3.8" Natural Emerald Peridot Crystal Minerals On Volcanic Rock Gila, Arizona
Location: Gila, Arizona, San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation
Weight: 13.2 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.8 Inches Long, 2.8 Inches Wide, 2.4 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Peridot, the gem variety of the mineral olivine, is found in several locations in Arizona, with Gila County being a prominent area for its extraction. The most famous location in Gila County is Peridot Mesa, situated on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
Peridot Mesa, located east of Globe, Arizona, stands as a distinguished source of peridot in the United States, with the San Carlos Apache Reservation serving as the principal mining region. This exquisite mineral is embedded within the basaltic flows of the mesa, manifesting both as solitary crystals and clusters within the volcanic rock.
Peridot Mesa, located within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, is a unique site where high-quality peridot is mined. Access to the area is restricted to members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and a tribal recreation permit is required to visit. Permits can be purchased at the San Carlos Apache Recreation and Wildlife Department office, located off Highway 70, east of Globe.
The mesa is a remnant of a dormant volcano, with peridot embedded in basalt layers ranging from 3 to 35 meters thick. Individual peridot grains typically measure between 6 and 13 millimeters, making them ideal for jewelry and gemstone collection.
In addition to its gemstone resources, Peridot Mesa is known for its natural beauty, including abundant wildflowers like Mexican goldpoppies that bloom in spring. The San Carlos Apache Tribe has been mining peridot in this area for over 50 years, providing an important contribution to the local economy and preserving a long-standing cultural tradition.
