Quick Facts on Peridot Stone
| Chemical Formula |
: | (MgFe)2SiO4 |
| Mineral |
: | Olivine |
| Color |
: | Varies from yellow to green color |
| Hardness |
: | 6.5 to 7 |

Peridot, a
volcanic gemstone is a yellow-green variety of olivine. It is
composed of silica, magnesia and iron. It is the traditional
birthstone of August. The gemstone is formed of olivine, a silicate
found in igneous rocks and a major constituent of the Earth's upper
mantle.
The word "peridot" is derived from French word "peritot"
meaning unclear. It also believed to take its name from the Arabic
word "faridat" meaning gem. Small crystallites of peridot
are often found in the basalt rocks created by volcanoes and have
been found in iron-nickel meteorites called pallasites. It is found
in the USA, Myanmar, Egypt, China, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Faceted peridot is highly prized gemstone and is also used as
birthstone and in making jewelry. It is used both as a faceted and
tumbled gem. The faceted stones are used in rings, earrings,
pendants, bracelets, and as accent stones. The tumbled gems are
embedded in baroque jewelry, drilled and strung as beads, used in
mosaics and in producing gem trees.