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GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
Reviewed on
Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Peridot, or Zabarjad in Urdu, is the August birthstone - and it is the birthstone with the strongest Pakistani connection. Some of the finest peridot ever found comes from the mountains of Kohistan, so a buyer here is shopping close to the source. For the history of the monthly list, see our birthstone guide.
The Kohistan story
In 1994, peridot was found high in the Sapat valley of Kohistan in northern Pakistan, at roughly 4,000 metres. The deposit yielded crystals of remarkable size and clarity in a vivid green, cleaner than much of the material from older sources such as Egypt, Myanmar or Arizona. Collectors often call it "Sapat" or "Kashmir" peridot, and it is regarded among the best in the world. When buying, ask about origin: Kohistan material has both a story and a quality reputation that anonymous imports lack.
One gem, one colour
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, and it only ever comes in green. The question is which green:
- Best: a pure, lively grass green with no brown or yellow cast. This depth usually develops in larger stones.
- Common: yellowish green, typical of smaller stones and priced accordingly.
- Less desirable: olive or brownish green.
Clarity also counts. Kohistan peridot is often very clean, so visible inclusions are a real drawback. Thanks largely to the Kohistan find, even sizeable clean stones remain within reach.
A built-in authenticity check
Peridot has strong double refraction. Look closely through the top of a faceted stone with a loupe and the back facet edges appear doubled. That is a genuine identifying feature, not a flaw - green glass, the most common imitation, shows single, sharp edges and may contain round bubbles. Green synthetic spinel and other green stones are sometimes passed off too; a certificate is available on request.
Untreated by nature
Like garnet, peridot is one of the few gems sold essentially untreated. There is no routine heating, oiling, filling or dyeing in the peridot trade - the colour is exactly what came out of the mountain.
Wearing it well
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is softer than sapphire or ruby. It is ideal for pendants and earrings, and fine in a ring worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not get scratched, avoid sudden temperature changes and contact with acids, and clean it only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth - never in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Peridot as a gift
A bright green Kohistan peridot is a gift with a real sense of place: a Pakistani gem for an August birthday. Its fresh colour suits both silver and gold, and it works especially well in drop earrings and pendants where it is protected from knocks.
Zabarjad in astrology
The August link is Western. In Vedic practice peridot is sometimes used as an affordable substitute for emerald, associated with Mercury (Budh), chosen by chart and budget rather than birth month. Our page on gemstones by rashi explains the difference.
Peridot from GemStore
Every stone in the peridot collection is photographed as it is, weighed and priced individually. We deliver to every city in Pakistan by insured courier with Cash on Delivery, inspection before payment and 7-day returns. Looking for a Kohistan stone in a particular size? WhatsApp +92 308 887 3888.
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