Peridot

Scientific Name: Foresterite
Variety: Peridot (gem-quality forsterite)
Chemistry Formula: Mg2SiO4
Chemistry Type: Olivine group
Image Number: ROM2004_891_1

Peridot is the popular name given to gem-quality transparent forsterite, which is a mineral of the olivine group. This birthstone of August has an olive or green-yellow colour, which is due to the presence of iron in the mineral. The original ancient source of peridot is from Zabargad (St. John’s) Island in the Red Sea. The Greeks believed that peridot brought regal dignity to the wearer. The natural source of the ROM's stone in unknown.