Forsterite var: Peridot

Item Description

Forsterite is a member of the Olivine Group, and the gem green variety is more commonly known as Peridot. In both the gem and mineral world, most people never refer to it as Forsterite, and the name Peridot has been used for centuries. With that said, Peridot is probably more commonly known to people as a faceted gem, as fine crystals are not terribly common on the market. I think it's safe to say that over the last 20+ years or so, the most productive locality for fine Peridot crystals is Sapat Gali in Pakistan. The best of these crystals certainly rank among the top examples of gem quality crystallized Peridot in the world. No world locality has produced the quality and quantity of euhedral Peridot crystals like Sapat Gali. This specimen is a nice toenail sized piece featuring a gemmy, lime green color crystal group of Peridot, with minor attached Magnetite at the base. The larger of the two crystals has an odd termination, that looks as though it grew against the pocket wall. It's not broken, and I can see some tiny re-crystallization ("re-healing") on the surface, it just looks like an interrupted growth. There is a second crystal on the side of the main Peridot with a perfect "sword"-shaped termination. When the piece is backlit, you can see that fairly gemmy inside. Good condition all around, no major damage that I can see. A cool example of these classic Peridot crystals.