Peridot is a lime-green variety of the mineral olivine and is one of the world’s oldest known gemstones. Believed to have first formed early on during the Earth’s creation when magma gradually cooled and solidified as igneous rock. Peridot was born when some parts cooled slower than others forming larger, clearer bits of igneous rock. Peridot is most commonly found lining mountains in Myanmar and Pakistan. However, olivine crystals are also intermittently found in pallasites (stony-iron meteorites which have fallen to earth). These rich green meteorite crystals can then be cut into beautifully bright pieces of peridot. Peridot is only available in its signature green colour. This makes it an idiochromatic gemstone – which is very rare. Ruby is another example of this. Gemstones that occur in a variety of colours are known as allochromatic. The brighter and more saturated the green, the higher the gemstone’s value. The levels of iron present in a peridot affect the purity of its green hue. The less iron, the deeper the green. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot do not frequently get heat treated in labs to alternate their colour, meaning the richness and saturation of peridot is natural and organic.

Peridot measures a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. While it is a relatively tough gemstone it should be worn with care and cleaned and checked regularly to maintain its quality and value. 

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August, as well as the gemstone given to celebrate the 16th year of marriage.