Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a silicate mineral. It's also known under the name chrysolite. It's green in color and sometimes has yellowish or brown nuances. Its color is usually very intense and impressive, and its intensity depends on the stone's iron content.
One of the factors that define peridot's price is color. Specimens that demonstrate a rich olive-green color are the highest valued ones, and are more expensive than lighter stones with a predominantly yellow hue. Some peridot stones have inclusions, making them appear cloudy or milky, but more and more flawless and completely clear exemplars can be found on the market.
Most peridot gemstones are small, although it's possible to find bigger exemplars occasionally. Peridot's value makes it an affordable gemstone that is used in many different types of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants. Contrary to other gemstones, its vibrant shine is also visible under artificial light, which is also why it's sometimes referred to as "evening emerald".
It's found in peridotite rocks in a number of countries: in the US, Australia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and others.
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