Peridot
What is Peridot?
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It’s primarily found in the United States, China, and Pakistan. Peridot is often used as a gemstone and is a popular choice for jewelry due to its vibrant green color and spiritual significance.
Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone that belongs to the mineral olivine family. Its bright color and lustrous appearance make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items. The stone is often used in rings, necklaces, and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate (Olivine group) |
| Color | Shades of green, from yellow-green to olive to brownish-green. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Vitreous. |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent. |
| Occurrence | Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, United States (Arizona). |
| Formation | Peridot is found in igneous rocks and sometimes brought to the surface by volcanoes. It's also found in meteorites. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect in two directions |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 to 7. |
| Specific Gravity | Approximately 3.34. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Olive-green color, often in small rounded crystals. |
| Chemical Composition | (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 |
| Pleochroism | None. |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (+) |
| Refractive Index | 1.650 - 1.703 |
| Birefringence | 0.036 |
| 2V angle | Not applicable (organic) |
| Dispersion | 0.020. |