Levi KeswickKey takeaways:
- Peridot, the olive green gemstone, is the gem-quality variant of the mineral olivine.
- The unique olive-green color of peridot comes from trace amounts of nickel and possibly slight oxidation of iron.
- Peridot gemstones are durable and resilient, with a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
- The finest quality peridots have been discovered on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea.
- Despite olivine being one of Earth’s most common minerals, finding gem-quality peridot is a rare occurrence.
The Majestic Realm of the Olive Green Gemstone: Peridot
Peridot, also known as olivine in its pure mineral form, carries the unique distinction of being one of the few gemstones that appears in only a single color – a captivating shade of olive green. Known for its enchanting color, the “olive green gemstone” draws its name from the French word for olivine, ‘Peridot’.
Composed of magnesium, iron, oxygen, silicon, and often traces of manganese and nickel, the color of this captivating gemstone is thought to be a result of nickel impurities. Yet, some gemologists suggest that the occasional reddish hue observed in peridots might be due to the oxidation of iron.
The Enduring Quality of Peridots
Peridot’s durability is one of its notable attributes. It measures 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which assesses a gemstone’s hardness. To put that into perspective, the hardest known mineral, diamond, ranks 10 on the scale, while talc, the softest, stands at 1. This hardness lends the peridot an enviable resilience, making it a preferred choice for jewelry.
Unearthed Treasures: The Sources of Peridot
Interestingly, peridot is often discovered in lava present in the Earth’s mantle. However, the most exquisite peridots are found in the rocks of Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, known for their superior gemstone quality.
Additionally, the universe holds more of these enchanting gems than you might expect. Olivine, or peridot, has been discovered in meteorites, lunar soil, Martian dust, and the remnants of comets and asteroids. This shows how intertwined the elements of the cosmos truly are!
A Gem Amongst Minerals: The Rarity of Gem-Quality Peridot
Despite olivine being a fairly common mineral in the Earth’s composition, gem-quality peridot is remarkably rare. This rarity elevates it to the status of a precious gemstone, as opposed to semi-precious ones like topaz or citrine. This scarcity enhances the allure of peridot, making each olive green gemstone piece a treasured possession.
The Artful Crafting of Peridot Jewelry
When it comes to peridot jewelry, finished pieces are always translucent, showcasing the gemstone’s unique hue in all its glory. From silver peridot rings to white gold pendants and earrings, each jewelry piece is a testament to the gemstone’s natural beauty.
Whether set in gold or silver, the enchanting olive green gemstone—peridot—offers a unique allure that is hard to resist. Its resilience, coupled with its captivating color and the rarity of gem-quality variants, makes peridot a coveted choice for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry collectors alike.
In the mesmerizing world of gemstones, peridot holds a place of reverence, radiating its olive-green hues like a beacon of natural beauty. It’s more than just an accessory – it’s a piece of the cosmos brought to life by the skilled hands of jewelers. Peridot, the enchanting olive green gemstone, is indeed a cosmic wonder worth cherishing.
