Quick answer: Peridot is a natural olive- to lime-green gemstone (gem olivine). In India it is widely used as an upratna (substitute) for Panna (emerald), the stone of Budh (Mercury), because it is far more affordable and usually much cleaner than emerald. It is also the August birthstone and is associated with joy, positivity and abundance. Genuine peridot often shows doubled facet edges when you look through it with a loupe, a sign of its strong double refraction. GemKrishna sells genuine peridot bracelets and jewellery with a lab report stating identity, weight and treatment.
What is peridot?
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine (iron-magnesium silicate). It is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one colour family, green, ranging from yellowish lime to deep olive. Sources include Pakistan (Kashmir region), Myanmar, Arizona (USA), China and Tanzania. Hardness is 6.5 to 7, so it is suitable for pendants, earrings and bracelets, and for rings with care. Peridot is normally untreated.
Peridot vs Panna (emerald) vs Green Sapphire
| Peridot | Panna (Emerald) | Green Sapphire | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour | Yellow-green to olive | Pure to bluish green | Green, often with blue or yellow |
| Clarity | Usually clean | Usually included; often oiled | Clean to included |
| Hardness | 6.5–7 | 7.5–8 | 9 |
| Astrology | Common Budh upratna | Primary Budh ratna | Budh substitute |
| Relative price | Low to medium | Medium to very high | Medium to high |
Read our guides to Panna (emerald) and green sapphire.
Who should wear peridot?
Traditionally suggested for:
- People with Mithun (Gemini) or Kanya (Virgo) rashi or lagna, which Mercury rules, when an astrologer advises strengthening Budh.
- Students, traders, writers, accountants and people in communication-heavy jobs, the areas Mercury is associated with.
- People advised Panna who want a lower-cost alternative.
- Anyone who simply likes a bright green stone for positivity, as an August birthstone, or as a Leo and Virgo zodiac stone.
Traditional guidance commonly given for Mercury stones is to wear them in gold or silver on the little finger, starting on a Wednesday. Practices vary; follow your astrologer. These are beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes.
Peridot price in India
Peridot is priced by colour (a bright, pure green with little brown costs more), clarity, cut and size. Larger clean stones are much rarer and cost more per carat. Bead bracelets are priced by bead size and grade.
| GemKrishna peridot piece | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Peridot AA quality bead bracelet | ₹3,999–₹9,999 |
| 925 silver green peridot tennis bracelet | ₹9,499 |
| Golden Prosperity bracelet: natural Pukhraj, peridot and silver | ₹9,999 |
| Peridot gem-quality round bead bracelet | ₹24,999–₹39,999 |
| Loose peridot by carat, set to order | quoted by weight |
Peridot also appears in our Leo, Taurus, Virgo and Pisces zodiac bracelets (₹1,800).
Real vs fake peridot
- The doubling test. Look through the top of a faceted peridot with a 10x loupe at the back facet edges. In genuine peridot they often appear doubled. Glass shows single, sharp edges.
- Glass: green bottle glass is the commonest fake; look for bubbles and swirl marks.
- Synthetic and simulants: green CZ, YAG and synthetic spinel can look similar. They need a lab to separate.
- Too cheap, too big, too clean: a large, flawless, bright peridot at a very low price deserves suspicion.
Buying genuine peridot from GemKrishna
- A lab report with every gemstone product, mainly from GJSPC; IGI, GRS, IIGJ, GSI or GIA on request. Ask for it before you buy if you wish.
- The report states the stone's identity, weight and measurements, and any treatment, with a photo of the piece.
- Treatment, if any, is stated in the product title. If no treatment is mentioned, the stone is natural.
- A video of your actual piece before dispatch, and a full refund if it is shown not to be what we said.
- Set your peridot in 925 silver or gold to any design with our karigars; see gemstone lockets in 925 silver.
More on how we certify every stone: where to buy genuine lab-certified gemstones in India.
Care
- Peridot is softer than sapphire and can be scratched by harder stones; store it separately.
- Avoid acids and sudden temperature changes. Clean with lukewarm soapy water only.
- Remove rings during heavy work.
Frequently asked questions
Is peridot a substitute for emerald (Panna)?
Many astrologers use peridot as an affordable upratna for Panna, the Mercury stone. Green sapphire and green tourmaline are also used. Ask your astrologer.
Who should wear peridot?
Traditionally people with Mithun or Kanya rashi or lagna on an astrologer's advice, and anyone who wants a positive green stone or an August birthstone.
How can I check if peridot is real?
Look for doubled back-facet edges with a loupe; glass shows single edges and bubbles. A lab report is proof.
Where can I buy genuine peridot online in India?
GemKrishna sells lab-certified peridot bracelets and jewellery, with identity, weight and treatment stated, mainly with GJSPC reports.
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