Peridot
$24.95
Item number:
5
Peridot
Peridot is a vibrant, yellowish-green gemstone that is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. It is one of the few "evening emeralds" that occurs in only one color. It is primarily recognized as the official birthstone for the month of August.
Key Characteristics & Origins
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- Formation: Born of the Earth’s inner fire, peridot is formed deep in the upper mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Some incredibly rare extraterrestrial peridots have even fallen to Earth in pallasite meteorites.
- Color: Its characteristic bright lime, olive, or chartreuse-green hue comes entirely from the presence of iron within its crystal structure.
- Hardness: On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot rates between 6.5 and 7. While suitable for most jewelry, it is softer than diamonds or sapphires and requires careful handling to avoid scratching.
- History: The earliest recorded peridot mining dates back nearly 3,500 years ago to Zabargad Island in Egypt. Today, significant deposits are found in Arizona, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
Symbolism & Lore
Historically, peridot has been associated with light, the sun, and healing. Ancient lore suggests the stone protects against evil spirits, invites wealth, and promotes balance and harmony.
Care Instructions
Because it is a softer gemstone, you should store peridot jewelry separately to prevent harder gems from scratching it. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes, harsh chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are the safest methods for cleaning peridot.