XL 3.5" Natural Emerald Peridot Crystal Minerals On Volcanic Rock Gila, Arizona
Location: Gila, Arizona
Weight: 1 Pound
Dimensions: 3.5 Inches Long, 3 Inches Wide, 2.9 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, is one of the most significant sources of peridot in the United States. The peridot occurs within basalt flows on the mesa, appearing as individual grains and aggregates within layers that range from 3 to 35 meters thick. Typical peridot grains measure between 6 and 13 millimeters, making them highly prized for jewelry and gemstone collectors. The mesa itself is a remnant of a dormant volcano, adding to its geological significance.
Access to Peridot Mesa is restricted to members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Visitors must obtain a tribal recreation permit, which can be purchased at the San Carlos Apache Recreation and Wildlife Department office, located off Highway 70, east of Globe. Mining by the tribe has been ongoing for over 50 years, supporting the local economy and preserving a rich cultural heritage.
In addition to its gemstone resources, Peridot Mesa is known for its natural beauty, particularly its spring wildflowers, including the vibrant Mexican goldpoppies. The nearby town of Peridot, Arizona, is situated within the reservation, further highlighting the region’s connection to peridot mining and tribal history.
