Peridot: A Complete Guide
TL;DR: Peridot is a bright lime-to-olive green gemstone, one of the few that occurs in essentially one colour family regardless of source. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale it's moderately durable, and its vivid, distinctive green makes it a strong choice for anyone who wants colour that doesn't resemble emerald or sapphire.
A Genuinely Distinctive Colour
Unlike sapphire or tourmaline, which occur across a wide colour range, peridot is defined by its signature yellow-green to olive-green colour, caused by iron within its crystal structure — there is no peridot in blue, red, or pink. This consistency makes peridot instantly recognisable and distinct from any other green gemstone.
Origins
Peridot is mined in several locations worldwide, including Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China, with some of the finest specimens historically coming from Egypt's Red Sea coast, mined since antiquity. Unusually among gemstones, peridot has also been found in meteorites — a form called pallasitic peridot, extraordinarily rare and prized by collectors specifically for its extraterrestrial origin.
Durability
At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is moderately durable — suitable for daily wear with reasonable care, though softer than sapphire or topaz and worth protecting from harsh knocks in an active lifestyle. A protective setting extends its longevity without compromising the stone's character.
Peridot as an August Birthstone
Peridot is one of two recognised birthstones for August, alongside spinel, and its vivid colour makes it a popular choice for personalised jewellery marking the month specifically.
Peridot at À Vie Diamonds
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Frequently Asked Questions
What colour is peridot? A distinctive yellow-green to olive-green — peridot does not occur in other colours the way many gemstones do.
Is peridot durable enough for daily wear? At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, it's moderately durable, suitable for daily wear with reasonable care and ideally a protective setting.
Can peridot come from meteorites? Yes — an extremely rare form called pallasitic peridot has been found in meteorites, prized by collectors for its extraterrestrial origin.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds