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 Peridot |
| Crystal structure : Orthorhombic |
Composition : Ferrous magnesium silicate |
| Specific gravity : 3.27-3.37 |
Hardness : 6.5-7 |
| Refractive index : 1.654-1.690 |
Birefringence : 0.036 |
| Variety : |
Pleochroïsm : very weak (pale green, vivid green) |
Cut :      |
When a stone is too dark, it is possible to clear up it while bringing it up to incandescence.
There are two rather rare varieties: the star peridot and the peridot cat's eye. |
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The noun peridot is of unknown origin. The peridot is also called Chrysolite and Olivine.
The largest peridot cut in the world weighs 310 cts. |
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| Deposits : |
| The countries having deposits are : |
Country |
Quantity |
Quality |
Comment |
| Pakistan |
Important |
The best quality |
Only since 1990 |
| Zebirget island (Red sea) |
Important |
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Worked since 3500 years |
| Burma |
Important |
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| United states |
Important |
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| South Africa |
Medium |
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| Brazil |
Medium |
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| Australia |
Medium |
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| Zaire |
Medium |
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| Norway |
Medium |
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