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Peridot:
Neosilicates (A mineral consisting of two end members, forsterite and fayalite, which occur as separate species; when chemically combined they form the magnesium iron silicate that is commonly called olivine) (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 AKA: Chrysolite, Fayalite, Forsterite, Olivine |
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System: Orthorhombic; crystals rare; usually in rounded grains, granular masses. Appearance: Yellowish green, olive-green; vitreous; streak colorless. Physical Properties: Hardness: (6.5 - 7.0); Specific gravity: (3.2 - 4.3). Cleavage: indistinct, two directions at 90o; fracture, conchoidal, uneven; transparent to translucent; brittle. Similar species: Apatite is softer and is fluorescent; green tourmaline is not found in volcanic rocks or gabbros, and green garnet lacks cleavage. Occurrence: Olivine is a rock-forming mineral and occurs as an essential mineral in gabbro, peridotite and basalt. The finest peridot comes from St. Johns Island in the Red Sea. Olivine is widespread in various rocks in North America, but there are not many places one can collect specimens much larger than grains. Fine quality peridot has come in small stones from New Mexico and Arizona. Miscellaneous: Transparent gem-quality olivine is called peridot, and ranges in color from yellowish-green to olive green. Dark yellowish-green stones are most valuable, and flawless stones are common. Peridot is incorrectly known as "evening emerald" because it appears to lose its yellowish hue at night and then closely resembles emerald. Peridot is the birthstone for August. Conventional Wisdom: Peridot is an excellent healing stone, acting as a tonic to both strengthen and regenerate the body. It provides a shield of protection around the body. Peridot helps to regulate cycles in ones life; for example, physical cycles, mental cycles, emotional cycles, intellectual cycles and life cycles. Belongs to the Astrological Signs of Virgo, Leo, Scorpio and Sagittarius. |