Antique peridot brooches

Peridot is a gemstone that is a form of the mineral olivine. It is a yellow-green to green gemstone that is typically transparent, although some specimens may be opaque. The colour is due to the presence of iron in the crystal structure of the stone. It is found in several locations around the world, including Egypt, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States. It has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, and was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, who believed it had protective powers. Peridot is a relatively hard gemstone, with a rating of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is suitable for use in all types of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The gemstone is often cut in faceted shapes to enhance its sparkle and colour, but it is also used in cabochon form.