Peridot has a hardness of around 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale making it durable enough for jewelry wear. This gemstone is cut into many shapes and sizes such as faceted gems, cabochons, or beads. Peridot has a yellowish green to greenish yellow to brownish-green shine and some even comprise inclusions called lily pad inclusions which are discoid fractures caused by internal stresses. Because of its vibrant beauty and relative affordability, Peridot is one of the most desired jewels of today. It is also characterized as having a fair to good toughness but just like most stones, it still should be taken care of with some care to avoid scratches and fractures. Here are some guidelines when it comes to taking care of your Peridot jewelry:

1. For cleaning, it is best to dip it in a mixed solution of water and mild soap. Once finished, place the gem under running clean water. Use a tight woven microfiber or any soft cloth to dab the stone and let it dry.
2. Use of ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are not recommended.
3. As much as possible, limit the contact between the stone and chemicals present in most cleaners, perfumes, makeup, and sanitizers such as alkaline solutions, hydrofluoric acid, and ammonium fluoride. 
4. Remove jewelry when going for a swim. The chlorine present in swimming pools causes harm to the jewel’s polish and finish.
5. Peridot jewelry must be separated from other pieces in a soft cloth or padded container to avoid scratches and tears. Keep the container in a dry and cool place.
6. Keep the stone out of extreme changes in temperature if you can.
7. It is recommended to reserve Peridot jewelry only for special occasions since it is not one of the hardest gems out there. But if you ever want to wear it daily, don’t forget to remove them before performing activities, such as swimming, exercising, cleaning, and cooking to prevent any unwanted damage.
8. Let a professional jeweler check your Peridot at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.

Peridot is one of the birthstones of August and has for many centuries, developed an important role in different cultures. Its rich history, along with its renowned bright green shade, increased its value and rarity. To completely enjoy the beauty of these stones, it is only right to take notes of how to properly care for them to ensure a long-time of happiness from owning such jewelry.