Peridot is a vibrant and attractive transparent yellowish-green to deep green gemstone. Known as the ‘extreme’ gemstone, it is typically found in lava flows and solidified molten rock. However, it is rarely found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. In 2005, peridot crystals were found in comet dust, retrieved from the Stardust robotic space probe.
There is evidence to show that peridot was mined by the Ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians referred to the vibrant gemstone as the ‘gem of the sun.’ The distinctive colour of peridot is due to the presence of iron within the crystal structure. Peridot is the birthstone for August, and is gifted for sixteen-year wedding anniversaries. Peridot has been found in China, Burma, Brazil, Pakistan and Arizona.