1.21 Ct. Green (Lime Green) Peridot from Tanzania

This 1.21 carat emerald cut peridot presents a precisely executed step faceting scheme, with clean parallel facets and a flat octagonal table that emphasizes linear reflection rather than scintillation. The measured dimensions are 6.60 by 5.48 by 4.35 millimeters, yielding a depth proportion that favors color saturation and a strong hall of mirrors effect across the crown and pavilion planes. The stone is transparent with a clarity grade of slightly included at eye level, the inclusions are localized and align with the step facet flow, and the excellent polish produces crisp facet junctions and sharp facet contrast when viewed face up. The color is a lime green of medium intensity, distributed evenly across the table with minimal zoning, and the piece is untreated, sourced from Tanzania, which imparts a typical peridot hue derived from iron content rather than artificial enhancement. Craftsmanship techniques employed include careful girdle symmetry to preserve pavilion angles, conservative table sizing to control face up brightness, and precise facet alignment to minimize light leakage and to maximize the characteristic peridot step reflections.

Optically this peridot behaves as expected for the species, with a refractive index approximately 1.65 to 1.69, a vitreous luster, and measurable birefringence near 0.036 to 0.038 that can produce slight facet doubling on steep facet edges. These properties mean the gem returns light in broad flashes from its step facets, creating a strong mirror like contrast rather than the pinpoint sparkle associated with higher refractive index gems. Compared to other green gems in its category, the peridot falls between emerald and garnet in light performance, with emeralds exhibiting a lower refractive index and often a softer, waxier luster because of inclusions despite their rich saturation, and tsavorite garnets showing higher refractive indices near 1.74 to 1.75 which yield greater brilliance and more lively contrast. Green tourmaline with refractive indices around 1.62 to 1.64 can exhibit stronger pleochroism and directional color shifts, whereas chrome diopside with indices near 1.70 to 1.73 can show deep body color but less surface brightness. In practical terms this peridot will display more linear, elegant reflections and a distinctly peridot green that reads immediately as lime rather than the deeper forest tones of tsavorite or chrome diopside.

For the discerning buyer The Natural Gemstone Company offers this peridot as a technical specimen that rewards considered design and setting choices, because the emerald cut highlights both color purity and clarity characteristics. The slightly deep depth proportion enhances face up color but reduces apparent spread, therefore settings that embrace the hall of mirrors aesthetics such as bezel adjacent geometry or open step bezels will showcase the facet flow without overwhelming the table. Given the hardness near 6.5 to 7 it is recommended to protect the girdle with a supportive setting for rings intended for daily wear, while pendants and earrings allow the color and step reflections to be appreciated under controlled light. Care recommendations include gentle ultrasonic cleaning only after consultation and routine cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush to preserve the excellent polish. Because the gem is natural and unenhanced, and because the visible inclusions are part of its character, clients who value provenance and natural optical behavior will find this Tanzanian peridot compelling. For bespoke design consultation or to request additional imagery and viewing under different lighting conditions please contact The Natural Gemstone Company, our specialists will provide exacting measurements and photomicrograph documentation upon request.