The name Peridot comes from the Old French word "peritot", which likely meant "unclear" or "uncertain," possibly referring to the gem’s slightly cloudy appearance in some specimens. Over time, the spelling evolved into "peridot". It has been prized for generations due to its vivid green hue. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour, green, though the shade can vary from yellow-green to olive depending on its chemical composition, also known as idochromatic by nature. Gem-quality variety of mineral olivine. Peridot was known in ancient Egypt as the “Gem of the Sun," also known as Zabargad or Evening Emerald, as well as Chrysolite. It is prized for both its remarkable beauty and its lengthy history. All peridots aren't the same. Their origin, quality, and distinctive qualities can all differ greatly. The various varieties of peridots, their unique characteristics, and what makes each unique depend on their origin, from which it sourced.
Colour Variant & Occurrence:
Peridot is green, but the shade varies depending on iron content and trace elements:
Yellowish-Green --> Most common; caused by higher iron content
Arizona, USA --> Yellowish-green; more abundant and affordable
Deep Green --> Most desirable; low iron content, high transparency
Myanmar (Burma) --> Deep green, fine clarity; highly prized
Olive Green --> More brownish tones; less valuable
China, Hawaiin & Vietnam --> Commercial-grade; good clarity and colour
Lime Green / Bright Green --> Often seen in the high-altitude Kohistan mountain, considered large
top-quality deposits
Rock Type ---------> Occurrence
Peridotite (Igneous) --> Mantle-derived ultramafic rock; primary source
Zabargad Island, Egypt –an ancient and historic source
Basalt --> Volcanic rock where peridot crystallises as phenocrysts
Hawaiian peridot forms during volcanic eruptions in basaltic lava flows
Dunite --> Olivine-rich rock often hosting gem peridot
Kohistan mountain igneous rock rich in olivine
Pallasite Meteorites --> Rare extraterrestrial source (space peridot)
Burmese Peridot refers to high-quality peridot mined in Myanmar (Burma), specifically from the Mogok region, which is also famous for rubies. This peridot is considered among the finest in the world, prized for its rich green colour, exceptional clarity, and larger crystal sizes.
Minimal Enhancements:
Burmese peridot is typically untreated, valued for its natural, unaltered beauty.
Hunan Peridot comes from the Hunan province of China, one of the significant sources of commercial-quality peridot. While not as prestigious as Burmese or Arizona peridot, Hunan peridot plays an important role in the global market due to its abundance, affordability, and decent gem quality.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that’s never artificially coloured, its green colour is entirely natural.
Arizona peridot is one of the most well-known sources of peridot in the United States, especially mined from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in southeastern Arizona. It is a major supplier of commercial-quality peridot worldwide and is valued for its natural green hue, accessibility, and Native American heritage.
What Is Ludwigite?
--> Ludwigite is a borate mineral composed of magnesium, iron borate.
--> It typically forms dark, needle-like inclusions inside host minerals, especially peridot.
--> The presence of ludwigite does not lower the value of the peridot; in fact, it increases uniqueness and is often appreciated by collectors.
Visual Appeal:
The fine, black ludwigite inclusions contrast beautifully with peridot’s vibrant green color.
When present in well-formed patterns, these inclusions can look like:
Brush strokes
Feathers
Lightning bolts
Often sold under labels like "designer peridot" or "inclusion art gems."
Inclusions & Treatments:
--> Inclusions like ludwigite are not flaws, but internal "signatures" of natural formation.
--> These gems are rarely treated, so what you see is 100% natural geological artistry.
--> Each Ludwigite peridot is one-of-a-kind, like a gemstone fingerprint.
Suppatt Peridot is a highly prized variety of peridot mined from the Kohistan and Gilgit-Baltistan regions, particularly from the rugged Suppatt mine. Known for its intense, vibrant green colour, often with a slight golden undertone, it is considered some of the finest peridot.
Key Facts:
Colour --> Rich yellow-green to deep olive green
Transparency --> Transparent
Luster --> Vitreous
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