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16.53: Peridot

Last updated

May 6, 2022
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- 16.52.01: Larimar
- 16.54: Phenakite

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Peridot
Chemical composition	(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
Crystal system	Orthorhombic
Habit	Prismatic
Cleavage	Poor
Fracture	Conchoidal
Hardness	6.5
Optic nature	Biaxial +
Refractive index	1.65 - 1.69
Birefringence	0.036
Dispersion	Medium, 0.020
Specific gravity	3.34
Lustre	Vitreous
Pleochroism	Weak

Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : Flawless faceted Peridot
Photo courtesy of Lembeck Gems

Magnification

Peridot is a Type II stone in the GIA clarity grading system is usually included. Typical inclusions are:

disc like liquid and gas inclusions: "lily pads"
dark, octahedral chromite crystals

Figure $\PageIndex{2}$ : Lily Pad inclusions displaying doubling
35X Magnification
By Barbra Voltaire

The disc-like liquid and gas inclusions, often referred to as lily pads, appear doubled because of the strong birefringence that is a diagnostic characteristic of the gem.

Magnification

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