Peridot

History
A vibrant green stone, peridot has been known and mined since approximately 1500 BC, with its first source coming from the island of Zebargad in the Red Sea, very close to Egypt.

Features
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, and occurs in a range of green colors, from a brownish green to a deep olive, to a bright yellowish green. Frequently flawless, peridot also may have small flat disc shaped inclusions, frequently with a tiny guest crystal near the centre of the discs.

Treatments
Peridot is not usually treated, nor is it produced by man. Occasionally glass and synthetic green spinel are used to imitate peridot.

Principal Deposits
Peridot can be found in Norway, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Myanmar and the United States.

Rarity
Peridot is not especially rare, however the rich bright green stones are the most sought after.