Peridot

Identity and appearance

Peridot is the gem variety of olivine. Its yellowish to brownish green range differs from the many colours possible in some other gem families.

Internal doubling can be visible in this doubly refractive material. It is an observation for examination, not a sufficient home identification test.

Care and handling

Protect exposed edges from knocks and avoid acids and abrupt temperature changes. Do not use a scratch test on a finished gem.

Questions for an individual stone

Keep the material name, natural or laboratory-grown origin, treatment description and any report together. Ask which conclusions were established by examination and which remain unknown. The reference properties here describe a material; they are not measurements of a stone offered for sale.

If a description and report disagree, request clarification before making a decision. Photographs are useful for discussing appearance, but cannot authenticate a specimen. Keep care instructions with the item so that a jeweller or repairer can assess it before work begins.

Comparison and interpretation

Compare peridot with green tourmaline or emerald by material identity before comparing shade. Different minerals can produce a similar green impression in a small photograph. In peridot, an examiner may observe doubling of features through the stone, but this depends on viewing direction and cannot be used as a universal photograph-based test. Ask which observations support an identification and whether an independent report was issued. A geographical story should be supported separately; the green colour alone does not show where the crystal formed.

Choosing and documenting a piece

For a ring or bracelet, exposed edges and accidental impact are practical concerns. Ask a jeweller to inspect the setting and visible fractures before deciding how the item will be worn. A pendant may face different knocks from a ring, but setting design and the individual stone still matter. Store peridot separately and keep a record of the care advice supplied. If cleaning history is uncertain, stop before experimenting with household acids or mechanical cleaners. A cautious professional assessment is more useful than a damaging home identification experiment.

Before making a decision

For peridot, ask the seller to identify the actual item, state what remains unknown and explain the scope of any report. Keep photographs, measurements and written disclosures together. If an answer matters to your decision, obtain it before commissioning a setting or arranging a repair.

Sources and further reading

• GIA Peridot reference Checked 2026-10-16

Suggest a correction