PERIDOT :

Peridot is derived from the French term "peritot," which means unclear, possibly referring to the inclusion and cloudy nature of large stones. This exceptionally simple and charming gemstone is found exclusively in one shade worldwide, which is a green-gold hue. Peridot stones are formed by silicate and iron.

WHERE DO THEY FORM?

Peridot is discovered in rocks created by volcanoes and even in meteors that fall to Earth. A few specimens of extraterrestrial peridot have been faceted into gems. Peridot forms deep within the Earth under tremendous heat and pressure.

MINING AND PROCESSING:

Peridot, a gem-quality olivine mineral, is predominantly mined from the Earth's mantle and typically found in volcanic rocks known as basalts. The extraction and processing of peridot involve several key steps:

Mining

Peridot is primarily sourced from countries such as the United States, Myanmar, Pakistan, China, and Vietnam. Miners extract peridot from volcanic regions or from alluvial deposits where the gemstone has been carried by water erosion. Mining methods vary, ranging from open-pit to underground mining, depending on the deposit's characteristics.

Sorting and Grading

After extraction, peridot is sorted and graded based on criteria such as color, clarity, size, and cut. Gemologists meticulously assess the rough peridot to evaluate its quality and potential value.

Cutting and Shaping

Skilled lapidaries employ various cutting and shaping techniques to transform rough peridot crystals into faceted gemstones or cabochons. The choice of cut depends on the characteristics of the rough peridot to enhance its beauty and brilliance.

Heat Treatment

ome peridot gemstones may undergo heat treatment to improve their color and clarity. This process can enhance the gemstone's appearance by minimizing inclusions or intensifying its green hue.

Setting

Once cut and treated, peridot gemstones are meticulously set into jewelry pieces such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Artisans carefully place the gemstones into metal settings to create exquisite pieces for sale.

Quality Control and Certification

Before reaching consumers, peridot gemstones undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure they meet industry standards. Some gemstones may also receive certification from esteemed gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to authenticate their quality and origin.

Overall, the extraction and processing of peridot involve precise techniques and expertise to produce high-quality gemstones suitable for use in jewelry and other decorative items.

COMPOSITION:

• Variety of: Olivine, (Mg, Fe) 2SiO4

• Birefringence: 0.037

• Cleavage: usually not discernible

• Crystal System: orthorhombic

• Birthstone For: August

• Color: shades of green usually from yellow-green to greenish yellow.

• Index of Refraction: 1.630 - 1.695

• Hardness: 6.5 - 7

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Color:

Color is a distinctive feature of this stone. It is one of the gemstones that exists in a single color. The primary color is light green with a slight touch of golden-yellow. The variation in green depends on the amount of iron in the chemical composition. The level of iron determines the color intensity of this beautiful gemstone; higher iron content results in a deeper green color. The finest-colored Peridot typically contains between 2-14% iron.

Cut:

This marvelous gemstone is somewhat challenging to cut due to its brittle nature. Its rough crystals require careful handling and precision from gemstone cutters to avoid breakage. The cutting process is dictated by the crystal formation. Larger stones are often cut into special specimen stones, while smaller ones are fashioned into standardized gemstones.

Clarity:

The clarity of the gemstone is generally average. A few flaws are typically present and are removed during the cutting process. Generally, any noticeable inclusions are removed, though some fine silky inclusions may be retained. Stones with complete clarity do exist but are quite rare.

Carat weight:

Carat weight is a significant factor determining the value of the stone in monetary terms. The higher the carat weight, the higher the price. Typically, smaller cut stones used in jewelry range from 1 to 4 carats. Stones larger than 4 carats are relatively more expensive. Carat weights between 10 and 15 are uncommon and command a higher value.

NATURAL OCCURRENCE:

Peridot is found naturally in various locations worldwide, including Egypt, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Hawaii, China, the United States of America, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Australia, Minas Gerais in Brazil, Kohistan in Pakistan, Eifel in Germany, and Chihuahua in Mexico.