Observe the color and clarity of this shiny peridot!
How Peridot Forms
Nodules, lava flow, magma, crystallization, eruption, and basalt all have to do with the way peridot is formed. See how!
Lily Pads
These disk-like inclusions in peridot are called lily pads. They are actually fractures inside the gem. Nature is full of surprises! - Photo by John I. Koivula/GIA
Peridot from Vietnam
This sparkling peridot is from Vietnam and is "eye clean," meaning inclusions cannot be seen with the unaided eye. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, courtesy Glenn Preus
Finest Qualities
This beautiful peridot was designed as an antique cushion cut. This gem displays peridot's finest qualities: a rich color of yellowish green and high clarity. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA
Princess Cut
Cutting a gem with today's modern methods can bring out color and brightness in smaller gems. This peridot was fashioned in what is known as a Princess cut. It was mined in Arizona, in the United States. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA
Peridot Nodules
Peridot nodules look like roundish gravel. They are found in volcanic rocks all over the American Southwest. These are from San Carlos, Arizona.
Peridot from New Mexico
These rough gems are from New Mexico, in the United States. The large piece weighs 33 carats, but most of the smaller stones weigh below 2 carats.
Extraterrestrial
Peridot can also be found in meteorites called pallasites! Gems cut from these space rocks are truly extraterrestrial and very valuable. - Photo by Eric Welch/GIA, courtesy Magic Mountain Gems
Butterfly Brooch
This wonderful butterfly brooch (a type of pin) includes a peridot from the country of Pakistan. The cut is called a marquise cut. A gemstone with a marquise cut is shaped like an oval with pointed ends. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA, courtesy Buzz Gray and Bernadine Johnston
Peridot Cut Gem and Rough Crystal
Although large crystals are available to cut large gems over 10 carats, smaller size crystals are still much more plentiful. - Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA
Dark Inclusion
This is a dark chromite inclusion in a peridot. Inclusions are fun to investigate under a microscope! - Photo courtesy Alan Jobbins & Duncan Pay
