Peridot – August Birthstone

Zodiac 

Peridot belongs to the month of August and the zodiac sign is Leo. 

Meaning of Peridot 

The origin of the name peridot is uncertain, and it could have been derived from Anglo-Norman or Arabic words. In Arabic peridot is called ‘faridat’. Peridot is sometimes called chrysolite.

Folklore

The earliest use in England is in the register of the St Albans Abbey, in Latin, and its translation in 1705 is possibly the first use of peridot in English. It records that on his death in 1245, Bishop John bequeathed various items, including peridot, to the Abbey.

Colour

Peridot is a gemstone that occurs only in an olive-green color, with its intensity and tint depending on iron content. Peridot can vary from yellow to olive to brownish green. In rare cases, peridot may have a medium-dark toned, pure green with no secondary yellow hue or brown mask. Lighter-colored gems are due to lower iron concentrations.

Hardness

Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Formation

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are the only means by which Peridot and Diamond are formed in molten rock.

Zones

It was mined for the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Egypt had the monopoly to mine peridot in the olden days. To preserve their mines on secretive Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, which was only discovered in 1905, the people of Zabargad were extremely vigilant. Peridot is regarded as Egypt’s National Gem.

The principal source of peridot olivine today is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. It is also mined at another location in Arizona, and in Arkansas, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico at Kilbourne Hole, It is also found in Australia Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

Healing & Spiritual Properties.

Peridot has been prized for its alleged protective powers. Peridot has been prized since the earliest civilizations for its claimed protective powers to drive away fears and nightmares, according to superstitions. It is believed by some superstitious people to carry the gift of “inner radiance”, sharpening the mind and opening it to new levels of awareness and growth, helping one to recognize and realize one’s destiny and spiritual purpose. It is utilized to improve energy and remove emotional disorders as well as to relieve nervousness and jealousy. People who are having a hard time moving on from past betrayals will find this stone to be of great assistance to them.

Physical Properties.

It is known as one of the best gemstones for removing toxins from the body. Using Peridot for physical healing is an excellent way to balance the endocrine system, especially the adrenal glands. The liver, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas all benefit greatly from the use of this stone as a digestive system support since it aids in nutrient absorption. Peridot is a fantastic stone for persons who experience mood swings and other mental health issues on a regular basis.             

                                                       

Anniversary

Peridot is gifted in the 16th year of a wedding anniversary.

Popular Culture

Many experts believe some of history’s most prized gemstones including Cleopatra’s famous emeralds, were really peridots. The jewels thought to be emeralds at the Cologne Cathedral were later found to be peridots too. Several stars including Nicole Kidman, Kate Middleton and Naomi Campbell have worn Peridots.

Famous Peridots in the World

1. The largest cut peridot olivine is a 310-carat specimen in the Smithsonian Museum.
   
   
2. Another impressive peridot forms part of Russia’s Diamond Fund, a unique collection of gems, jewellery and specimens on display in the Kremlin Armoury. The yellowish-green stone weighs 192.75 carats and once belonged to the Russian royal family.
   
3. The most famous collection of peridot jewellery belonged to the Austrian Grand Duchess Isabella. The Habsburg Peridot Parure comprises a tiara, necklace and earrings and was initially created circa 1825 by the imperial Hapsburg jeweller Kochert for the Grand Duchess Henriette, wife of Charles, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who later gave the collection to his nephew, Grand Duke Friedrich.
4. In 2006, NASA’s Explorer spacecraft, Stardust, embarked on a mission to gather samples from near the sun. The particles analyzed upon its return included gem-quality peridot believed to be as old as our solar system, which was formed some 4.5 billion years ago.
5. Michelle Dela Valle peridot and diamond feather brooch in yellow gold.

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Author: – Charmi Soni Shroff

Being a part of the Gems & Jewellery industry for the last 15 years I garnered insights into gems, diamonds and jewellery. I have authored a handbook on casting techniques and various blogs on various methods of healing and meditation with gemstones. Presently working with IIG Mumbai as a writer, author, external spokesperson and PR representative.