Peridot sometimes called chrysolite, is a yellowish-green transparent variety of olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color.
Peridot can be found in mafic and ultramafic rocks occurring in lava and peridotite xenoliths of the mantle. The gem occurs in silica-deficient rocks such as volcanic basalt and pallasitic meteorites. Peridot is one of only two gems observed to be formed not in Earth's crust, but in the molten rock of the upper mantle.
Gem-quality peridot is rare on earth's surface due to its susceptibility to weathering during its movement from deep within the mantle to the surface.
Peridot has a chemical formula of (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. Peridot is one of the birthstones for the month of August.
The intensity and tint of the green depends on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure, so the colour of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow, to olive, to brownish-green. In rare cases, peridot may have a medium-dark toned, pure green with no secondary yellow hue or brown mask. Lighter-coloured gems are due to lower iron concentrations.
Inclusions are common in peridot crystals but their presence depends on the location it is found and the geological conditions that led to the crystallization of the peridot.
Lore
Peridot has been prized since the earliest civilizations for its claimed protective powers to drive away fears and nightmares. It is believed to carry the gift of "inner radiance", sharpening the mind and opening it to new levels of awareness and growth, helping one to recognize and realize one's destiny and spiritual purpose.
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