Jasper Vs. Peridot


Jasper is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Peridot is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is magnesium iron silicate.[2]

Images of jasper

Images of peridot


Quick Facts on Differences of Jasper and Peridot

For a quick recap of the differences jasper and peridot:
  • Jasper is opaque while peridot is transparent.
  • In terms of crystallography, jasper is hexagonal while peridot is orthorhombic.
  • For chemical formulas, jasper is SiO2 while peridot can be (Mg or Fe)2SiO4.
  • While both jasper and peridot can be vitreous, in terms of luster, jasper can be dull or waxy.
  • Jasper streaks white while peridot streaks colorless.
  • Jasper can be commonly red while peridot can be commonly brown, green or yellow.
  • Jasper's rarity is less rare than peridot.
  • Jasper's specific gravity is lower than peridot - jasper ranges from 2.55 to 2.91 and peridot ranges from 3.2 to 4.39.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Jasper and Peridot

The similarities of jasper and peridot include:
  • Jasper's hardness is similar to peridot - they both range from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Jasper

Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.

Summary of Peridot

Peridot is a beautiful green mineral that has been used for centuries in jewelry making. It is a type of olivine mineral and is found in volcanic rocks and meteorites. Peridot is known for its vibrant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron. The mineral can range in color from yellow-green to olive green, and can be transparent or translucent.

Table Comparison of Jasper vs Peridot

Jasper (src) Peridot (src)
Transparency opaque transparent
Chemical Formula SiO2 (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Chemical Composition silicon dioxide magnesium iron silicate
Specific Gravity 2.55, 2.91 3.2, 4.39
Hardness 6.5, 7 6.5, 7
Streak white colorless
Crystallography hexagonal orthorhombic
Refractive Index 1.54, 1.553 1.635, 1.879
Hydrous No No
Colors common: red
sometimes: yellow
less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, band, multicolor
common: green, yellow, brown
sometimes: olive
less common: pale, amber, lemon
Category chalcedony silicate
Birefringence δ = 0.009 δ = +0.036
Fracture conchoidal conchoidal