Peridot Rings

Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone that's actually a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately hard but softer than many other popular gemstones like sapphire (9) or emerald (7.5-8). This means it's durable enough for ring jewelry but requires some care to avoid scratches from harder materials.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color - green - though the intensity can vary from yellow-green to olive to brownish-green. The most prized peridot gemstones display a pure, vibrant green without brown or yellow overtones.

Unlike many gemstones that get their color from trace impurities, peridot's green color comes from the iron content in its basic chemical structure. The intensity of the green depends on the amount of iron present in the crystal structure.

Peridot forms deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure. It's brought to the surface through volcanic activity, either in basaltic lava flows or in chunks of mantle rock called xenoliths. Some peridot stone has even been found in meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones with extraterrestrial origins.

The primary sources of peridot stone include Arizona (particularly the San Carlos Apache Reservation), Myanmar, Pakistan, China, and historically, the Red Sea island of Zabargad (formerly St. John's Island). Arizona produces most of the world's peridot stone today, while Pakistan and Myanmar are known for producing some of the finest quality stones.

Peridot symbolizes strength, protection, and healing. Throughout history, it's been associated with light, renewal, and positive energy. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it could ward off evil spirits and nightmares. It's also thought to represent growth, prosperity, and emotional balance.

Peridot is the birthstone for August. It's been associated with August for centuries and remains one of the most recognizable birthstone-month pairings. People born in August often choose peridot birthstone jewelry to celebrate their birth month, making it a popular choice for birthday gifts and personal jewelry collections.

Peridot gemstone is believed to promote healing, reduce stress, and bring good fortune. Many people wear peridot rings for its supposed ability to cleanse negative energy, enhance confidence, and attract abundance.

Spiritually, peridot is considered a stone of compassion and healing. It's believed to cleanse the heart chakra, and promote forgiveness and understanding. Many practitioners use peridot for meditation, believing it helps connect with higher wisdom and divine love.

From a practical standpoint, it's an attractive, relatively affordable gemstone that makes beautiful peridot jewelry.

Peridot is particularly associated with Leo (July 23 - August 22), as it's August's birthstone. However, it's also considered beneficial for Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio zodiac. Some astrologers believe peridot gemstone's healing and protective properties make it suitable for anyone seeking emotional balance and positive energy.

While peridot can be used in engagement rings, it requires careful consideration with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its moderate hardness means it's more prone to scratching and chipping than traditional engagement ring stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. If you choose peridot for an engagement ring, consider protective settings and be prepared for more careful maintenance.

Both gold and silver complement peridot beautifully, though the choice often depends on personal preference and skin tone. Yellow gold peridot ring creates a warm, classic look that enhances peridot's golden-green tones. White gold or silver peridot ring provides a cool contrast that makes the green pop. Rose gold peroidot ring offers a trendy, romantic option that pairs surprisingly well with peridot's earthy green.

Peridot ring values vary widely based on the stone's size, quality, clarity, and setting. At LUO Jewelry, small peridot rings might cost $50-$200, while high-quality larger stones in precious metal settings can range from $300-$2000 or more. Fine Burmese or Pakistani peridots command higher prices than Arizona stones.

Real peridot ring has a distinctive oily or greasy luster and often contains small inclusions that look like lily pads or discs. The color should be consistently green throughout, and genuine peridot ring will show double refraction when viewed through a loupe. Glass imitations typically lack these characteristics and may have air bubbles. When in doubt, consult a certified gemologist.

There's no strict rule, but peridot rings are commonly worn on the ring finger or middle finger. Some believe wearing peridot on the little finger enhances communication skills, while others prefer the ring finger for its traditional association with commitment and love. Ultimately, personal preference and comfort should guide your choice.

Clean peridot rings gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Peridot engagement rings can get wet, but prolonged exposure to water isn't recommended. Brief contact during hand washing or ring cleaning is fine, but remove peridot ring jewelry before swimming, showering, or doing dishes.

Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as peridot can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.