Peridot

Colour: from yellowish green to bottle green

Name derivation: Derived from the Greek word “Peridona” meaning “giving plenty”

Symbolism: Power to drive away evil spirits and to bring life

Gemstone family: Olivine

Birthstone: August

Hardness: Moh’s Scale 6.5 – 7.0 (very robust structure) – difficult to re-cut but excellent for daily wear

Geography: The finest come from Myanmar (formerly Burma), Pakistan (Kashmir-Peridot) & Sri Lanka

Famous Peridot: Large Peridots, more than 200 carats in size, adorn the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral

Cleaning procedure: Clean carefully using warm soapy water. Must not be cleaned ultrasonically or by steam cleaning. Remove Peridot jewellery before doing household cleaning as acids may damage

Value factors: Rarity, Intensity of colour; Brilliance and “life” of stone; Size of stone