XL 4.1" Natural Emerald Peridot Crystal Minerals On Volcanic Rock Gila, Arizona
Location: Gila, Arizona
Weight: 1 Pound 1.1 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.1 Inches Long, 3.1 Inches Wide, 2 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Peridot, a gem variant of the mineral olivine, is found in multiple sites across Arizona, with Gila County being a notable region for its collection. The most well-known site in Gila County is Peridot Mesa, located within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. This area is recognized as a major source of peridot in the United States. The crystals are embedded in basalt flows on the mesa, situated east of Globe, Arizona. Peridot appears as both individual grains and clusters within the volcanic rock. Access to mining on Peridot Mesa is limited to members of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and visitors must obtain a tribal recreation permit from the local wildlife department. This mesa is the remains of an extinct volcano, with basalt layers ranging from 3 to 35 meters thick. The typical peridot crystals measure between 6 and 13 millimeters. The region also features seasonal wildflowers like Mexican goldpoppies. The nearby town of Peridot lies within the reservation, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe has been mining this gemstone for approximately 50 years, supporting the local economy.
