Characteristics of Peridot:

Chemical Name: Magnesium, iron silicate

Formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ 

Colors: Pale green to brownish-green

Structure: Orthorhombic

Hardness: 6.5-7

Specific Gravity: 3.32-3.37

Refractive Index: 1.64-1.69

Lustre: Vitreous to greasy

Streak: White to greenish

Locations: China, Myanmar, Norway, Canary Islands, Australia, Sierra Leone

What is Peridot? 

The name Peridot is French, possibly derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem”. This variety of gem-quality olivine has been mined for over 3,500 years – the Red Sea island of Zabargad was the main source of Peridot for ancient Mediterranean civilization. The Greeks and romans called this island Topazios, and so they name this stone “topaz”, although it has nothing to do with the gem of the same name. Peridot can range from pale golden-green to brownish-green in color; rich green is the most valued of all.