Peridot (likely, based on color and appearance)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Olive green, yellowish-green, brownish-green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to oily; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor in two directions; Specific Gravity: 3.2-4.3 (increases with iron content)

Peridot forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and peridotite. It is also found in some meteorites. The green color is due to iron content. Most peridot found on Earth's surface originated deep within the mantle and was brought up to the surface by volcanic activity. Geological age varies as it forms during igneous rock crystallization, which has occurred throughout Earth's history.

Primarily a popular gemstone used in jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets). Smaller, lower-quality crystals are sometimes used as abrasive materials, though this is less common than for other minerals.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Its green hue can range from yellow-green to olive-green to brownish-green. It's the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Historically, peridot was sometimes referred to as 'the evening emerald' because its green color looks brilliant at night. It has also been found in pallasite meteorites, an iron-nickel meteorite with olivine inclusions.

In the field, peridot typically appears as transparent to translucent green crystals. It can be identified by its distinctive olive-green color, vitreous luster, and its relative hardness (scratches glass). Its common occurrence in basalt makes it a primary indicator in certain volcanic regions. Major sources include the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona (USA), China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Myanmar. When identifying, look for its characteristic green color and lack of strong cleavage. Beaded bracelets like the one pictured are common for displaying small, cut, and polished peridot.