Peridot Gemstone – History | Identification | Healing | Value | Treatment

Peridot Gemstone – History | Identification | Healing | Value | Treatment

#Peridot #Gemstone

Peridot is an olive-green gemstone with a fascinating past that dates back to the time of the Egyptians in 300 B.C., and they referred to it as the “gem of the sun.” The Smithsonian museum displays the world’s largest cut peridot stone from the Red Sea island of Topazios, also known as St. John’s Island or Zabargad. The stone weighs in at 311.78 carats.

Many believe that the word peridot comes from the Arabic word faridat, which means “gem.” Yet, the Oxford English Dictionary suggests that the word peridot is an alteration of the Anglo-Norman word meaning a type of opal, pedoretés. Over the years, peridot has been mistaken for other gems, and it was amongst the number of precious stones labeled as “topaz.” Many have also mischaracterized emeralds, and some believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection was peridot. Though there is significant speculation about peridot’s history, its composition and source are certain.

The Extraordinary Beginnings of Peridot

Peridot is a type of olivine mineral found in rocks that lava carries to the surface of the Earth from its mantle, but what makes it more fascinating is that it’s also found in meteorites that have reached the Earth’s surface. It comes in vibrant shades of green and is among the original gemstones cherished by mankind.

Even though olivine is a common mineral, gem-quality peridot is hard to find because the Earth’s surface has a corrosive effect on it. This means that it is often mined in places where extreme weather causes rocks to fracture or break. The mining of peridot happens throughout the world, and it is among the few gemstones that you can find in a single color.

Where to Find Peridot

The San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona is the first place on the map where the mining of peridot takes place. It is the primary source of this olivine crystal, but there are other places to find peridot in North America. Among them are Arkansas, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico. Other countries that mine peridot are Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Norway, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. But what about those meteorites?

The most notable discovery of peridot found within space debris happened in Argentina about 50 years ago. The massive meteorite named Esquel encompassed many peridot crystals. A careful study involving a laser beam and a mass spectrometer, a sophisticated machine that detects trace elements, concluded that the extraterrestrial peridot is significantly distinguishable from its earthly counterparts.

The Characteristics of Peridot

Peridot from the Earth and its terrestrial counterparts are from the silicate mineral variety. The chemical composition of both varieties include magnesium and iron, and iron is what gives peridot the brilliant and unique green hues. Most of the time, yellow and brown are secondary color variations that mask the green. The depth and tone are dependent on the amount of iron present in the mineral.

Irregular nodules deposited in basalts, or volcanic rocks, encapsulate the peridot crystals. More rarely, it’s included in large veins or pockets within some varieties of solidified molten rocks. Due to its sensitivity to the surface of the Earth, the crystal is not suitable for decorative use, but it has a long history of symbolism and legend.

The Myths and Its Functionality

Throughout history, many cultures associate peridot with light and protection, and few believe it symbolizes luck, peace, success and strength. Some believe that it wards off evil spirits, more likely when it is set in gold. Ancient Romans called it the evening emerald because they believed it glowed in the moonlight. There are also legends that pirates used peridot for finding treasure. Many tend to believe that peridot contains various healing properties, but this rare stone also possesses modern symbolism.

Many recognize peridot as the birthstone for August, but it is also a traditional gift for 16th wedding anniversaries. Peridot shares its place with another precious gem named spinel when it comes to gifting purposes. As a gift, it symbolizes joy and new relationships.

Peridot has a spectacular history and is among the most precious stones found on the Earth. It’s prized for its unique features and remarkable origin, and it is a stunning bright-green gem that captures the imagination. It is said that it can help a person let go of the past and end feelings of hate, envy, fear and anger. Peridot is a valuable gift that is believed to bestow self-esteem and accomplishment to those who possess it.