# Peridot

Peridot is a bright green gemstone that is often used in jewelry. It looks like a little piece of sunshine!

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Chrysolite, Olive Stone

![Peridot](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426797/objects/5418.jpg)

## Appearance

The Peridot is famous for its vibrant olive-green or yellowish-green color. Its lively green, often with a subtle golden glint, makes it distinctly different from darker emeralds or lighter green beryl.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Egyptians called peridot the 'gem of the sun' and cherished it.
- It's one of only two gemstones that form deep within Earth's hot mantle!
- Its vibrant green color comes from tiny iron atoms trapped within its crystals.
- Peridot crystals have even been discovered in samples of moon rock!

## Special abilities

- **Cosmic Traveler:** Peridot is one of the rare gems found inside meteorites, meaning it has literally traveled through space!
- **Sunlight Shifter:** Peridot's double refraction can make facets appear doubled or fuzzy, a unique optical illusion!
- **Deep Earth Gem:** Peridot forms deep in Earth's mantle, not the crust, showing incredible resistance to extreme heat.

## Measurements & details

- **Color Range:** yellowish-green, olive-green, lime-green, brownish-green
- **Hardness:** 6.75
- **Luster:** vitreous
- **Specific Gravity:** 3.34
- **Crystal System:** orthorhombic

## Traits

- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Fluorescent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fluorescent): Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light or other non-visible radiation, a phenomenon called fluorescence.
- [Gemstone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gemstone): A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
- [Crystalline](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crystalline): Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)
- [Minerals & Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals-and-rocks)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Peridot?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What colors can Peridot be?

yellowish-green, olive-green, lime-green, brownish-green

### How hard is Peridot?

6.75

### What kind of luster does Peridot have?

vitreous

### What is Peridot's specific gravity?

3.34

### What crystal system does Peridot belong to?

orthorhombic

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Peridot: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/peridot)