Hobbies And Interests
Color
Peridot stones are green in color. Their hues can range from bright yellow-green to deep emerald. Garnet stones can come in every color, except for blue. It isn't unusual to find a white, red, yellow or even black garnet. Some garnet appears to be one color when viewed in natural light but a different hue in artificial lighting.
Size
Garnet stones typically range from 1/2 carat to about 5 carats in weight. In 1991, a piece of garnet was mined in Virginia that was more than 2,800 carats. Peridot stones are generally about 1-carat in weight, but there are also two- to three-carat stones. Obtaining a peridot that is 5 or more carats is unusual, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Location
In the U.S., peridot has been found in large quantities in Arizona and New Mexico. The U.S. was the largest peridot producer until the early 1990s. Since then, China and Pakistan have become major competitors to that title. As of 2011, garnet has been consistently located in 14 U.S. states, including Alaska, California, Utah, North Carolina and New York. The largest U.S. industrial garnet mine is in Idaho.
Use
Garnet is often crafted into jewelry, but it is also used for sandpaper. The finishing of peridot stones typically determines their use. Stones that have been cut and polished are generally used in rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. Those that have been smoothed are usually turned into beads or used in mosaic artwork.