Origin
Peridot is gem quality olivine, a mineral that forms at high temperatures in volcanic rocks such as basalt.

Sources
Our peridot generally comes from Brazil, though occasionally from other sources.

Our view...
Most peridot crystals are small. It is now almost impossible to buy large cut stones with large beads disappearing completely. Crystals (UK) anticipates that difficulties with supplies will result in higher prices and smaller stone sizes. No doubt fashion will continue to swing from light to dark green. Stones with rutile inclusions are rare and especially beautiful.

Peridot has always been associated with the month of August and the zodiac sign of Leo. However, company policy is to underplay alleged associations of months and star signs. Why? What about the other eleven months – it is absurd to imagine that peridot is only suited to 8.33% of the population. After over 20 years of selling this stone, we believe it is suited to perhaps 95% of the population! However, it is likely that such traditions (many dating from the commercially interested 19th century German jewellery trade!) will prove enduring, and that sales in August and to Leos will remain higher than for the rest of the year.

Ros Mason – March 2006
© Crystals (UK) Ltd. T/A Crystals Reg. No. 5056864.