Shimmering, pale green peridot--often called the evening emerald--is a gemstone commonly associated with spirituality and expression. The word "peridot" can be pronounced as "PAIR-uh-doe" or "PAIR-uh-dot." While both pronunciations are found in the dictionary, the actual word of origin for peridot is from the French word peritôt, meaning unclear, because of the numerous inclusions and internal fractures often found within peridot gemstone beads. Chrysolite (an older German word) was also used to describe it before the word peridot was applied to all gem-quality peridot stones.

Sometimes also referred to as olivine, it is only found in one colour--green. This uncommon green color is best known simply as peridot green and it varies from olive to brownish green. This green was highly prized by ancient admirers because it was often thought to be emerald, which is one of the greatest compliments peridot could ever receive. It is the national gem of Egypt, and the ancient Egyptians knew it as the gem of the sun. Jewellery historians are now convinced that some, if not all, of the emeralds that Cleopatra was famous for wearing were not emeralds but deep green peridot stones from mines in Egypt.

Peridot has been written about extensively throughout history. In ancient times, peridot stones were used for talismans featuring carved donkeys for spiritual enhancement and carved vultures for controlling the four winds and evil spirits. Ancient Egyptian papyrus scrolls record the mining of peridot as early as 1500 B.C. on Topazo Island.

Legend says that royal patrols that guarded the entire island were to execute trespassers while protecting the miners from thieves. The miners would collect the gems for the Pharaoh's burial treasury during all hours of the day and night, for it was said that the peridot crystals would radiate in the darkness of night by the light of the lamps they carried. The miners would mark the spot where they saw the glowing gems and then return to retrieve them the next morning.

In the Middle Ages, European emissaries brought back large quantities of peridot stones from their travels to foreign lands and decorated their churches and robes with them. One of these large peridot gems adorns the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in the cathedral at Cologne, and for centuries was believed to be an emerald but has recently been identified as a peridot. Peridot, also known to ancient Hebrews, is listed in the Bible as one of the stones used in Aaron's breastplate and as one of the layers in the foundation of the city of New Jerusalem.

Some peridots are extraterrestrial. This stone has been discovered in meteorites that have landed on Earth. In 1749, one such meteorite was found on a desolate hilltop in Siberia, and it was discovered that this fallen star contained many pieces of beautiful, heaven-sent peridot crystals big enough to be used in jewellery.

In scientific communities, it is also believed that peridot crystals played a large role in the creation of the moon and that now they comprise a large portion of the moon's mantle.

Discover the rich history, possible metaphysical properties and verdant appeal of August’s birthstone--peridot!

Metaphysical Properties

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is also given in celebration of the 16th year of marriage. Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind. This friendly bright green stone also has the uncanny ability to inspire eloquence and creativity; it also brings delight and good cheer. It attracts love and calms anger by giving renewal to all things.

The epic metaphysical powers that Peridot possesses have been written about much throughout the ages. Legend says that if the gem is set in gold, the stone will develop its full potential as a talisman and will have the power to eradicate terrors of the night such as fearsome visions and nightmares.

However, according to the great Roman philosopher, Pliny the Elder, peridot must be worn on the right arm to work its most potent dispelling. The stone’s ability to glow like hot coal under lamplight at night helps chase away foreboding night visions. Peridot has been long considered a powerful aid to repairing and maintaining friendship and, supposedly, it frees the mind of envious thoughts that can damage and strain relationships. It has also been used to protect believers from the evil eye

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Geological Properties

Peridot occurs in silica-poor igneous rocks, such as basalts. Some peridot is found in volcanic areas, while some are found embedded in meteorites. These stones are not usually of gem quality, but a few have been faceted and mounted in jewelrley settings.

The shade and depth of green colour present in peridot is dependent on the proportion of iron present in the stone, and the deeper the green, the smaller the amount of iron that is present.

As with many precious gems, peridot occurs most commonly in pebble-sized specimens that have been weathered by tens of thousands of years of erosion in gemstone veins. New sources of peridot include Arizona, Mexico, Oregon, Norway, Pakistan, Russia and Sri Lanka. The Canary Islands, China, Brazil, Norway, Hawaii, Australia, Brazil and South Africa provide the finest gem-quality peridot stones.

Peridot is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot waters. Rinsing peridot in clean water is safe. Let it air dry and store away from other metals or gemstones that might damage the surface. Remove peridot jewellery when doing heavy work that might scratch it such as gardening or mechanics.