Forsterite (Peridot)
USA (Arizona), Pakistan
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, typically dominated by the magnesium-rich endmember forsterite. It is an orthorhombic silicate that occurs in olive to yellowish-green hues, often formed in basaltic lavas and occasionally in meteorites. With Mohs hardness 6.5–7 and fair to good toughness, it is suitable for most jewelry when properly set and protected from hard knocks.
Price History
Value Drivers
Carat weight strongly influences value for fine peridot. Small stones (under ~3 carats) are common, but larger gems—especially clean stones above 5–10 carats with rich color—are significantly rarer and command higher per-carat prices. Very large stones from select deposits are particularly prized.
Color is a principal value driver. The most desirable peridot displays a vivid, slightly golden or pure 'grass' green with medium to medium-dark tone and strong saturation, without overly brown or yellow modifiers. Stones that are too pale, too yellow or muddy trade at lower price levels.
Peridot commonly contains 'lily pad' inclusions (disk-like stress features around crystals). While minor inclusions are tolerated, stones that are eye-clean or nearly eye-clean are preferred, especially in larger sizes. Heavy inclusions or surface-reaching fractures reduce both beauty and durability.
Cut quality is important to maximize brilliance and minimize the appearance of inclusions. Well-proportioned mixed cuts that avoid overly deep or shallow pavilions enhance brightness and color. Peridot's relatively high birefringence can create a 'sleepy' doubled facet effect if not managed by the cutter.
Market Dynamics
Major peridot sources include Pakistan (notably the high-altitude deposits in the Karakoram), China, Myanmar, Vietnam and the United States (Arizona). Historically, Egypt's Zabargad Island was a famous source. Modern mining has yielded substantial quantities of commercial grades, though top-quality large stones remain limited.
Peridot enjoys steady demand as an August birthstone and as a staple bright-green colored gem in both mass-market and mid-range jewelry. Designer and high-end segments focus on larger, fine-color stones, especially from premium localities.
Recent Trends: steady demand from the broader jewelry market, with gradual growth in online and designer channels for well-cut, natural stones.
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Insights
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs primarily in a single color—green—though its exact shade varies with iron content and trace elements.
High-altitude Pakistani peridot from the Kashmir region has produced some of the finest large stones, noted for their rich, saturated color.
Peridot has been found in certain pallasite meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones known in extraterrestrial form, though such material is rarely faceted.
Because peridot's color can appear slightly different under daylight versus incandescent light, careful viewing under multiple lighting conditions is recommended for high-end purchases.
Peridot is generally not subjected to the common treatments applied to many other colored stones, making it attractive to buyers looking for mostly untreated gems.
Inclusions and internal stress can make peridot somewhat sensitive to ultrasonic and steam cleaners; mild cleaning methods are recommended.
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