Iroishi Checker
No. 024 / 141
ReferenceREFERENCE
PeridotContribute a photo

Peridot

ペリドット · ぺりどっと
NaturalGreen
Gemological dataPROPERTIES
Hardness6.5-7
Specific gravity3.34
Refractive index1.654-1.690
Crystal system斜方晶系
Color rangeCOLOR RANGE

Yellowish green to slightly brownish green. The most prized tone is pure spring green ('grass green') without yellow undertones — characteristic of Burmese and Pakistani material. Iron content limits how dark peridot can become.

UV responseFLUORESCENCE
Long-wave
365 nm
Inert
Short-wave
254 nm
Inert
Typical inclusionsINCLUSIONS
  • nclusions surrounding a tiny crystal, diagnostic
  • nclusions
  • nclusions
  • Healing fractures
Optical characterOPTICAL TRAITS
  • Doubly refractive, biaxial positive
  • Strong (0.036) — visible at 10× and often to the unaided eye
  • Weak dichroism: yellowish green and green
What to look forID POINTS
  1. 01Obvious acets visible at 10× — the strongest single identifier
  2. 02nclusions strongly support natural origin
  3. 03RI 1.654–1.690 and SG 3.27–3.48 are diagnostic
  4. 04No under either UV
Stones it gets mistaken forSIMILAR STONES
Tsavorite Garnet
Tsavorite Garnet
ツァボライトガーネット
ツァボライトは単屈折・クリーン・純緑。ペリドットは強ダブリング・黄緑。
Green Tourmaline
Green Tourmaline
グリーントルマリン
Tourmaline has more variable color and is harder (7–7.5 vs 6.5–7). is much weaker. Dichroism is stronger and more obvious.
Care & handlingCARE
  • Avoid ultrasonic and steam — sudden thermal shock can damage
  • Avoid acid contact (citrus, perspiration over time)
  • Clean with warm soapy water
Market notesMARKET
PRICE RANGE

From $30/ct for commercial Arizona material up to $1,000/ct for fine Burmese or Pakistani spring-green stones over 5 ct.

Note: Untreated — peridot is one of the few major colored stones that is essentially never treated. Larger sizes (>5 ct) in pure spring green command increasing premiums. Burmese and Kashmir Pakistani material is the trade benchmark.

BackgroundBACKGROUND

Peridot is forsterite-rich olivine ((Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄). Unlike most gems, color is intrinsic — every peridot is green because iron is part of the basic formula. Mohs 6.5–7 with no but distinct fracture. Notable for its very strong — acets is visible to the naked eye in larger stones.

Origin & historyORIGIN & HISTORY

Origins

Egypt's Zabargad Island produced peridot for over 3,500 years and was the historic source for European royal jewels. Myanmar (Mogok) and Pakistan (Suppat Valley, Kashmir) produce top-color modern material. Arizona (San Carlos Apache Reservation) is the largest current source by volume. Pallasite meteorites occasionally contain gem-quality peridot, sold as 'extraterrestrial peridot.'

History

Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea from at least 1500 BCE and called it the 'gem of the sun.' Many 'emeralds' in medieval European church treasuries — including some in the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral — turned out to be peridot.

Lore & symbolism

August's birthstone, symbolizing strength and protection. Said to dispel night fears when set in gold. The 16th wedding anniversary stone.

OBSERVATION TOOLS · 3 ITEMS

Tools to confirm this stone

Tools that help confirm Peridot. Tap any item to jump to the matching section on the gem tools page.

References
最終確認日
2026年4月28日
参 考 文 献

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