Properties of the Peridot
The properties of the beautiful August birthstone make it an incredible gem for jewellery. When searching for the perfect peridot stone or jewellery piece, it’s important to consider its many features, including:
Colour – Peridots may only come in one colour, but the tint and intensity of the hue can vary. This is due to the percentage of iron present in the crystal structure, which can create colours that range from yellowish to olive and brownish-green. The most valuable and sought-after colour is a dark olive green.
Carat – It’s relatively common to find peridots smaller than three carats; however, those over five carats are rare and have a higher value, and peridots ranging from 10 to 15 carats are an even rarer occurrence.
Clarity – Most peridots of gem-quality are translucent and clear to the naked eye. Under a loupe, this stone may appear to have inclusions inside, which doesn’t detract from its value if they can only be seen with special equipment.
Cut – When it comes to cut, peridots are usually faceted, as they can easily be cut into several different shapes due to their remarkable transparency. Popular cuts include oval, cushion, emerald, beads and dome-shaped cabochons.
Hardness – Peridot ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning this precious gem is perfect for being set into several different types of jewellery, from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Image: 18ct Yellow Gold 5.77ct Peridot and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring