About Peridot

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral Olivine, rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Unlike most coloured gemstones, Peridot occurs naturally in only one colour family — shades of green — since its colour comes from iron within its own crystal structure, not from trace impurities.

Oily Lustre

Peridot has a distinctive oily-to-vitreous lustre, and its strong double refraction gives the stone's interior a soft, glowing quality that gemologists use as one way to help identify it.

Lily Pad Inclusions

Fine Peridot often contains delicate, disc-shaped inclusions known as 'lily pads', formed around tiny included crystals. When present in moderation, they are considered a natural characteristic rather than a flaw, though heavy lily pad inclusions can reduce a stone's clarity grade and value.

Unique Facts

• Ancient Egyptians mined Peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad (historically called Topazios) and called it the 'gem of the sun' — some gems long believed to be Cleopatra's emeralds are now thought by historians to have actually been Peridot.
• Peridot is one of the very few gemstones formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity, rather than in the Earth's crust like most coloured stones.
• As Mercury's substitute for Emerald, Peridot is often recommended as a gentler way to test Mercury's compatibility with a horoscope before committing to precious Emerald.

Origin & Sources of Peridot

Myanmar (Burma)

Source of some of the finest Peridot in the world, valued for its rich, pure green colour and high clarity.

Pakistan

The Kashmir region of Pakistan produces exceptional Peridot with an intense grass-green colour, considered among the most desirable in the market today.

Benefits of Wearing Peridot

Budh's Influence, Gently Delivered

As Emerald's recognised substitute, Peridot is believed to carry Mercury's (Budh's) influence toward clear communication, sharp intellect and sound business judgement, in a milder form than precious Emerald.

Mental Clarity & Focus

Natural Peridot is traditionally believed to support clear thinking, decisiveness and effective communication, particularly useful for students, writers and professionals in business or trade.

Astrological Substitute of Emerald

Peridot is worn as an accessible substitute for Emerald, offering a similar green energy to strengthen Mercury without the cost of precious Panna.

Healing & Wellness

Peridot is traditionally associated with positivity and emotional renewal.

Who Should Wear Peridot

By Zodiac Sign (Rashi)

Most beneficial for Gemini (Mithun) and Virgo (Kanya) moon signs, the zodiac signs ruled by Mercury.

By Planetary Position

Recommended for those running a Mercury Mahadasha or Antardasha, or wanting to test Mercury's compatibility before wearing Emerald.

Wear as Your Birthstone

Peridot is the widely recognised modern birthstone for August, cherished for its vivid green colour regardless of astrological purpose.

Peridot Quality

Colour

A vivid, pure grass-green with minimal brown or yellow undertone is most valued; the finest Pakistani and Burmese stones show this intense green.

Clarity

Avoid stones with major dark inclusions, visible surface cracks, or a cloudy, dull appearance; eye-clean stones are preferred, and moderate lily pad inclusions are acceptable and even considered characterful, but heavy inclusions reduce value and can affect durability.

Lustre

A strong, oily-to-vitreous lustre with good brilliance is a hallmark of fine Peridot.

Cut

A well-proportioned oval, cushion or emerald cut brings out higher brilliance and dispersion, giving Peridot a noticeably better overall appearance.

Carat / Ratti Weight

Vedic astrology typically recommends Peridot in Ratti (1 Ratti = 0.91 carat), with a minimum of around 3 to 4 carats (approx. 3.3–4.4 Ratti) generally considered necessary for astrological effectiveness.

Price of Peridot in India

Price depends primarily on colour saturation and clarity. Natural Peridot in India typically starts from ₹400 per carat for commercial quality, and can exceed ₹20,000+ per carat for exceptional, richly saturated Pakistani stones.

Buying Guide — Authenticity & Certification

What to Watch For

Genuine Peridot is not commonly heat-treated, since its colour comes from iron within the crystal itself rather than treatable impurities — but glass and synthetic imitations occasionally appear in the market. Only Natural Gemstones does not sell glass or synthetic imitations as Peridot — every stone is 100% natural, with lab certification to prove it.

Common Substitutes

Peridot is sometimes loosely marketed as 'evening emerald', a misleading trade term — genuine Peridot is a distinct mineral (Olivine), not a variety of Emerald.

Why Certification Matters

A gemological lab report confirms the stone is natural Olivine (Peridot), verifying authenticity before it is worn as a Mercury remedy.

Why Only Natural Gemstones

• Lifetime guarantee of authenticity on every gemstone we sell.
• Certified by the most trusted gemological laboratories, with reports you can verify online using the certificate number, before or after purchase.
• 100% natural, unheated and untreated gemstones only — never lab-grown, dyed or synthetically enhanced.
• Expert guidance from our in-house Astro Gem Experts to help you choose the right gemstone for your horoscope and budget.
• Customisation available — get your gemstone set in a ring or pendant of your choice, including a traditional open-back setting.
• Every gemstone is energised and activated through Vedic rituals before dispatch, so it is ready to deliver maximum benefit from the day it reaches you.

How to Wear Peridot — Vedic Method

Metal

Set in gold or Panchdhatu, consistent with other Mercury gemstones.

Finger

Worn on the little finger of the working hand.

Setting

An open-back setting is recommended so the stone touches the skin directly for maximum benefit.

Day & Time

Ideally worn on a Wednesday morning, during Shukla Paksha.

Purification Ritual

Purify by soaking in raw milk and Ganga jal, then chant the Mercury mantra — 'Om Budhaya Namah' — 108 times before wearing.

Recommended Weight

A minimum of around 3 to 4 carats is generally recommended for astrological effectiveness, with the exact weight ideally determined by horoscope and body weight.

Trial Period

A short trial period of a few days to a few weeks is recommended, especially for those considering Peridot as a gentler starting point before Emerald.

Customisation

Get your gemstone customised into a ring or pendant of your choice at Only Natural Gemstones, complete with a traditional open-back setting for maximum skin contact.

Energisation

Every gemstone from Only Natural Gemstones is energised and activated through traditional Vedic rituals before it reaches you, so it is ready to wear and deliver benefits from day one.

Peridot After Care — Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning

Clean gently with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush; pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

What to Avoid

Keep away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes. Remove your ring before swimming, exercising or household cleaning.

Storage

Store separately from harder gemstones in a soft pouch or fabric-lined box to prevent scratches, since Peridot is softer than Blue Sapphire or Diamond.

Re-energising

As per Vedic tradition, periodically re-energise your Peridot by chanting the Mercury mantra, especially after deep cleaning or extended periods of non-wear.

Peridot - FAQs