Peridot

About Peridot

One of the few gemstones that comes in only one color - the shade of green varies but it is always green. It is volcanic in origin, formed in magma and brought to the surface in basalt flows. Some peridot is literally extraterrestrial - found in pallasite meteorites. Ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun and mined it on St Johns Island (Zabargad) 3,500 years ago. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of peridot. The largest cut peridot weighs 311 carats. Arizona produces 80-95% of world supply. It is one of the oldest known gemstones.