Peridots range in colour from yellowish green to a greenish green, the most expensive colour is a rich grass green.

Most Peridots are formed deep in the earth and brought to the surface by volcanos but some rare Peridots have come to earth in meteorites. In 2005 Peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.

The ancient Egyptians mined Peridots on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, calling it the 'Gem of the Sun'. It was believed Peridot could protect the wearer from terrors of the night, especially if it was set in gold.

As well as being the birthstone for August and Leo, Peridots are also associated with 15th anniversaries.