Peridot, Small Freeform Nuggets, Matte Finish, Nice Green Nuggets. One 9x7x6mm Strand

Peridot, Natural, Small Freeform Nuggets, Matte Finish, Nice Green. 

Approximately 39 pieces with average size of 9x7x6mm.

Peridot is gem-quality Olivine and a silicate mineral. It is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: olive-green. The intensity and tint of the green, however, depends on the percentage of iron in the crystal structure. So, there can be yellow to brownish green shades of Peridot. Peridot crystals have been collected from some meteorites.

The origin of the name Peridot is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests, and it was named for a kind of Opal, but another Arabic word for “gem” is suggested. The earliest use in England is Peridot was registered in 1705 as part of an estate. Cleopatra probably could have had any gemstone, but it is reported that Peridot was her favorite gemstone.

The principal source of Peridot Olivine is in Arizona. It is also mined at another location in Arizona, and in Arkansas, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico and in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

Hardness 6.5-7

The source of these beads is South Africa and they are cut, drilled and polished in China.

This is a natural stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling, and polishing, and includes the matte treatment described below.

Matte beads have a velvety or frosted surface, rather than a shiny or reflective surface. These stones undergo additional tumbling that require knowledge of the material and skill. Each stone type requires a different amount of time in the tumbler depending on the material's hardness and characteristics. The matte finish also creates a variation in color from the traditional finish of the bead.