Peridot Mineral Information

The peridot is a very old gemstone, it is so ancient that the gem can be found in Egyptian jewelry from the early 2nd millenium B.C. At that time, the stones used came from a deposit on a volcanic island in the Red Sea, which was not rediscovered until about 1900. The ancient Romans too were fond of this beautiful gemstone and esteemed its radiant gren shine, which doesnt change even in artificial light. For this reason, the stones were nicknamed the 'emerald of the evening'. At one time, Peridot was more valuable than diamonds.

Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine, it is a result of extreme conditions. It is found in the rocks created by volcanoas and even in meteors that fall to earth. Although many other gems can be found in meteoretes that have fallen to earth, the only gem that is found in large enough sized to make jewelry from is peridot. A meteorite landed in a desolate area of Siberia in 1749. It was found to contain many peices of peridot crystals that large enough to be set into jewelry.

Peridot is formed deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure. As the magma of the earth slowly cooled to form igneous rock, peridot was born. Certain parts of the magma which cooled slowly created clear and large specimens of peridot. Egypt and Burma as well as surrounding areas are the places where these rich deposits are located.

Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele's tears. Although hawaii's volcanoes have produced lots of peridot large enough to be cut into gemstones, virtually most peridot sold in that island today is from Arizona, another state with extreme geology. The island of Oahu even has beaches that made out of tiny grains of peridot. Most of the peridot mined today comes from Pakistan, China and Arizona but the gems found are mostly under 3 carats. The two world's finest peridot collections can be found at the Museum of Natural History in New York and the Field Museum in Chicago.

The fresh lime green of peridot is its distinctive signature. The peridot is one of the few precious stones which come in only one colour. Its green color with the slight tinge of gold is due to the very fine traces of iron. The color of peridot can be described as yellow-green, olive or bottle green, green with a golden tone, deep chartreuse or simply a brilliant light green. Peridot is an iron magnesium silicate and the intensity of the color depends on the amuont of iron actually present. Peridot is also one of a few precious stones that are not routinely treated.

Peridot is not particularly hard (around 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale), a little softer than amethyst and emerald, harder than metal but softer than many gems, but peridot is easy to look after and fairly robust. The gem is also highly sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Star peridot and peridot cats eyes are particularly rare and precious.

Peridot is told to have the ability to bring vitality and healing to the whole body. It it said to increase confidence, patience and assertiveness. The friendly and joyful energy of this gemstone helps to make and seal friendships, it clears the heart and releases the ego, which in turn cleanses anger and jealousy, hence bringing about a sense of peace and quiet amusement.

Peridot reduces stress, amplifies intuitive awareness and stimulates the mind. It is most useful for balancing of the glandular system, peridot assists with tissue regeneration and strengthening the blood to purify the body. It is also told to reduce fever and to aid in digestion. Commonly used in treating emotional states such as jealousy, irritation and anger. It's color as well as the gemstone, Inspires healing, renewal, rebirth, purification and growth. It has the power to mend damaged relationships and heal hurt feelings. It is also helpful in warding off evil spirits.