Peridot

What is Peridot?

Peridot is formed from the mineral olivine. It is olive or bottle green in colour and has an oily lustre. The greener the gem, the higher the price.

It is found on St. Johns Island in Egypt and in China, Burma and Brazil and now large amounts are mined in Pakistan.

History

Peridot was brought to Europe from St. Johns Island in the Red Sea by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages.

Peridots are to be found on Egyptian and Roma tombs and n the Crown jewels of Iran.

Folklore

The references in the Bible to large clear jewels have always been interpreted as being Emeralds. In fact they were Peridot gems as were the so-called Emeralds from Cleopatra’s mines.

Care

Caring for Peridot

Peridot is only of medium hardness and as such can easily be scratched by other jewellery. It needs to be kept in a separate bag away from other jewellery. Care must also be taken when wearing a piece of jewellery such as a ring with a Peridot stone, as contact with a hard surface, can damage the stone.

Care must be taken to prevent contact with acids and also to avoid extremes of temperature