Bright, fresh and unmistakably green, peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in just one colour. From soft olive to vibrant lime, its green glow has divided opinions over the years. Some love the olive colouring while some find it insipid and prefer a bright Emerald.
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, and its name comes from it being found in peridotite rock from the earth’s upper mantle.
While many gemstones owe their colours to impurities, peridot’s distinctive shade comes from the iron naturally present within the stone itself.
As August’s birthstone as well as the stone for 15th wedding anniversaries, peridot is often associated with warmth, positivity and new beginnings. Whether you’re celebrating an birthday or anniversary or simply love its unusual colour, this fascinating gemstone has plenty of stories to tell.
Did you know
Yellow-green Peridot was first called Topazos, named for the obscure and inhospitable Topazios Island in the Red Sea on which it was discovered.
The current term “Peridot” is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem.” While it is currently mined in many parts of the world, it is still the National Gem of Egypt.
Peridot has been treasured for over 3,500 years. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad (an Arabic term for Olivine, or Peridot) a source for many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and it was so highly prized that the island’s location was kept secret for many years.
It’s believed that Cleopatra confused this stone with emerald. She also claimed all ‘emeralds’ mined in her lands to be her property!
Historians also believe that some gemstones once thought to be emeralds in royal collections may have been peridot.
Apparently Romans later nicknamed peridot the “evening emerald” because its green color stayed bright and clear under lamplight at night. [1, 2]
Unlike many gemstones that form in the Earth’s crust, peridot develops deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure. It is brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity, making it one of the few gemstones with truly volcanic origins. The only other gemstone like this is diamond!
Even more remarkably, in 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe and tiny crystals of peridot have been found inside meteorites that have travelled through space.
While these space-born stones aren’t suitable for jewellery, they make peridot one of the few gemstones with connections that stretch beyond our own planet!
Today, many people choose peridot simply because of its fresh, uplifting colour. Its vibrant green makes it a beautiful reminder of summer, growth and the changing seasons.
Throughout history, peridot has been associated with protection, happiness and good fortune. Many cultures believed it could ward off negativity and bring peace to its wearer.
Peridot is said to clear jealousy and resentment as well as spite and anger. It is said to enhance assertiveness and boost confidence and it also ais with life changes and helps you let go of the past.
Its link to the heart chakra and helps open the heart to joy, new relationships, and compassion. It’s link to the solar plexus chakra strengthens personal power, inner strength, and mental clarity.
Peridot is also said to strengthen the immune system and metabolism and benefits the skin amongst other ailments.
Peridot measures between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for everyday wear with a little care.
To keep your peridot jewellery looking its best:
– Clean it with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth.
– Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
– Store it separately from harder gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires to help prevent scratches.
– Remove jewellery before gardening, DIY or sporting activities.
With simple care, a peridot piece can remain beautiful for many years. For more on caring for your jewellery check our my dedicated page.
At Rock & Rose Jewellery, I love choosing gemstones that have both beauty and character. Peridot’s bright green colour pairs beautifully with sterling silver, creating jewellery that’s elegant, distinctive and easy to wear every day.
I have a peridot option in my silver and rose gold plated gemstone ring because peridot has a special place for me as it was my Mum’s birthstone. I lost my Mum to cancer in 2005 and that and subsequent losses have meant I developed a fascination with memento mori. I’m sure she would be proud of what I’ve created and achieved.
Each gemstone in my collection is carefully selected, and every piece is handmade with attention to detail, creating jewellery that’s designed to be treasured for years to come.
Whether you’re marking an August birthday, celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, peridot brings a refreshing burst of colour to any jewellery collection.
https://www.charmsoflight.com/shop-by-crystal-or-gemstone/peridot-healing-jewellery-and-crystals
https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/peridot/
https://www.marketsquarejewelers.com/blogs/msj-handbook/peridot-the-gem-of-the-sun
https://www.lancastrianjewellers.com/blogs/blog/peridot-augusts-birthstone
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