Peridot /ÃËpÃâºrêdÃât/ or /ÃËpÃâºrêdoÃÅ / sometimes called chrysolite is gem-quality olivine and a silicate mineral with the formula of Mg, Fe2SiO4. As peridot is a magnesium-rich variety of olivine forsterite, the formula approaches Mg2SiO4. Its green color is dependent on the iron contents within the structure of the gem. Peridot occurs in silica-deficient rocks such a volcanic basalt as well as in pallasitic meteorites. Peridot is one of only two gems observed to be formed not in the Earthââ¬â¢s crust, but in molten rock of the upper mantle. Gem-quality peridot is rare to find on Earth`s surface due to its susceptibility to weathering during transportation from deep within the mantle to the surface.
In the Middle Ages, the gemstone was considered a stone that could provide healing powers, curing depression and opening the heart. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the 16 year wedding anniversary gemstone.
|
