Peridot: The "Gem of the Sun" from the Earth's Mantle

Peridot: The "Gem of the Sun" from the Earth's Mantle 

Peridot, with its vibrant yellowish-green colour, has captivated people for millennia. Also known as olivine, peridot is the gem variety of a magnesium iron silicate mineral that forms in the Earth's upper mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Its distinctive colour comes from the presence of iron, and the best quality peridot displays a pure, rich grass-green hue.

The name "peridot" is thought to derive from the Arabic word "faridat", meaning "gem." Ancient Egyptians, who referred to it as the "gem of the sun," were the first to mine peridot on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, and did so for 3500 years. In fact, it is widely believed that Cleopatra's legendary emeralds were, in reality, peridot stones. Its history extends beyond Earth, as peridot is also found in pallasite meteorites, remnants from the birth of our solar system, and in comet dust retrieved by NASA space probes.

The journey of peridot from the Earth's mantle to a stunning piece of jewellery is a global one. The vast majority of the world's supply today, approximately 80-90%, comes from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, USA. However, other significant sources exist in places like China, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Vietnam. In Australia, a small amount of gemstone grade peridot is mostly found in north eastern Queensland, with smaller deposits in western Victoria and northern Tasmania.

Gemological Characteristics and Care

On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot measures between 6.5 and 7. This makes it suitable for jewellery, but it can be susceptible to scratching or chipping if worn in high-impact pieces like daily-wear rings. For this reason, it's a great choice for earrings and pendants, or occasional wear rings. Peridot is also known for its strong birefringence, a gemological property that causes a doubling of facet junctions and inclusions when viewed through the stone. This characteristic is a key identifier for gemologists.

When it comes to care, peridot is stable with light exposure but should be protected from harsh chemicals, extreme heat changes, and abrasive materials. We recommend cleaning peridot jewellery by simply soaking it in warm, soapy water and then drying it with a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone.

Peridot in Melanie Katsalidis Jewellery

Peridot has a number of fans due to its eye-catching colour and unique history. Melanie Katsalidis jewellery, while not featuring peridot extensively, does hero this gemstone in some signature pieces. For instance, this gemstone features in the Hexagonal Step Cut Peridot Drop Earrings or the Birthstone Amulet collection. These designs showcase the stone's beauty in contemporary settings.

The vibrant colour of peridot makes it a versatile stone that can be set in various metals, from the classic elegance of yellow gold to the modern appeal of white gold or sterling silver. Its popularity as the birthstone for August adds to its appeal, making it a meaningful gift for those celebrating a birthday in that month.