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Chemical Formula: (MgFe)2SiO4
Mineral Name: Olivine
Color: Varies from yellow to green color
Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Peridot, a volcanic gemstone is a yellow-green variety
of olivine. It is composed of silica, magnesia and
iron. It is the traditional birthstone of August. The
gemstone is formed of olivine, a silicate found in
igneous rocks and a major constituent of the Earth's
upper mantle.
The word "peridot" is derived from French word "peritot"
meaning unclear. It also believed to take its name
from the Arabic word "faridat" meaning gem. Small
crystallites of peridot are often found in the basalt
rocks created by volcanoes and have been found in
iron-nickel meteorites called pallasites. It is found
in the USA, Myanmar, Egypt, China, Sri Lanka and
Pakistan.
Faceted peridot is highly prized gemstone and is also
used as birthstone and in making jewelry. It is used
both as a faceted and tumbled gem. The faceted stones
are used in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and
as accent stones. The tumbled gems are embedded in
baroque jewelry, drilled and strung as beads, used in
mosaics and in producing gem trees.
