Peridot is a green colored gemstone, known for its clarity and distinctive hue. Its attractive color and affordable price make it a preferred choice in jewelry.
Origins and Training
Peridot is a variety of olivine, a mineral that forms in the Earth's mantle. It comes to the surface primarily through volcanic activity. The main peridot deposits are found in Burma, China, the United States (particularly Arizona), Pakistan, and Egypt. However, Arizona is particularly known for its jewelry-quality peridots.
Extraterrestrial peridots are also found, having arrived with meteorites. They are, of course, very rare and highly sought after by collectors.
History
Peridot has been used by various civilizations throughout history. The ancient Egyptians considered it the "gem of the sun." It was used in royal and religious jewelry. During the Middle Ages, it was also prized in Europe, often used in religious and royal objects.
Peridot color:
Green, ranging from yellow-green to olive green. Some peridots can have a very distinct green color that stands out from the usual hues, such as some peridots from Myanmar and Pakistan. These are particularly sought after and command a higher price. The bright "lime" green color, typical of Arizona stones, is also highly sought after.
The color is due to the presence of iron in its basic structure. The coloring is therefore not due to molecular impurities as is the case for example with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc.
Peridot will therefore always be green. However, different shades of green are found depending on the iron concentration.
Chemical composition:
Chemical formula: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄.
Peridot is a mixture of two distinct minerals: colorless fosterite Mg 2 (SiO 4 ) and fayalite Fe 2 (SiO 4 ) which is a very dark green and not very pretty in itself. The color of peridot will vary depending on the concentration of each of these elements. The more iron (and therefore fayalite) there is, the darker it will be. The peridot found in jewelry is closer to the magnesium pole, that is to say, fosterite.
Physical and Optical Properties :
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Hardness : 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it suitable for use in jewelry.
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Refractive index: 1,648 to 1,705.
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Density : 3.2 to 4.3 g/cm³.
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Crystal system: Orthorhombic .
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Cleavage : Imperfect, meaning it breaks irregularly.
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Break : Conchoidal (smooth, curved surfaces, similar to the shape of a shell) to uneven (irregular surface) when broken.
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Chandelier : Vitreous, giving a shiny and brilliant appearance.
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Birefringence : strong, with a difference of 0.033 to 0.040 . This is why peridot presents what is called a doubling phenomenon, that is to say that when we look at the edges of the stone through it we see two very close together. A bit like seeing double. The larger the stone, the more the phenomenon is amplified.
Uses
Peridot is primarily used in jewelry. It is often faceted for rings, pendants, earrings, and other types of jewelry. Due to its vibrant color, it is prized for eye-catching pieces.
Peridot generally does not undergo any treatment to improve it.
Peridot Price
The price of peridot varies depending on several factors, including the stone's size, quality, clarity, and origin. High-quality peridots with a deep green color and good transparency are the most valuable.
- Size: Larger stones are generally more expensive per carat than smaller ones.
- Clarity: Stones without inclusions visible to the naked eye are more prized and therefore more expensive.
- Origin: High-quality peridots come from certain locations such as Pakistan and Myanmar. Be careful, not all peridots from these countries are of exceptional color. Only those that are have a higher price
Recently, peridots larger than 2ct and with excellent clarity have become rarer, which has driven up their prices. While until recently, the price of a 2-carat peridot was around €20, it is now difficult to find one for less than €30 per carat.
For gem-quality peridots, weighing less than one carat or slightly more, the price hasn't changed much and can be found for €15 to €20 per carat.
For larger peridot specimens of 5 to 10 ct, the price continues to rise and can reach €200 per carat for the finest peridots. These prices are for good quality stones with no inclusions visible to the naked eye and can be higher for exceptional stones.
Interview
Due to its relatively moderate hardness, peridot must be handled with care. It is recommended to clean it with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid shocks and extreme temperatures, which could damage the stone.
Conclusion
Peridot is a unique gemstone with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. Its vibrant green color and varied uses in jewelry make it a popular choice for those seeking an attractive and affordable gemstone.
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