1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Peridot
Buyer’s Guide
Quality, Composition, Colour & Value Explained
Discover how colour, clarity, treatments and cut influence peridot value, and learn what truly determines quality before choosing your ideal green gemstone.
A complete professional Peridot Buyer’s Guide to understanding this gemstone’s quality, origin, treatments and value factors before purchasing.
History, Symbolism & Meaning of Morganite
Origins and Historical Use
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of olivine, prized for its distinctive lime-green colour. It has been mined for over 3 500 years, with ancient sources including the Red Sea island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) and parts of Egypt. Egyptian pharaohs wore peridot as protective talismans, believing it warded off evil spirits and brought prosperity.
The name peridot likely comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning “gem,” reflecting its historic use as a precious stone in royal and religious adornments.
Ancient Beliefs and Spiritual Energy
Peridot has long been associated with protection, light and renewal. Ancient cultures considered it a stone of strength and healing, believed to dispel negativity and enhance clarity of mind.
In metaphysical traditions, peridot is linked to the heart chakra, promoting compassion, emotional balance and personal growth. Its calming green hue is said to bring joy, optimism and harmony to the wearer.
Modern Symbolism and Collectibility
Today, peridot remains a popular gemstone for both its vivid colour and historical significance. Collectors value large, high-clarity stones, while designers appreciate its bright green shade for contemporary jewellery.
Peridot is also the birthstone for August and symbolises vitality, renewal and abundance. Its affordability compared to other green gemstones makes it accessible while still offering striking beauty and collectibility.
Physical & Optical Properties
Explore Peridot’s Hardness, Lustre, Transparency, Refractive Index and Specific Gravity.
Knowing the gemological characteristics of peridot helps determine durability, brilliance and suitability for everyday wear.
Colour Range
Peridot occurs in shades of: Yellowish-green, Lime-green, Olive-green. The most prized stones display a pure, bright green without brown or yellow undertones.
Chemical Formula
Peridot has the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, part of the olivine mineral group. Magnesium and iron content influences its colour intensity.
Composition
Magnesium, Iron & Silicon – trace elements determine the vividness and depth of green.
Refractive Index
1.65 – 1.69, giving peridot a lively brilliance and sparkle.
Lustre
Vitreous, producing a clear, glass-like shine when polished.
Moh's Hardness & Durability
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 – 7, making it moderately durable. It is suitable for most jewellery types but may chip if struck along cleavage planes. Protective settings are recommended for rings and bracelets.
Crystal System
Peridot crystallises in the orthorhombic system, forming elongated prismatic or stubby crystals.
Transparency
Transparent with high clarity in fine-quality stones, though some specimens may display minor inclusions.
Mineral Family
Peridot belongs to the olivine silicate mineral family.
Specific Gravity
3.2 – 3.4, typical for gem-quality peridot.
Origin, Treatment & Care
Peridot is a naturally occurring gemstone with virtually no common enhancements, making it easier to evaluate than other green stones. Understanding origin and proper care ensures its long-term beauty.
Major Origins
Significant sources of peridot include the United States (Arizona), Myanmar, Pakistan, China, and Egypt. Arizona remains the most commercially important source, producing vibrant, high-clarity stones.
Treatments
Peridot is generally untreated. Its natural colour and clarity are valued as-is, with minimal processing limited to cutting and polishing.
Care and Cleaning
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or sudden temperature changes. Clean peridot with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Due to moderate hardness, store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and chips.
How Peridot Quality & Value Are Determined
Understanding peridot grading helps buyers compare gemstones confidently. As with other gemstones, the primary value factors are colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. When these elements are balanced, the result is a bright, visually appealing gemstone.
Colour
Colour is the most critical factor in determining peridot value. The most desirable stones display:
- Bright lime to olive-green hue
- Even colour distribution with no brown or yellow tints
- Strong saturation and brilliance
Lighter stones may appear washed out, while overly yellow or dark stones lose vibrancy. Top-quality peridot exhibits lively green tones with excellent light return.
Clarity
Peridot typically has high clarity. High-value stones are:
- Eye-clean with few visible inclusions
- Free from large fractures
- Transparent with strong light reflection
Minor inclusions are common and do not significantly impact beauty, but noticeable cracks or cloudiness reduce value.
Cut
A well-executed cut maximises sparkle, colour and balance. Important considerations include:
- Symmetry and precise facet arrangement
- Appropriate depth and proportions
- Smooth polish and balanced weight
Common cuts include oval, cushion, round, and emerald-style shapes that enhance colour while reducing visible inclusions.
Carat Weight
Larger peridot stones are rarer and increase in value, particularly when colour and clarity remain strong.
When comparing stones:
- A smaller, vividly coloured stone may be worth more than a larger, less attractive one
- Larger stones should retain uniform colour and brightness
Exceptional large peridots are highly sought after for collectors and statement jewellery.
The Balance of the Four Factors
True value arises from the combination of colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
A premium peridot gemstone should display:
- Bright, even green colour
- Excellent clarity with minor natural inclusions
- Symmetrical, well-proportioned cutting
- Size and brilliance balanced for visual impact
When these qualities align, peridot is a lively, elegant gemstone suitable for both daily wear and collection purposes.
International Pricing Trends – per carat
Peridot remains relatively affordable compared to other green gemstones, though price rises with size, colour intensity and clarity. High-quality stones over 5 carats are particularly desirable.
Estimated Average International Peridot Prices (Good Quality) – Per Carat
| Weight | ZAR | USD | EUR | JPY | GBP | AUD | CAD | CHF | CNY | HKD | NZD | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 carat | Size is widely available | |||||||||||
| 1 - 2 carat | Increasingly popular | |||||||||||
| 2 - 3 carats | Strong demand | |||||||||||
| 3 - 4 carats | Remain desirable | |||||||||||
| 4 - 6 carats | Scarcer in larger sizes | |||||||||||
| 6 - 8 carats | Exceptional stones |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peridot a natural gemstone?
Yes. Peridot is a naturally occurring gem-quality mineral from the olivine family, known for its bright green colour.
Does peridot have treatments?
Peridot is generally untreated. Its colour and clarity are naturally occurring, with processing limited to cutting and polishing.
What is the birthstone month for peridot?
Peridot is the traditional birthstone for August, symbolising vitality, renewal and prosperity.
Can peridot be worn daily?
Yes, but care is needed due to its moderate hardness. Protective settings are recommended for rings and bracelets.
Where are the best peridots sourced?
The most commercially important sources are Arizona (USA), Myanmar, Pakistan and China, producing bright, eye-clean stones.
What determines peridot value?
Colour, clarity, cut and carat weight are the main factors, with bright, evenly distributed green colour being the most important.
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Ready to own the beauty of
PERIDOT?
Now that you understand peridot’s history, symbolism and quality factors, you can confidently choose your own gemstone. Admired for its lively lime-green colour and vibrant glow, peridot offers cheerful elegance and versatile beauty.
Ideal for rings, pendants or bespoke designs, peridot combines natural charm, enduring appeal and excellent value for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
Vibrant Green
Cheerful Energy
Natural Renewal
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
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