Peridot - an otherworldly gemstone
3 min reading time
Peridot was thought to be Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone. In her time, it was often mistaken for emeralds. Peridot was called “gems of the sun” and many now believe that the “emeralds” Cleopatra wore were actually peridot because both Egypt and Burma were the main providers of this stone at that time. It was not until the 18th century that the French renamed it “peridot” before that it had been called topaz, until that name was given to another stone and that is because it had another name before that (topazion) because it was originally mined on the island of Topazios (now Zabargad).
The Roman’s dubbed peridot, “evening’s emerald” because unlike the deep green emerald, peridot’s citrus tones remained constant even in candlelight.
During the crusades it adorned religious objects.
Apparently, others confused peridot and emeralds. The Cologne cathedral contains a famous shrine known as the Three Holy Kings. It is adorned with numerous beautiful jewels. For centuries, one large gemstone was thought to be an emerald, and only recently identified as peridot. It’s easy to see how peridot might be for the emerald because they bear a strong likeness to one another, but peridot is softer in its intensity.
Good quality peridot can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Other sources are Norway, Burma, and several islands in the Red Sea. 1994 brought the discovery of a new deposit in Pakistan containing some of the most beautiful and highly valued peridots ever seen. Finally, you could say that peridot is a stone that is out of this world, as one of the most unusual sources of this stone are those found in meteorites. They are called pallasites, and are the only gems known to come from space.
Peridot is a variation or olivine and is composed of magnesium and iron silicate. It is most prized when it is medium-dark green without the yellow and brown undertones.
Why is Peridot Special?
Having been known and coveted for thousands of years, peridot has been steeped in legend and folklore. Perhaps it has been known best throughout history for its healing properties. In ancient times, goblets made of peridot were used to cure maladies because it was thought that it amplified the healing properties of medicinal liquids drunk from them. Other conditions peridot is known to cure are insomnia, digestive distress, and soothing an upset nervous system.
Peridot is thought to bring peace, health and rest by harmonizing the body and mind. It is also believed that its powers are amplified if set in gold.
Sometimes called the study stone, peridot crystals are thought to increase mental focus and make the mind more receptive to learning.
Peridot is an August birthstone.
How to Care for Peridot Jewelry:
Use a soft cloth and gentle soap and water to clean the moonstone. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and above all heat with this stone. Follow the cleaning with a soft dry cloth should do the trick
Try to prevent cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens from encountering the stone.
Keep peridot away from extreme heat and avoid striking hard surfaces.
Our artist friends here at Sundara Joon have been hard at work making some beautiful pieces incorporating this special stone. Check out their special jewelry for yourself. Peridot is a wonderfully popular stone on its own but is equally lovely when paired with other colorful gemstones.
Still Want More?
- GIA - peridot
- IGS (International Gem Society) - Peridot
- IGS video on peridot
- American Gem Trade Association - Peridot
- Smithsonian - peridot