3.31 Ct. Green (Lime Green) Peridot from Afghanistan

This peridot begins its journey high in Afghanistan, in remote and rugged terrain where small scale and artisanal mining are the norm. Miners carefully extract olive green crystals from seam and placer deposits, hand sorting the rough material at the site to separate gem quality fragments from matrix and heavily included material. The rough that became this gem was selected for its transparency and intense lime green color, an attribute that immediately marked it as a candidate for fine cutting. From the mine the rough traveled under secure and documented handling, passing through local sorting and initial trimming stages, followed by careful exportation to a trusted cutting workshop. Each step of the journey prioritized preservation of the stone's natural color and clarity, minimizing exposure to heat or chemical processes, and ensuring that the peridot remained untreated at every stage.

The finished gemstone is a transparent 3.31 carat oval peridot, with dimensions 10.00 x 7.97 x 6.45 mm, cut in a mixed brilliant style to maximize both face up brightness and internal color saturation. The mixed brilliant cut combines a brilliant style crown with step influenced pavilion facets, producing lively scintillation while preserving depth of color. The polish is excellent, reflecting the care taken in the final lapidary work to produce smooth facet junctions and high surface luster, which in turn optimizes light return. Clarity is graded as slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which means that minor natural inclusions are visible when the stone is examined without magnification, yet they do not materially interfere with transparency or the stone's vivid appearance. Color intensity is described as intense, with a vivid lime green tone that is highly desirable in peridot, reflecting the intrinsic iron content of the olivine mineral structure that imparts this specific hue. There has been no enhancement, the color and clarity are entirely natural, and the stone retains its original, unaltered character.

For the educated buyer, the combination of attributes presented by this peridot explains its appeal and value. The weight of 3.31 carats gives substantial face up presence for an oval measuring 10.00 x 7.97 mm, while the mixed brilliant cutting strategy yields a balance between brilliance and color depth that suits a range of jewelry designs. Slight inclusions can be an asset to collectors who prefer natural, unheated gems, as these features prove the stone has not been extensively treated, and they can contribute to a unique internal character without detracting from overall beauty. The intense lime green color is a primary value driver for peridot, more so than cut alone, and the excellent polish ensures that the stone presents cleanly under examination and in finished jewelry. Buyers should note that peridot has a Mohs hardness around 6.5 to 7, which makes it suitable for rings and pendants with appropriate protective settings, but care should be taken to avoid hard knocks, ultrasonic cleaning, and sudden temperature shock that could damage the stone or accentuate inclusions.

The provenance from Afghanistan adds an additional dimension of interest for collectors and connoisseurs who value traceable origins. Afghan peridot is known among specialists for producing vivid and attractive tones in small but significant parcels, and sourcing from this region often involves working with experienced local partners who understand the unique geology and the logistical challenges of the area. At The Natural Gemstone Company we document each step of acquisition and handling, and this peridot was examined and measured under controlled lighting and magnification to verify the stated specifications. For buyers seeking formal verification, we can assist in arranging independent gemological reporting, which can confirm weight, measurements, cut description, clarity observations, and the absence of enhancements. For jewelry design, this oval peridot is well suited to a prong set that allows light to enter and display its intense color, or to a bezel design that offers extra protection while showing off the stone face up, and in either case we recommend avoiding exposure to high heat during setting and post setting treatments. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the natural origin and careful craftsmanship of this gem, and we welcome inquiries from serious buyers and designers who require further technical data, additional images, or concierge assistance with certification and bespoke mounting options.