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Gemstone encyclopedia

Every gemstone, explained

What each stone is, how it wears in jewellery, and what to ask before you choose one. Browse by colour, or go straight to a letter.

This encyclopedia is educational. Inclusion does not confirm current Ralph Jacobs stock, sourcing, availability or suitability for a particular jewellery design.

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Quick overview · August · As listed by GIA

Peridot

Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, coloured yellowish to pure green by iron. It sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is brittle, so it is worn with some care.

Classification
Mineral variety
Mohs hardness
6.5–7 (scratch resistance — one part of durability)
Wear considerations
Mineral data describe peridot as brittle [cite ref="s5"]. It is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale with fair to good toughness. GIA calls it durable enough for jewellery when worn with some care, avoiding scratches, hard knocks that can fracture it, rapid or uneven heat, and acids [cite ref="s3"].
Treatment
Typically untreated
Care
Clean peridot with warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended for it. Take peridot jewellery off before tasks where it could be scratched or knocked hard against a surface,…
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Individual gemstones vary. Care depends on treatment, setting and condition. Encyclopedia inclusion does not confirm availability.

Individual gemstones vary · care depends on treatment, setting and condition · birthstone traditions vary · encyclopedia inclusion does not confirm availability.