Emerald vs Peridot: Differences You Must Know!

When we talk about the ubiquitous and hopeful green color, no gemstones can redefine it like emeralds and peridots. While an emerald stone is one of the most celebrated and sought-after precious stones, peridot rules and leads the chart of semi-precious gemstones. Over the years, the popularity of both gemstones has grown by leaps and bounds and their implications have widened greatly in numerous industry verticals.

Both emerald stone and peridot are renowned for delivering astounding astrological benefits to the wearer and instilling harmony, good luck, and prosperity in their lives. While emeralds and peridots share a multitude of similarities and properties, both gemstones also differ to a great degree in terms of numerous aspects. The key purpose of jotting down this blog post is to state the more comprehensive comparison between Emerald vs Peridot that encapsulates origin, color, hardness, clarity, physical properties, and astrological significance as basis pointers.

Brace yourself and dive deep into the most in-depth peridot vs emerald comparison to amplify your knowledge on gemstones and take it to the next level.

Emerald vs Peridot: Origin

The forever scintillating original panna stone is formed in the earth’s crust hydrothermal veins-channels where hydrothermal liquid flows. An emerald is primarily formed from the mineral beryl along with the combination of a multitude of elements like aluminum, silicon, and beryllium. However, only chromium is responsible for the intensity of green color in emeralds. Some of the most sought-after and top-notch quality emeralds come from Zambia, Columbia, Madagascar, and Canada.

On the other hand, peridots are only formed in the mantle of the earth which is deeper than where most gemstones are formed. Natural activities like volcanic eruptions are responsible for bringing out stunning gemstones like peridot stones to the earth’s surface. Peridots are known for exhibiting delightful light green colors in different hues and iron is largely responsible for the intensity of green color in peridots.

The best quality peridot gemstones are found in Burma, Arizona (USA), the Himalayan range of Pakistan, and China.

Emerald vs Peridot: Color

If we talk about emeralds, the dark green color dominates with umpteen variations ranging from lush green to pale green and yellowish-green. The excellent quality panna stone comes in a dark green color with minimal inclusions and no color zoning.

On the other hand, peridots with light lush green color or better say, olive color are hailed the most. Though peridots come in pale green to greenish-yellow colors as well their value is quite puny and is not cherished by gemologists and the general masses.

In a nutshell, deep dark green color in emeralds and olive color in peridots are considered exemplary when it comes to roping them.

Don’t Forget To Check: – Ruby vs Garnet

Emerald vs Peridot: Hardness

When it comes to the hardness of the gemstones, peridots are no match to emeralds. Emeralds are the third hardest gemstones in existence with a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Only diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are harder than emeralds. Such a profound level of hardness makes an emerald gemstone ideal for high-end expensive jewelry pieces.

On the other hand, peridot stones have a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness which makes them less hard than emeralds. They are moderately durable and peridots are more prone to damage and scratches. However, they are more than exemplary to use in affordable pieces of jewelry,

Emerald vs Peridot: Chemical Properties

Here is a comparison of some of the key chemical properties of emerald and peridot:

Chemical composition:

Emerald – Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be3Al2(SiO3)6). The green color comes from traces of chromium and/or vanadium.

Peridot – Magnesium iron silicate (Mg,Fe)2SiO4. The green color comes from iron.

Crystal structure:

Emerald – Hexagonal crystal system

Peridot – Orthorhombic crystal system

Hardness:

Emerald – 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale

Peridot – 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale

Specific gravity:

Emerald – 2.67–2.78

Peridot – 3.34–3.37

Refractive index:

Emerald – 1.565–1.603

Peridot – 1.648–1.703

Cleavage:

Emerald – Indistinct basal cleavage

Peridot – Indistinct cleavage in two directions

Luster:

Emerald – Vitreous

Peridot – Vitreous, greasy

In summary, emeralds and peridots have different chemical compositions, with emeralds containing beryllium and peridots containing iron. Emerald is also harder and has a lower specific gravity and refractive index compared to peridot. Both have a vitreous luster but peridot can also have a greasy luster.

