Forsterite var. Peridot

Unknown Owner

Peridot is the gem variety of Forsterite, the magnesium end-member in the Olivine Group. A mine at Sapat Gali, near Naran in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan has produced the world's best crystals with not only great shape, but the richest, most vibrant green colour imaginable. This miniature-sized individual crystal reaches an impressive 3.4 cm in length, but is also quite wide, giving it much more presence. It is translucent to transparent, meaning that its rich colour is enhanced with back-lighting, and it has well developed crystal faces and a fine resinous to vitreous lustre. This is a really beautiful crystal of an often overlooked species that will add significant colour to any display cabinet. Ex Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021) collection.