Peridot | “virgo peridot”

Peridot has always been associated with light. The ancients believed that the gems protected their owners from dark forces, especially when they were set in gold. But it is peridot’s characteristic green colour that perennially enchants the viewer. In some of the deeper green hues of peridot, some enthusiasts discern the soft green spirit of the finest olive oil – hence the mineral name, olivine.

Colour

Peridot’s colour ranges from yellowish-green to greenish-yellow. The most favoured colour is a richly saturated, pure, grass green without any hint of yellow or brown. Depth of colour is best seen in larger gems. Smaller examples sometimes exhibit lighter yellowish-green hues. and these are the most abundant colours seen in jewellery, Brown undertones lower the value of peridot.