Ludwigite-vonsenite needles in peridot

Ludwigite-vonsenite needles in Peridot

Buy natural peridot with ludwigite-vonsenite needles in our gem shop

Ludwigite-vonsenite peridot

Peridot is one of the gemstones, the exact origin of which often can be traced by it´s inclusions. Hair or needle-shaped inclusions of Ludwigite, frequently but understandably misdiagnosed as Rutile, is a sure sign of Pakistani origin.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: an olive-green.

The intensity and tint of the green, however, depends on the percentage of iron that is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow, to olive, to brownish-green. In rare cases, peridot may occur in a medium-dark toned, visually pure green with no secondary yellow hue or brown mask.

Olivine

Olivine, of which peridot is a type, is a common mineral in mafic and ultramafic rocks, and it is often found in lavas and in peridotite xenoliths of the mantle, which lavas carry to the surface, but gem quality peridot occurs in only a fraction of these settings. Peridots can also be found in meteorites.

Peridots can be differentiated by size and composition. A peridot formed as a result of volcanic activity tends to contain higher concentrations of lithium, nickel and zinc than those found in meteorites.

Olivine in general is a very abundant mineral, but gem quality peridot is rather rare. This is due to the mineral’s chemical instability on the Earth’s surface. Olivine is usually found as small grains, and tends to exist in a heavily weathered state, unsuitable for decorative use.

Large crystals of forsterite, the variety most often used to cut peridot gems, are rare, as a result olivine is considered to be precious.

Peridot is sometimes mistaken for emeralds and other green gems. Notable gemologists discussed the confusion between emeralds and peridots in many church treasures, notably the “Three Magi” treasure in the Dom of Cologne, Germany.

The largest cut peridot olivine is a 310 carat specimen in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Peridot crystals have been collected from some pallasite meteorites.

Birthstone

Ludwigite-vonsenite peridot is the birthstone for the month of August.

Ludwigite-vonsenite needles in Peridot

Natural peridot with ludwigite-vonsenite needles for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made peridot with Ludwigite-vonsenite peridot jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.