- Jewelry Identifier
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- Peridot
* olivine gemstone
Peridot: identification, value, and how to spot a fake
Gem variety of olivine. One of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color (yellowish to olive green). Found in meteorites (pallasites). Egyptian/Pakistani sources historic.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Mineral family
- olivine
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Refractive index
- 1.654–1.69
- Specific gravity
- 3.27–3.48
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Luster
- vitreous, oily
- Dispersion
- 0.02
- Birthstone month
- August
Colors
Peridot is found in yellow-green, olive-green, brownish-green. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.
How to tell real from imitation
No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Peridot. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.
- Scratch resistance: genuine Peridot sits at Mohs 6.5–7, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
- Brilliance & luster: Peridot shows a vitreous, oily luster and a refractive index of 1.654–1.69; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
- Density: a real Peridot has a specific gravity near 3.27–3.48, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
- Commonly imitated by: green sapphire, green tourmaline, chrysoberyl, green tsavorite. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
- Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.
Common treatments
- none typically (untreated)
Treatments are routine for many Peridot stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.
What to know about Peridot
Gem variety of olivine. One of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color (yellowish to olive green). Found in meteorites (pallasites). Egyptian/Pakistani sources historic.
Sources
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is Peridot hard enough for everyday rings?
- A. Not ideally. At a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, Peridot is soft enough to scratch with everyday wear, so it is better suited to earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings with protective settings.
- Q. How can I tell Peridot from green sapphire?
- A. Peridot and green sapphire can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.654–1.69 for Peridot), specific gravity (3.27–3.48), and hardness (Mohs 6.5–7). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
- Q. Does Peridot come in colors other than yellow-green?
- A. Yes. Peridot occurs in yellow-green, olive-green, brownish-green. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.
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