Understanding Gem Jewelry

Peridot, also known as olivine, is August's birthstone. It is found in varying shades of olive green, yellow-green, brownish-green, but the most valued color is a lively lime green. The yellowier varieties are often referred to as chrysolite, but are chemically identical. Peridot is usually lighter in hue than emerald, and has a more velvety color rather than a brilliant one. On the mohs hardness scale peridot ranks 6.5 - 7.0.

The largest source of gem-quality peridot is believed to be in the mesas on one of the reservations of the Apache Natives in Arizona, but peridot is also mined in St. John's Island, Zebirget Island, Red Sea (Egypt), Norway, Eifel, Germany, Hawaii, Myanmar (Burma), and Italy. Peridots from Mogok, Burma, are reputed to the largest, although Pakistani gems are said to be the best.

Peridot is occasionally treated with colorless oil, wax, natural and synthetic unhardened resins into voids to improve appearance. Surface fractures are sometimes filled with a colorless hardened substance.

The largest known faceted peridot is on display at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Another, yellowish-green 192.75-carat stone which belonged to the czars is now a part of the Diamond Treasury in Moscow, Russia. A 146-carat step-cut peridot is in the Geological Museum in London. The American Museum of Natural History in New York and the Chicago Museum of Natural History have included peridot in their collections as part of mineral displays. Some European cathedrals have peridots in their interior architecture.

Peridot is an excellent decorative gem, often used as a side stone for more expensive center stones. Their relative affordability makes them popular among those who cannot afford emeralds or sapphires.

Gemstone colors

Emerald - The greenest of the green, emeralds were cherished by the Romans above all other gems. Find out what makes this favorite of Cleopatra's so unique

Garnet - January's birthstone is famous for being as red as a ruby, but this colorful gem actually comes in every color but blue. Discover this elusive chameleon

Opal - Opals are the gem world's silvery mirrors, reflecting back every color in a flash of pastels or a streak of fire. Uncover this enchanting stone.

Peridot - Peridot is a gem that gets around. From ancient Egypt to present-day Apache mesas, even in space meteorites--you never know where its green gleam is going to show up.

Ruby - The color of courage and blood, rubies are even more precious per carat than diamonds. See why the Biblical authors to modern collectors use them as the measure of ultimate value.

Tanzanite- Millions of years in the making, deep-violet tanzanite revealed itself to humans only thirty years ago. Read about this newest discovery.

Sapphire - Blue as the perfect sky, sapphires have been used as protective talismans for centuries. Learn about the versatility of this stone that combines hardness and color variation like no other.

Tourmaline - Available in every color and saturation, this tough crystal has become a popular substitute for rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Unmask this clever chameleon.

Turquoise - The lovely opaque blue of turquoise is produced by traces of copper in the stone. Elements of iron will also create a pretty, pronounced green hue. Oxides contribute to the stone's famous gray, brown or black veining.