Forsterite Var. Peridot (Rough & Cut Set)

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A rough and cut set of peridot from St. Johns Island, the ancient locality for gem peridot that is now under the Red sea, features a cut stone weighing 3.07 carats with dazzling brilliance, rich green color, and clarity; matched with a sharply crystallized single crystal measuring 2.1 cm in length. The crystal is mostly gemmy and exhibits a lovely green color. A previously broken edge seems to have rehealed. The gem weight of the crystal is 41.7 carats. The crystal is from the E. Mitch Gunnell collection and was acquired from him by the previous owner in 1953 (for $61.50). The "emeralds" of Cleopatra were actually peridot from this locality, as surely were some other "emeralds" of the biblical and Roman eras. Now, the mine is underwater and specimens only turn up from old museum collections.