PERIDOT (Forsterite)
The gem of the sun
FOUND IN
Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, US, Australia & China,
COLOUR
Olive-green
HARDNESS
6.5 – 7
Birthstone for August, Peridot has an olive or bottle green colour due to the presence of iron in its chemical composition. The most important deposits of peridot are on the volcanic island of St John in the Red Sea where they have been mined for 3500 years. Peridot was brought to Europe in the middle ages and was often used for ecclesiastical purposes. Nowadays the stones are usually faceted and found in rings, necklaces and earrings. Peridot is the National gem of Egypt.
