour, with certain variations in terms of yellow to darker shades owing to the presence of more iron.

Mysterious Aspects of Peridots

OK, now to the part you have been waiting for. Since it is established that peridots are relatively more abundant than other top gemstones in the market, you as a buyer might be curious as to what exactly makes these green gemstones special.

The first point of consideration is their origins. Olivines like almost all forms of gemstones, develop deep within the Earth’s surface, under pressing conditions; however, they are different in that are rather unique in that along with diamonds among the extremely few stones that forms at a deeper level.

Whilst most gems form at the crust: which is the top layer of the Earth’s surface; olivines along with carbon-based stones form a level lower, the mantle. Which goes many dozens of miles beneath the surface. So if you are looking for a stone from deep within the Earth’s surface, that is naturally green, peridots are the way to go.

Another interesting point is that peridots are also known to have come from space. You heard that right, peridots have been sourced from certain extra-terrestrial sources like meteorites. And in case you aren’t intrigued enough, even the Natural History Museum in London has a 4.5 billion-year-old Imilac Meteorite that is partially made up of Olivine.

Going further, olivine deposits have even been found on the Moon; with reports from NASA at the turn of the Millennium indicating that peridot gems could also be found on Mars!

Going back in time, the Romans recognised the value of peridots. For their beauty and special protective powers. The Roman philosopher Pliny can protect the wearer from mysterious forces, provided it was worn on the right arm.