Cluster of green PERIDOT crystals. Peridot is a green, gemmy variety of Forsterite (Olivine). The largest Peridot crystal is 1.1 inches in length. From Pakistan. Peridot is a highly desirable precious gemstone. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the 16th wedding anniversary gemstone.
This piece is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and long-time geologist with the US Geological survey in New Mexico.
PERIDOT is a magnesium, iron silicate mineral. It is the gemmy, green variety of Forsterite. Forsterite is the magnesium end member of Olivine. Peridot occurs in volcanic basalt and has been found in some pallasite meteorites. The intensity and tint of the green color in Peridot depends on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure. Peridot is a highly desirable precious gemstone. It belongs to the Orthorhombic crystal system. Hardness is 6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale.
Location: Sapat Gali, Naran, Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan
Specimen size: 1.9 x 1.9 1.0 inches
Specimen weight: 65 grams (2.3 ounces)
Brought to you by SIDEWINDER MINERALS
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.