Peridot

Peridot, sometimes referred to as 'the volcanic gemstone,' is the gemstone of the month of August. Formed during volcanic activity, it's color ranges from bright yellow-green to dark lime-green, offering more choices in the green color family. Widely popular today, the fashion industry has promoted the peridot gemstone to complement summer wardrobes due to its green radiance - the color of nature.

Peridot gemstones are featured in earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings in a variety of styles and price ranges. Peridot is used both as faceted gems and as tumbled gems. Tumbled gems can be set in Baroque jewelry, drilled and strung as beads and used in mosaics. The popularity of peridot is increasing yearly with new finds in Pakistan.

One of the few, peridot gemstones are only found in one color, green, though the depth of the color varies. The green color of the peridot, with a slight yellow-gold tint, is caused by fine traces of iron. The more iron, the more intense the color.

Mystical Powers

The stone is believed to bring success, peace, and good luck to the wearer. Other powers associated with the peridot include health, protection, and sleep. Attracting love, calming anger, soothing nerves and dispelling negative emotions are also attributed to the powers of the gemstone. ^[1]

History

An ancient gemstone, the peridot has been traced back thousands of years. It has been discovered in Egyptian jewelry from the 2nd millennium B.C. Reportedly, the stones from this period came from a volcanic island in the Red Sea. Peridot is even mentioned in the Bible under the name of "chrysolite" or the Hebrew name of "pitdah."

According to legend, the peridot was one of the favorite gemstones of Cleopatra. Historians believe that some of the emeralds worn by her were actually peridot. Because the radiant green color does not change in any light, it was nicknamed 'emerald of the evening' by the Romans.

FACTS

A gemstone variety of the mineral olivine. Forms during volcanic activity/eruptions. The Zodiac sign of Libra. Given as a gem on the 16th wedding anniversary. Peridot was ground up and once taken internally for treatment of asthma. Gem quality peridot comes from Arizona, Hawaii, Burma, Norway, and the islands in the Red Sea. In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the goddess Pele's tears. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., houses the largest cut peridot at 310 carats. Peridot is not very hard, only rating a 6.5 -7 on the Mohs scale. Peridot has been found in meteorites. Tips Choose stones with a rich lime-green color. Avoid stones with an olive tint. Look for an evenly distributed color throughout the stone. Be aware that the stone you are considering may have been treated with resins, oils, and waxes to enhance its color. Care The peridot does not call for special care, but because it is a precious stone, it should be protected from scratches and sharp impacts. Drastic temperature changes should be avoided - it should not be in direct contact with heat or for long periods in a hot car. Also, it is not recommended to clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

References

• Colored Gemstone Association
• Minerals

Related Items

• Monthly Birthstones
• Monthly Flowers
• Monthly Zodiac Signs
• August Holidays

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