Gemstone encyclopedia
Peridot — meaning, history and vintage jewelry
Peridot is gem quality olivine, and it is one of only two gems that form in the earth's mantle rather than the crust. Its color is always a green with a yellow undertone, never blue, and it is one of the few stones that occurs in a single color. At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it is best kept out of hard daily knocks and away from acids.
What peridot is
Peridot has an unusually high birefringence, so through the table you can often see a doubling of the back facet edges. That is a diagnostic feature rather than a flaw.
The Egyptian island of Zabargad supplied the ancient world and produced exceptional large stones. Burmese and Pakistani material later gave the market fine large crystals, and Arizona supplies most of the small commercial stones.
Color and hardness
- Species
- Olivine
- Color
- Yellowish green to olive, always green with no blue
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5 to 7
- What that means in wear
- Moderate hardness and sensitive to acids and sudden heat. Best in earrings, pendants and protected rings.
How to care for peridot
- Warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse well.
- Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaning; peridot is sensitive to heat shock.
- Keep away from acids and household cleaners, which etch the surface.
Our full house rules, including what the one year warranty does and does not cover, are in the care & warranty guide.
History and symbolism
Mined on Zabargad in the Red Sea for more than three thousand years, and long confused with emerald: several treasures described historically as emerald turned out to be peridot. Edwardian jewelers adopted it enthusiastically, often pairing it with pearls and green garnet.
Traditionally a stone of light and warding, and today the modern August birthstone.
Peridot in vintage and antique jewelry
Edwardian and Arts and Crafts pieces above all, where peridot with seed pearls in gold is close to a signature look. Also Victorian gold brooches and mid century cocktail rings.
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Peridot pieces in our collection
Every curated vintage, antique and estate piece is one of a kind and checked by our jewelry specialists in the Netherlands. If nothing is right today, we will look for it.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does peridot look doubled inside?
- High birefringence splits light in two as it passes through the stone, so the back facets appear doubled. It is a normal identifying feature of peridot.
- Can peridot be any color other than green?
- No. Peridot is always green with a yellow undertone. A blue green stone is something else.
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