Peridot

Color: Peridot has a bright green color, ranging from yellow-green to olive green. The color is caused by traces of iron in the crystal. The most valued stones have a pure green hue without brown or yellow undertones.

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the scale of Mohs. Peridot is relatively hard and suitable for jewelry worn daily, but care is needed as it can still be susceptible to scratches.

Location: Major sources include the United States (Arizona), Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Norway, and Tanzania.

Types and characteristics:

Arabic peridot: Often bright green with a slightly yellowish undertone.

Burmese peridot: Deep, saturated green; rarer and highly valued.

Pakistani peridot: Bright green to olive green.

Value: The value of a peridot is determined by color, clarity, size, and the quality of inclusions. Clear, intensely green stones without visible inclusions are the most valuable.