Hardness 6.5-7, Specific gravity 3.22-3.44, Refractive index 1.64-1.69

Peridot is a semi-precious gem that can substitute for emerald. Peridots make up a group of minerals, but most are not used as gemstones. The stones used in jewelry are bright green in color. The greener the color, the more valuable the stone. Any tinge of brown in the stone reduces its value. The darker green stones are called olivines, the lighter green (ranging from yellowish green to bottle green) are called chrysolites. Peridot has an imperfect cleavage in two directions.

Some pale green stones are found in Queensland in Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, Brazil, Kenya, China, and North America. Peridot is found in large quantities in small sizes of less than two carats in China. The main source of gem-quality peridot is found in Mogok, in Upper Myanmar (Burma).

Peridots are often mistaken for emeralds, but they are usually clearer, with less inclusions, and much less expensive. Because of peridot's relative softness, care has to be taken to keep it from becoming scratched. The price of peridot per carat does not go up with an increase in stone size.One who wears peridot will gain wealth, happiness, good health, and have good children. Peridots are believed to cure epilepsy