Peridot

Other names: Chrysolite, Olivine

Notable associations: August Birthstone, 16th wedding anniversary stone.

Species: Forsterite
Known colours: Bright green to yellow green, olive green or brownish
Mohs hardness: 6.5 – 7

Peridot (pronounced peh-ri-doh) is a fascinating stone! It forms in the mantle of the planet and is carried to the surface during volcanic eruptions, therefore deposits are often found near volcanoes, extinct or active. Large stones of gem quality from these deposits are rare.

The extreme temperatures and pressure which occur during meteorite strikes can also produce this stone, though in that form it is generally referred to as Olivine, and, except for a few cut gems from a strike in 1749 in Russia, is most commonly not of gem quality.

Peridot is mined on many different continents, and notable deposits are found in Myanmar, Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Tanzania, Norway, USA (Arizona – which is also the largest deposit) and most importantly, right here in South Africa! The best quality stones are produced by Myanmar and Pakistan, very clear stones with intense colour.

In Hawaii you can find the Mahana beach, which is one of three green beaches with sand that is rich in Olivine.

Peridot has been actively mined for over 3500 years. The most famous historical mine was located on St. John’s Island (Zabargad) near Egypt, but fell out of use for many centuries and was only rediscovered around 1900. The largest peridot ever cut weighs 319 carat and was found on this island. It is now kept at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., USA.