Mini oval peridot cabochons, available in two sizes: 4×3 mm and 5×4 mm. Intense olive green with warm flashes characteristic of volcanic olivine. External lapidary stock, mirror polished finish. Suitable for micropavé, inlays, and fine jewelry settings in 925 silver and other precious metals.
Piece Information
| Mineral |
Peridot (olivine var. gem; Mg₂SiO₄) |
| Dimensions |
Variant A: 4×3 mm · Variant B: 5×4 mm |
| Shape and Back |
Oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polished |
| Hardness |
6.5 Mohs — we recommend closed bezel or rub-over setting |
| Origin |
Material acquired in wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Stock available in two size variants |
This specific format
The 4×3 mm and 5×4 mm formats are the most commonly used sizes for micropavé, channel inlays, and stud earring centers. In 925 silver, the olive green of peridot contrasts particularly well with the cool silver of the metal; in yellow gold, the warm flashes of olivine and the metal merge into a homogeneous palette. These formats are also common in filigree rings where peridot acts as a volcanic color point within a more elaborate metal structure.
In precision wire wrap, the small size allows for geometric compositions with several cabochons or combining peridot with complementary stones such as garnet or citrine to create color gradients.
Why peridot is green by itself
Peridot owes its characteristic color to ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) present in the crystalline structure of olivine. Unlike most green gems—which need chromium or vanadium impurities for their color—peridot is intrinsically green: the mineral itself, without any additional trace element, absorbs red and blue light and reflects green. This property makes it impossible to dye or treat its color: there is no yellow, blue, or colorless peridot.
For which setting it works
-
Closed bezel or rub-over setting (925 silver or gold) — in mini sizes, the bezel distributes pressure evenly and protects the perimeter; prongs, on the other hand, can exert pinpoint pressure on a 6.5 Mohs mineral and cause microfractures.
-
Micropavé and cluster settings — ideal as filler elements in compositions where several gems create a continuous surface of color.
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Fine gauge wire wrap — for artisans working with 0.3–0.5 mm wire who want a high saturation volcanic color point.
Peridot in lapidary tradition
Peridot is one of the few gems that forms in the Earth's upper mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic eruptions. Egyptians mined it on the island of Zabargad (Red Sea) since at least 1500 BC and called it the "gem of the Sun."
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine peridot
Genuine peridot shows an unmistakable olive green with warm undertones. The most diagnostic feature is its high birefringence: when rotating the stone under a loupe, the internal edges of the cabochon appear doubled. The most frequent imitations are green glass (no birefringence, with internal bubbles) and tsavorite or demantoid (cooler green and without the yellowish hue of peridot).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the peridot in these cabochons natural or synthetic?
Natural. Synthetic peridot exists but is rarely traded in the lapidary stock market at this price. No detectable treatment: statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
Can I use these cabochons for a silver bezel?
Yes. We recommend a closed bezel setting. A hardness of 6.5 Mohs is sufficient for everyday wear if the mounting protects the entire perimeter. Avoid direct side impacts and ultrasonic cleaners.
Are the measurements exact?
These are nominal lapidary stock dimensions. Variations of tenths of a millimeter may exist between pieces from the same batch. Verify with calipers before adjusting the setting.
See also: complete cabochon collection · faceted gems.
