Until the mid 1980's, most of the peridot found in the marketplace was from the America, specifically the state of Arizona, on the Indian reservations. The Indians mined and gathered the peridot crystals and sold them to outside marketers for further processing. Most of the material was small and in larger sizes the color took on an olive cast that dulled the normally bright lime green color. But several things have happened that have changed this picture. Mining techniques have changed from pick and shovel to blasting and backhoe, with the resultant increase in production. Also, other countries, notably China and Pakistan, have begun producing larger material in medium yellowish- green saturated colors. So, now the consumer can choose from a variety of sizes and colors and prices. This gem is very underrated and deserves a wider audience. It has many positive characteristics such as brilliance, hardness, and clarity.