Unearthing the Mystique of a 45-Million-Year-Old Treasure: Among the Rare Affordable Gemstones (for Now)

Peridot stands as one of nature's most ancient gemstones, boasting an extensive history. Formed within the earth's mantle over 4.5 billion years ago, it surfaced through volcanic activities. Ancient Egyptians engaged in Peridot mining, dubbing it the "Sun Gem," extracting it from the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. They held beliefs in its protective properties against nocturnal fears. Presently, numerous temples in Jerusalem still feature this mystical gem, revered as symbols of happiness, longevity and tranquility.

If you have a fondness for green colour gemstones but find the prices of Emeralds and Tsavorites too high, then Peridot presents an excellent alternative.

Origin:

Peridot is found throughout the world, with deposits of this gemstone found in China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States. The Peridot Beach in Hawaii is famous for its shimmering green light on the white sand from ancient lava flows that deposited this beautiful green “gemstone sand” after volcanic eruptions.

Colour and Clarity:

A high-quality peridot should exhibit a lush green hue and possess a well-executed cut. While the most desirable Peridots showcase a vibrant grass-green color, those with a yellowish green tint are typically more prevalent in the market.

The finest Peridots are typically free from visible imperfections to the naked eye. Nevertheless, minuscule black spots might become apparent when examined under a microscope or loop magnification.

Birefringence:

Peridot possesses a remarkably high birefringence, resulting in the appearance of double images of its base facets when closely observed. This characteristic also enables us to appreciate the unique sparkle of this gemstone with the naked eye when illuminated.

This phenomenon is typically observed in gemstones with high birefringence. Moissanite, Zircon, Tourmaline, Sphene, and Diopside are among the gemstones known to exhibit significant birefringence.

As of right now, Peridot's per carat price is still considered affordable to the general public. As technology progresses and mining methods improve, the demand for natural gemstones is increasing, leading to a wider availability of Peridot in the market. However, overexploitation of natural deposits can make it hard to replenish them, causing the supply of Peridot to decrease over time. This rarity makes investing in high-quality Peridot early a smart choice.

In conclusion, Peridot emerges as a gemstone with immense investment potential, characterized by its high clarity, captivating fire and accessible pricing per carat. With continuous advancements in mining technology and a burgeoning market demand for natural gemstones, Peridot's availability remains promising. However, the looming threat of overexploitation underscores the urgency of recognizing Peridot's value as an investment opportunity. Its vibrant green hues and distinctive optical properties not only enthrall the beholder but also signify a compelling chance for investors to secure a piece of timeless elegance with long-term growth prospects in their portfolios.

Thank you for reading this week's GemThoughts! Stay tuned for an exciting dive into the world of Beryl(Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite) family in the next edition.

Shine on,

Hanna