Peridot in gem quality is relatively rare. It is one of the few gemstones found in one one colour, green, or shades thereof. In ancient times the main source of gem quality Peridot was St Johns Island in the Red Sea, where intense production began around the time of Ptolomy, Macedonian general and trusted friend of Alexander.
The green of a Peridot gemstone can vary depending on the presence of trace elements, particularly iron; the green in this Peridot shown above is typical olive green, quite a fresh colour.