The Gem of the Sun

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of olivine, recognisable by its consistent yellow-green colour, which comes directly from iron within its structure rather than trace impurities — meaning peridot's colour is always some shade of green.

Gemologically, peridot is described as transparent, with a vitreous luster — qualities that shape how it catches and carries light once cut. Its colour comes from iron, and a Mohs hardness in this range is durable enough for regular wear, though it benefits from being set thoughtfully and kept away from harder gems in storage.

"Cleopatra's Emeralds" and a Volcanic Island Mine

Peridot has one of the more surprising cases of mistaken identity in gem history. The small Red Sea island of Zabargad (also called St. John's Island, off Egypt) was mined for peridot as early as 1500 BCE, and many of the famous "emeralds" associated with ancient Egypt — including gems long attributed to Cleopatra — are now believed by many gemologists to have actually been Zabargad peridot. The confusion persisted for centuries: medieval European church treasuries held large green gems, set in crosses and reliquaries, that were catalogued as emerald but have since been identified as peridot. Zabargad mining continued on and off for millennia before largely ceasing in the 20th century, making historic peridot from the island a genuine rarity today, distinct from modern sources like Pakistan and Arizona.

Where Peridot Comes From

Folklore and Healing Traditions

Peridot has held a place in decorative arts, folklore, and crystal-healing traditions across cultures for centuries. Those drawn to this dimension of the stone often choose it for its colour and character as much as for any tradition attached to it — a personal, rather than prescriptive, choice.

How Peridot Is Graded

Quality in peridot is generally assessed across colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight — with colour and overall character typically the dominant factors in value.

What a Lab Report Confirms

A lab report identifies the species, describes colour, and discloses any treatment. Peridot is typically untreated; its colour is intrinsic to its chemical composition.

Natural, Ethical, Jaipur-Sourced

Every peridot in the Paraiso Jewels vault is described accurately as to its natural or treated status on its label. We source through Jaipur's gem market — one of the world's oldest and most concentrated coloured-stone trading centres — and our stones can be verified at GTL Jaipur, the region's principal gem testing authority.

On request, each piece can be accompanied by documentation covering weight, dimensions, and treatment status. If you have questions about the origin or treatment of a specific stone, contact us via WhatsApp or email and we'll provide full details.