Peridot, Natural, Chip Sizes 5-8mm, One 16in Strand

Peridot, Natural, Chip Sizes 5-8mm, One 16in Strand

Peridot is gem-quality Olivine and a silicate mineral. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green, however, depends on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure. So, there can be yellow to brownish green shades of Peridot. Peridot crystals have been collected from some meteorites.

The origin of the name Peridot is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests, and it was named for a kind of Opal, but another Arabic word for “gem” is suggested. The earliest use in England is Peridot was registered in 1705 as part of an estate. Cleopatra probably could have had any gemstone, but it is reported that Peridot was her favorite gemstone.

The principal source of Peridot Olivine is in Arizona. It is also mined at another location in Arizona, and in Arkansas, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico and in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

Hardness 6.5-7

This is a natural stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling, and polishing in China.