PeridotEdit
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a mineral group that forms in igneous and high-temperature metamorphic rocks. Characterized by its bright lime to olive-green color, peridot has long been prized in jewelry for its vivid hue, which derives from iron in the crystal structure. Unlike many colored stones, peridot often shows a strong, clean color even in relatively transparent material, and it can be found in a range of green shades from yellow-green to deep olive. In the jewelry tradition, peridot is widely recognized as the August birthstone, and it has a history that stretches back to ancient cultures across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. For geologists and gemologists, peridot is the gem-grade variety of the mineral Olivine, specifically a member of the forsterite–fayalite solid-solution series.
The name peridot has origins in the ancient world; it entered European languages through trade routes that connected the emerald trade with other green stones, and its fame grew as sailors and merchants carried it from distant lands. While most people encounter peridot in contemporary rings and pendants, the stone also appears in talismans and decorative objects in various cultures. A natural point of distinction is that peridot is often found in its own distinctive green color without the need for high-temperature treatment, though low-temperature treatments are sometimes used in some supply chains to even out tone. In meteorite science, peridot is notable because it is one of the few gemstone-like minerals that occurs in extraterrestrial rocks as well as Earthly ones, linking it to wider discussions about the formation of planets and the early solar system. For readers who want a broader view of the mineral family, see Olivine and the end-member minerals Forsterite and Fayalite.
Geological characteristics
Peridot is part of the olivine group, a silicate mineral with a characteristic orthorhombic crystal structure. The gem’s green color arises primarily from iron in the crystal lattice, with variation in iron content producing a spectrum from yellow-green to olive-green. The gem-scale form of olivine tends to be relatively transparent but can include small inclusions that influence color and clarity. The hardness of peridot on the Mohs scale is typically around 6.5 to 7, and it has moderate cleavage in one direction, making careful setting important to avoid cracking during wear. Because peridot forms in volcanic and plutonic rocks, it is commonly associated with basaltic lithologies and related rock types; in some cases, gem-quality material is also found in xenoliths transported by magmas from deeper sources. For more background on the mineral family, see Olivine and its end-members Forsterite and Fayalite.
Occurrence and sources
Peridot occurs in several parts of the world, with different deposits reflecting diverse geological histories. A substantial amount of commercially viable peridot has been mined in the United States, with notable activity in Arizona and particularly the San Carlos Apache Reservation area, where historically important sources have supplied a portion of the market. Outside the United States, significant deposits have been reported in Pakistan (notably in the Balochistan region), as well as in parts of Asia such as Myanmar (Burma), China, and Vietnam. Some peridot is also found in other locations where olivine-bearing rocks are exposed and mining infrastructure supports extraction. In addition to terrestrial sources, peridot occasionally appears in study specimens from meteorites, connecting it to broader discussions about planetary geology; see Pallasite for a famous meteorite class that contains olivine crystals. For readers who want to explore the geographic side more, see Pakistan, Arizona, Myanmar, China, Vietnam.
In practice, the supply chain for peridot is less centralized than for some other gemstones, which has led to a mix of small-scale artisanal mining and larger industrial operations. The San Carlos region, along with other mining districts, has contributed to mining lore and to discussions about how local communities and tribal authorities manage mineral rights and revenue sharing. For context about the mining environment in a given country, see Mining and Economy in natural-resource-rich regions.
Use in jewelry and care
Peridot is valued for its distinct green color and its ability to draw attention without the high cost of some other green gemstones. The stone is commonly cut in a variety of shapes and sizes, with faceted cuts that maximize brilliance and cabochon cuts that emphasize color. Because peridot can show color zoning or inclusions, gem-quality material with strong color and good clarity is preferred in serious jewelry markets. Care guidelines include avoiding harsh knocks, since the relatively softer end of the gem spectrum means that peridot can be chipped or fractured if struck, and prolonged exposure to heat should be avoided to protect color and clarity. The gem is typically cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. See Gems and Birthstone for more on how peridot sits in the broader jewelry world, and consult the August birthstone page for color and lore associated with its place in the calendar.
In the market, debates sometimes arise about color stability, treatment, and the distinction between natural and lab-grown material. While peridot is commonly natural, a small portion of the market observes synthetic or lab-grown olivine as a lower-cost alternative; see Synthetic gemstone for comparison of natural vs. lab-grown options.
Economic and cultural significance
Peridot’s value is driven by color saturation, size, and clarity, with larger, purer stones commanding higher prices. Because it occurs in several countries, the gem trade touches multiple economies and communities, from artisanal mining to larger scale operation. Its status as an August birthstone and its long history in jewelry make it a staple in retail and luxury markets, as well as in regional craft traditions where green stones symbolize fertility, renewal, and prosperity. The interplay between private property rights, transparent trade, and the rule of law influences how effectively peridot mining contributes to local development and economic stability. See Economic geology and Trade for related topics.
Controversies and debates surrounding peridot, like those touching many mineral resources, revolve around ethics, labor, and governance. Critics often push for rigorous supply-chain transparency, end-to-end tracing of origin, and strict worker-protection standards—goals that some argue can raise costs and constrain commerce. Proponents of freer markets and private-sector-led development contend that clear property rights, competitive markets, and voluntary certification schemes tend to improve conditions over time by incentivizing investment, technology, and long-term stewardship. They argue that blanket bans or politicized boycotts can cut off livelihoods for miners and their communities without delivering reliable gains in ethics or safety. In this context, peridot is sometimes cited in broader debates about responsible sourcing and the appropriate balance between regulation and market-based reform.
The conversation around natural versus synthetic options also factors into these debates. Lab-grown peridot offers a different set of economics and ethics, with implications for pricing, supply stability, and consumer choice; see Lab-grown gemstone for a broader view of how synthesized stones interact with the traditional market for Gemstones.