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PERIDOT

Few gemstones can claim to be extraterrestrial but Peridot certainly can. This unique gemstones is not only found in volcanic rock but also in meteors that have fallen to earth; it has even been discovered on Mars and the moon in olivine form.

One of just a few gemstones occurring in only one colour (green), Peridot is sometimes referred to as ‘the poor man's emerald', 'olivine' or ‘chrysolite'. Chrysolite is an historic name used to describe a number of other green colored gemstones, including Chrysoberyl, Zircon, Tourmaline and Apatite.

Peridot’s ability to shine vividly even in lamplight also earned it the title and status of ‘the evening Emerald’. Whilst Peridot is fairly common, found in several parts of the world, gem-quality Peridot is rare.

 

Sources: Key sources of Peridot today are Pakistan, Burma, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, Ethiopia and the USA.

Similar gemstones: Chrysoberyl, Zircon, Tourmaline and Apatite may all resemble Peridot.

Colour palette: Peridot comes in a distinctive shade of green - a vibrant fresh green, in shades varying from light yellowish green to olive to dark brownish-green.

Vivid lime-green Peridot or those stones with a deep olive-green and a slight yellowish tint are particularly popular, while Peridot with a deeper, more intense olive green is considered the most desirable and tends to be more valuable than lighter coloured greens and yellowish-greens.

More information about the Peridot: Peridot is the Birthstone of August, the 16th Wedding Anniversary gemstone and associated with success, peace and luck.

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