Home » Beading Definition: Peridot
Peridot
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine. It is one of the few gemstones that come in only one color, with iron being the coloring agent. Olivine is a very abundant mineral, but gem-quality peridot is rather rare.
An estimated 80 - 95% of all world production of peridot comes from Arizona, China and Pakistan although gemstone quality peridot is also mined in Saudi Arabia. Popular throughout history - from ancient Egypt to Baroque Europe - peridot is enjoying a much-deserved resurgence in popularity today.
BIRTHSTONE: Peridot is the modern birthstone for August.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: Peridot is the gem designated for the 16th Wedding Anniversary.
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