ES

Peridot

· 1 min read · Materials

Peridot is a gem of luminous olive or lime green, of medium hardness (6.5-7); it is the August birthstone and needs care with knocks and acids.

Illustration: Peridot

Peridot is the gem variety of olivine. Its yellowish, luminous, fresh green does not change with the light and is very characteristic. It has been used since antiquity and is the August birthstone.

Properties #

  • Composition: magnesium iron silicate (olivine)
  • Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: from yellowish green to olive green; pure intense green is the most valued.
  • Origins: Pakistan, Myanmar, Egypt, Arizona and China.
  • Treatments: rarely treated.

Uses in jewelry #

  • Earrings, pendants and occasion rings.
  • Summer jewelry and fresh color.
  • August birthstone.

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

  • Unique, always lively color.
  • Moderate price.
  • Available in large sizes.

Limitations #

  • Sensitive to knocks and acids.
  • Scratches more easily than sapphire or quartz.
  • Avoid wearing it daily in rings.

Care and cleaning #

  • Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • Do not use ultrasonic or steam.
  • Avoid acidic products and knocks.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.