[Tuljin]

Steelskin is an excellent alternative to Manaskin and I would recommend using it. It only costs a jasper (less than 10% of the cost of a Peridot) and it costs less than half the mana of Manaskin.

Even though it "only" has 230 points damage absorb, that will 99% of the time be enough damage absorb for you to cast the spell you need to cast. Also if you're low on HP and have to cast mid-combat its a low mana and cheap reagent spell which will be enough to save your ass.