Peridot is the type of gemstone that you can’t help but fall in love with! It is blessed with eye-catching olive-green color and is more affordable than its other green counterparts. But even though this August birthstone is quite popular, many still wonder whether it is a rare gem or not.
So without wasting any more time, let’s unveil all facts about this lovely jewel…
- What is Peridot?
- Is it a rare gem?
- Important points to keep in mind when buying a Peridot
What is Peridot?
Peridot is gem-quality olivine – a type of mineral that is typically found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks. Peridot is one of the few gems that occur in only one color; in this particular case it is green. This color is the result of trace elements of iron. Depending on its quantity, peridots may be lighter or darker in appearance and the shade can range from pale golden-green to a vibrant olive green. This gem has a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which indicates that it is not extremely tough. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can certainly enjoy the beauty of this jewel for years to come.
Is it a Rare Gem?
The simple answer is – no, it is not. In fact, peridots can be found in most parts of the world, where large quantities of this gem are mined every year. The primary sources for peridot are Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, China, Ethiopia, and the United States. It is also still produced on the same island where the ancient Egyptians mined it, i.e., the island of Topazios, now known as St. John’s Island, or Zabargad in Arabic.
This gem is born deep inside the earth’s crust and usually reaches the surface due to volcanic eruptions. In the past, peridots have also been discovered in meteorites that have landed on earth. Such extraterrestrial peridots, however, are highly rare and not likely to be found in a jewelry store.
Also, in comparison to smaller stones, large peridots are believed to display the best color and therefore they are equally expensive.
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Buying a Peridot
1. Set a Budget
As with all valuable purchases, you need to be mindful of your budget before shopping for fine jewelry. In general, it always advisable to pick quality over size/cart weight. So if your budget doesn’t allow you to buy a big peridot, don’t fret. Just pick the best quality stone that’s available and you should be good to go.
2. Pick a Shape that Wins your Heart
Peridot looks beautiful in a variety of shapes and cuts. You can take your pick from foolproof options, like the oval and round or experiment with more contemporary choices, like the trillion, hexagon or heart. Go through all the options available and decide which one fits your style and looks best to your eyes.
3. Choose the Appropriate Metal
The olive-green hue of the peridot looks stunning when paired with yellow gold. However, if you’re not a fan of this metal, consider opting for white gold or platinum. But do keep your skin sensitivity in mind before making the final decision.
Also Read: Are Emeralds Rare?
