Arizona peridot comes from the San Carlos Indian Reservation approximately 100 miles east of Phoenix. Local members of the tribe mine on top of Peridot Mesa using hand tools to pry the crystals from pockets inside the volcanic basalt matrix. Occasionally dynamite is used to open up new or existing prospects. Much of the peridot that is retrieved is heavily included or of a less desirable olive green color. We purchase select parcels of rough peridot from the miners and cut the stones ourselves. Of the material we receive, only a few pieces are truly gem quality. Enhancements or treatments are not typically performed on peridot and you will find none in our peridot gemstones. Peridot is notorious for having cleavage planes and inclusions but when you get a nice piece of rough the finished gemstone is amazing. What to look for? Cleavage planes or veils will show up as a white fissure cutting across the gemstones. These are easy to see in a cut stone and should be avoided as they affect the value and durability considerably. None of our peridot will have these cleavage planes. Color should be a bright yellow green or lime green without any olive or brown overtones. Inclusions are typical and consist of black dots, lily pads, and veils. Fewer inclusions equal higher prices but you do not want heavily included peridot. Look for good clarity and a minimum number of inclusions. A few small inclusions will not be noticeable except under magnification and do not affect value much. A flawless peridot will be priced slightly higher but is also more rare.
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