Peridot (rare locality gem)

Item Description

Peridot gems have been known for centuries. Today they are not really considered rare gems, but it should be noted that fine transparent material is really only found in a few places around the world. If you go back several decades, a good amount of some of the finest and most well-known gem quality Peridot stones came from the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona. Keep in mind that the majority of the world's supply of gem quality Peridot (especially before anything came out of Pakistan) came from this locality. These wonderful and highly sought after stones are well known for their vibrant green color and great clarity. Most of the stones you'll see from this locality are under 1 carat in weight, so this gem is good sized for what it is. The stone has a beautiful glowing green hue, with very slight inclusions, and a standard "Round" cut. The San Carlos stones are by far the most famous and finest quality Peridot gems from any locality in North American, and quite possibly the Western Hemisphere. Valued at $1,800 high retail.
This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.