Peridot

Peridot, the assigned stone for the summer month of August, is ancient but still very popular gemstone. Slightly golden shimmering green variety of it is ideal gemstone color to complement a light summertime outfit. It is formed of olivine, silicate found in igneous rocks, and a very good constituent of Earth's upper mantle.

The gemstone is in fact called by three names, Peridot, Chrysolith and Olivin. Peridot is derived from Greek word "Peridona," which mean "giving plenty." The word "Chrysolith" means "goldstone" in Greek. It is one of the few stone that exist only in one color.

Chemically peridot is an iron-magnesium-silicate. The intensity of the color of the stone depends upon the amount of iron contained. The color comes in variation from yellow-green and olive to brownish green. The rare treasure varieties are Peridot-Cat's Eye and Star-Peridot.

The most beautiful peridot comes from Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. It is also found in Myanmar, China, USA, Africa, and Australia. Myanmar's peridot show a vivid green with fine silky inclusions. The peridot from Arizona often shows a yellowish to golden brown shade. There the stone is popular as Native Indian jewellery.

Peridot is used in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and accent stones. Its hardness is 6.5 - 7 in Mohs scale.

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