Peridot – The Gem of the Sun | Origins, Colours & Value | GemMine
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is one of only two gemstones (the other being diamond) that forms deep within the Earth's mantle rather than the crust, brought to the surface through volcanic activity and tectonic uplift. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine (magnesium iron silicate), and its vivid yellow-green to olive-green colour is caused entirely by iron — it occurs in no other colour. Peridot scores 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale and has been prized since antiquity, known in ancient Egypt as the "gem of the sun."
Where Does Peridot Come From?
- Pakistan (Kohistan, Naran-Kagan Valley) – Since the 1990s, Pakistan has produced some of the finest large peridot crystals in the world with exceptional saturation and clarity.
- Burma (Myanmar) – The historic "Burma Peridot" from the Pyaung-Gaung mine produces vivid, pure green stones of high quality.
- Arizona, USA (San Carlos Reservation) – The world's largest single source of peridot by volume; produces smaller stones in vivid yellow-green tones mined by the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
- China (Hebei Province) – Major commercial producer of small to medium peridot.
- Egypt (Zabargad/St. John's Island) – The ancient source worked since 1500 BC, producing large crystals now depleted.
- Norway (Sunnmøre) – Source of fine peridot in gem-quality nodules.
Peridot Colours & Quality
The most valuable peridot displays a pure, vivid green with minimal yellow or brown secondary tones. The finest specimens from Pakistan and Burma exhibit a brilliant, almost electric green that rivals emerald. Colour saturation, size, and clarity are the primary value factors. Stones above 5 carats with deep colour are increasingly rare.
Ethical Sourcing
The San Carlos Apache peridot mining programme directly benefits the tribe's community fund. Pakistani peridot supports mountain communities in the Kohistan region. GemMine selects responsibly sourced peridot with traceable origins.
Peridot Value & Rarity
While smaller, commercial peridot is abundant and affordable, large, high-quality Pakistani and Burmese specimens above 5ct with fine colour represent genuine rarity and growing collector interest. The finest peridot rivals much more expensive gems in beauty, offering outstanding value for money.
Peridot Price Guide (GBP)
| Quality & Origin | Size | Price per Carat (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial (Arizona/China) | Under 2ct | £3–£15 |
| Good (Pakistan) | 2–5ct | £20–£80 |
| Fine (Pakistan/Burma) | 5–10ct | £80–£350 |
| Exceptional (Pakistan/Burma) | 10ct+ | £350–£800+ |
Why Choose Peridot?
Peridot is a gemstone that punches above its weight — its vivid yellow-green colour is unique among gemstones and utterly captivating. Fine Pakistani peridot offers exceptional beauty at a fraction of the price of comparable coloured stones. GemMine offers hand-selected peridot from Pakistan, Burma, and Arizona with full provenance.