Peridot is one of those gemstones that instantly catches your eye — a glowing green jewel that looks like it’s captured a piece of sunlight. It’s bright, vibrant, and carries a kind of natural energy that feels alive. But have you ever wondered how peridot is actually formed? The story behind this gem is just as fascinating as its colour. Let’s dive into how peridot stones are created, where they come from, and why they’re so loved in jewellery.
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality form of olivine, a mineral made deep within the Earth’s mantle. It’s one of the very few gemstones that naturally occurs in just one colour — green. Depending on the amount of iron in the stone, the green can vary from light lime to deep olive.
Historically, peridot has been called the “gem of the sun” for its golden-green glow. Ancient Egyptians mined it as early as 1500 BC on Zabargad Island (now St. John’s Island), believing it protected wearers from evil and brought warmth and prosperity. Even today, people associate peridot with positivity, renewal, and good luck.
Where Is Peridot Found?
Peridot is found in several places around the world — and surprisingly, not all of it comes from Earth. Some peridot stones have been discovered in meteorites, making them truly cosmic treasures.
The most significant sources of peridot on Earth include:
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Myanmar (Burma) – Known for producing some of the world’s finest and most vivid green peridot.
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Pakistan – Found in the high Himalayan mountains, often with exceptional clarity and colour.
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United States (Arizona) – The San Carlos Apache Reservation produces a large portion of the world’s peridot supply.
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China and Vietnam – Provide good-quality stones for the commercial jewellery market.
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Egypt – One of the oldest known sources of peridot, historically mined for thousands of years.
According to data from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), demand for peridot jewellery has steadily grown by about 20% over the past decade, thanks to its affordability and eco-friendly sourcing compared to other gems.
How Is Peridot Formed?
Peridot’s journey begins deep within the Earth’s mantle, around 20 to 55 miles below the surface. It forms under extreme heat and pressure, where the mineral olivine crystallises. Over millions of years, volcanic activity pushes these crystals upward through the Earth’s crust in molten rock, eventually cooling and solidifying into peridot stones.
In other words, peridot is born from volcanoes. That’s part of what makes it so unique. The lava brings it up from the mantle and sometimes even deposits it near the surface after eruptions. In rare cases, peridot can also be found in pallasite meteorites, a type of space rock that has crashed into Earth — meaning some peridot is literally out of this world.
This fiery origin is part of the reason why peridot has long been linked to energy, transformation, and protection in spiritual traditions.
Is Peridot Formed Often?
Not exactly. While peridot can be found in several countries, its formation process is rare and complex. It requires very specific geological conditions — the right temperature, pressure, and volcanic movement.
Because of this, peridot isn’t formed everywhere, and large high-quality crystals are hard to come by. In fact, the gem-quality stones found in places like Burma or Pakistan are far less common than the smaller crystals found in lava flows.
However, thanks to active mining regions, natural peridot remains relatively available in the market — it’s rare in formation but not yet rare in supply.
Is Peridot Becoming Rare?
It’s not vanishing, but premium-grade peridot is getting harder to find.
As older mines become depleted, the best stones — those with deep green colour and excellent clarity — are becoming less common. Gem experts note that prices for high-quality peridot have risen by 15–25% in recent years, especially for stones above 5 carats.
That said, peridot remains an affordable and accessible gemstone compared to many others. Most peridot jewellery on the market uses smaller, beautifully cut stones that still carry that signature green sparkle.
Is Peridot Worth Having in Jewellery?
Absolutely! Peridot is a fantastic gemstone for jewellery. It’s stylish, meaningful, and easy to pair with both gold and silver settings.
Here’s why people love it:
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It’s durable: Peridot ranks 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it strong enough for everyday wear if cared for properly.
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It’s affordable: Compared to gemstones like emerald or sapphire, peridot offers exceptional beauty at a fraction of the price.
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It’s meaningful: Many people associate peridot with peace, happiness, and growth, making it a thoughtful gift.
Peridot rings, earrings, and necklaces are particularly popular in August since it’s the birthstone of August, and demand for these pieces typically spikes during that month.
Where Should You Go to Buy Peridot Jewellery?
When buying peridot, it’s important to shop from trusted sellers who offer genuine, certified stones. Look for reputable jewellers or brands that disclose the stone’s origin and quality.
Some reliable options include:
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Gemstone specialists such as GIA-certified retailers or well-known jewellers like Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth.
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Independent artisans on platforms like Etsy, where you can find handcrafted designs with authentic peridot.
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Local jewellers who can provide transparency about the stone’s origin and authenticity.
Always ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying high-value pieces to ensure your peridot is genuine.
Conclusion
Peridot’s formation story is one of fire, pressure, and time — a true example of nature’s artistry. From its volcanic origins to its bright, sunlit glow, peridot remains one of the most captivating and meaningful gemstones you can wear.
While it isn’t formed often, it’s still accessible, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking to add a touch of nature’s power to their jewellery collection. Whether you’re drawn to its unique history, vivid green hue, or spiritual symbolism, peridot proves that beauty really can come from deep within the Earth.
FAQ’S
Is peridot a rare gemstone?
Peridot isn’t considered rare overall, but high-quality large stones are becoming less common as certain mines deplete.
How long does it take for peridot to form?
It forms over millions of years deep in the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure before being pushed to the surface by volcanic activity.
Can peridot come from space?
Yes! Some peridot crystals have been found inside meteorites, making them cosmic gemstones.
Is peridot expensive?
Not typically. Most peridot jewellery is affordable, though premium stones can be priced higher due to clarity and colour.
How do I care for peridot jewellery?
Avoid harsh chemicals, store it separately to prevent scratches, and clean gently with warm soapy water.