Introduction

Peridot, is one of the very rare gems that occur only in one colour, green. Shades can range from lime to olive. The percentage of iron contained in the crystal structure determines the intensity and tint of the green. While most gems are formed in the earth’s crust, the Peridot is formed much deeper, in the mantle. It has been found in some meteorites, making it one of the few gems known to exist outside of our solar system. It is also one of the oldest known gemstones, with ancient records documenting the mining of Peridot from as early as 1500 B.C.

Historically it was used as a medical remedy. It was powdered to cure asthma and was held under the tongue to, supposedly, lessen the thirst of a person suffering from fever and lessen anxiety. People in medieval times confused Peridot with emerald. For centuries, people believed the fabulous 200-ct. gems adorning the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were emeralds. It’s also fairly durable landing between 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.