Forsterite var. Peridot

Unknown Owner

A very well formed translucent to gemmy single crystal of Peridot, the gem variety of Forsterite. From the truly classic locality of St John's Island (or Zebirget) in the Red Sea, off Egypt's eastern coast, this 3.7 x 3.3 x 0.8 cm single crystal is a gorgeous yellowish lime-green and is mounted on a small square acrylic base. St John's Island is composed of Quaternary volcanics and has been mined for gem Peridot since the 3rd Century. This ex. matrix crystal has vertical deep striated prism faces and grades from a translucent base to a near gemmy apex. A splendid example of gem Peridot from this historic locality.