Emerald vs Peridot: Clarity

Emeralds often have inclusions and fissures within the stone. Eye-clean emeralds with few to no inclusions are rare and command very high prices. Emeralds are graded on a scale from flawless to heavily included. Most emeralds on the market are lightly to moderately included. The inclusions are often referred to as the “jardin” or garden of an emerald.

Peridot gemstones also can have inclusions but they are usually fewer in number and less noticeable than in emerald. Eye-clean peridots are relatively common. Peridot does not have a formal clarity grading system like emerald. Stones are often categorized as “clean” or “eye-clean” when no inclusions are visible to the naked eye.

Worth Reading: – Types of Emeralds

Emerald vs Peridot: Treatments

Emeralds and peridots are both treated to improve their clarity and color, but in different ways:

Emeralds:

Oiling – Filling fractures with colorless oil to improve transparency. This is accepted in the trade as it is semi-permanent.
Clarity enhancement – Filling fractures with epoxy-type resins. More controversial treatment.
Dyeing – Staining to enhance color. Not stable enhancement.

Peridots:

Heating – Heating to deepen and intensify the color. Peridots are often heated to temperatures between 900-1500°C. This treatment is permanent and widely accepted.
Coating – A thin layer of metal oxide is sometimes applied to improve appearance. This treatment is not permanent or stable.
Dyeing – Peridots may be dyed green to imitate better color, but dyeing is not a common or accepted treatment.

Key Differences:

Emerald oiling is a standard treatment. Peridot heating is a standard treatment.
Emerald clarity enhancement is controversial but sometimes used. Peridot coatings are less common and unstable.
Emeralds are more likely to have unstable dyeing treatments. Peridot dyeing is very rare.

Emerald vs Peridot: Astrological Benefits

Emerald

An emerald is strongly Associated with the planet Mercury. It is Thought to enhance intelligence, eloquence, and memory.

Emerald is the official Birthstone for May month. It is strongly ssociated with Taurus and Cancer zodiac signs. Said to bring focus and mental clarity to these signs.

Associated with the heart chakra. Thought to aid emotional healing and promote compassion.

Peridot

Peridots are associated with the planet Venus. They are said to bring harmony, prosperity, and happiness.

Birthstone for August. Associated with Leo zodiac sign. Believed to enhance confidence, wealth, and abundance for Leos.

Associated with the solar plexus chakra. Thought to reduce fear, anger, and jealousy while promoting self-expression.

In summary, emerald is more associated with mental clarity and communication, while peridot is linked to harmony, joy, and inner power. Astrologers may recommend emerald for intellectual pursuits and peridot for attracting good fortune. However, both are considered beneficial gems with positive vibrations. The best gemstone depends on one’s astrological needs and intentions.

Also Check: – Ruby vs Diamond

Emerald vs Peridot: Price

Emerald is one of the rare and precious “big four” gems along with ruby, sapphire and diamond. It commands a much higher price than peridot.

High quality natural emeralds over 1 carat can cost thousands to tens of thousands per carat. While large, top-grade emeralds can rival diamonds in price.

Peridot is relatively abundant and inexpensive. Peridot in the 1 to 5 carat range usually costs $10 to $100 per carat. Larger peridots may be a few hundred dollars per carat.

The supply of emerald is constrained by limited mining while peridot is actively mined and supplied to the market. This rarity drives the price difference.

Emerald is graded on the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat). The best emeralds have vivid green color and few inclusions. Peridot is not judged as strictly.

Most emeralds are treated with oils or resins to improve appearance. Untreated emeralds are even more valuable. Peridot stone is not commonly treated.

Synthetic emeralds and simulants are available at more affordable prices but lack natural emerald’s prestige and value appreciation over time.

Emerald vs Peridot: Popularity

Emerald is one of the most famous, beloved, and coveted gems throughout history. Its lush green color and scarcity have made it associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery.

Peridot is a lesser-known and more abundantly available gem. While still prized for its lively green shades, it does not have the prestige and elite status of emerald.

Emerald jewelry is widely recognized as an elite, high-value item. Big emeralds can rival large diamonds in price and desirability. Peridot is considered more of an everyday affordable gem.

Emerald engagement rings and other emerald jewelry pieces are highly prestigious and admired. Peridot is rarely used in fine jewelry or for major life events.