Peridot
The only major gemstone that occurs in just one color — a yellow-green that comes from the iron in its own chemistry rather than from a trace impurity.
About Peridot
Peridot is gem-quality olivine, and unlike most colored stones its color is intrinsic: iron is a core component of the mineral rather than a trace element, so peridot is always green and never anything else. Tone shifts from a bright yellow-green to a deeper olive depending on iron content.
It forms deep in the earth’s mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic activity, which is why the finest historical material came from the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Peridot has also been found in pallasite meteorites, making it one of very few gems with a genuine extraterrestrial occurrence.
Peridot has high double refraction, giving well-cut stones a soft, slightly velvety look. At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it is moderately durable but sensitive to acids and to thermal shock, so it does better in earrings and pendants than in a ring worn daily.
Why Sharon works with peridot
Sharon uses peridot as studs and accents where a piece needs a clean, warm green that sits comfortably against yellow gold.
Caring for peridot
Warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning, sudden temperature changes and acids.
Common questions about peridot
Is peridot ever a color other than green?
No. Iron is part of peridot’s essential chemistry rather than a trace impurity, so it is always green — only the tone varies.
Can peridot be worn every day?
In earrings or a pendant, easily. In a ring it needs care: it is softer than sapphire and sensitive to acid and thermal shock.
Peridot jewelry by Sharon Teaman
Each piece is one of a kind and made by hand in State College, Pennsylvania.
Peridot pieces Sharon has made before
Sold, but a good indication of what is possible. Any of these can be a starting point for a commission.
Commission a peridot piece
Tell Sharon the color, the shape or the budget you have in mind. She sources peridot year round and will find the right stone before a single sketch is made.