Peridot Mining in the U.S.
If you are looking for a peridot and you call Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix or any of the other Arizona cities your home then you are in luck! One of the largest deposits of the stunning bright green gemstone is located in our very own Arizona1. Peridot Mesa is located about an hour and 45 minutes from Gilbert, AZ, near the Apache Indian Reservation town of San Carlos. Jewelry is crafted by local Native American artisans and can be found at several locations in Arizona2. While it is estimated that 80-95% of the world’s peridot comes from Arizona3, other sources of this gemstone include China, Myanmar and Pakistan, just to name a few4.
Brief Peridot Background
The peridot is actually a variety of olivine. This long treasured stone is often confused with the emerald and, according to some, it is believed that the “emeralds” worn by Cleopatra were in truth peridot3. “Gem of the sun” is the term used by Egyptians to describe this brilliantly colored gem5. It has long been believed to have protective qualities from evil and “terrors of the night”.
What to Look For When Choosing a Peridot
The peridot is graded according to the 4C’s: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Of the various hues in which a peridot can be found, the most prized and valuable hue is one that is green without any hint of yellow or brown5. The clarity should be clear to the naked eye, but sometimes small black spots can be visible when magnified. THe cut and carat are also important in terms of quality, but are left up to the jewelry purchaser’s preference!
Color of a Peridot: Most commonly bright yellow-green
Variations on Color: Narrow range from brown-green to bright yellow-green to olive-green
Birthstone Month: August
Wedding Anniversary Year: 16th
If you happen to live in Arizona and you are searching for a peridot, then you should be pleasantly surprised to know that you are lucky enough to be in the location with the largest peridot deposit! If you have any questions or are looking to own a peridot of your own please contact us.
1. “Arizona’s Gemstones” Gemland, 2014. Web. Retrieved 24 July, 2014. <http://www.gemland.com/arizonagems.htm>
2. “Attractions” Ndeh Nation, 2013. Web. Retrieved July 24, 2014. <http://www.sancarlosapache.com/Attractions.htm>
3. “Peridot”. U.S. Geological Survey, 2014. Web. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
<http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/sp14-95/peridot.html>
4. “August Birthstone”. American Gem Society, 2014. Web. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
<http://www.americangemsociety.org/august-birthstones>
5. “Peridot History and Lore” Gemological Institute of America inc., 2002-2014. Web. Retrieved 24 July, 2014. <http://www.gia.edu/peridot-history-lore>
6. “Peridot Quality Factors” Gemological Institute of America inc., 2002-2014. Web. Retrieved 24 July, 2014. <http://www.gia.edu/peridot-quality-factor>
