Peridot

FUN FACTS

Despite being rare in Hawaii, peridots came to symbolize the tears of the goddess of fire, Pele, in Hawaiian mythology

Mining for peridots in Ancient Egypt had to be done at night due to their light color, and the abundance of snakes 

Peridots have been discovered in several meteorites, making it one of the few gems that can be found outside our solar system

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Peridot

ABOUT

Peridots generally range from yellow green to olive green with which they are so famously associated. Because of its resemblance to emerald, peridot is sometimes considered a relatively underappreciated gem, and one whose value pales in comparison to others, despite its long and storied history. The stone is said to aid in overcoming challenging professional and academic challenges, boosting one’s self-esteem and motivation, and allowing one to speak with greater conviction, all the while preventing depression. And ironically despite its green color, peridots are believed to alleviate feelings of jealousy and dispel toxic feelings, especially in workplace environments. 

Peridot

STORY

The name peridot is believed to come from the Arabic‘faridat’for the word ‘gem’. Like emeralds, the first use of peridots can be traced back to Egypt circa 1500 BC, where they were mined on the Red Sea island of Zabargad; mining ended on the island around 1935. Used to make talismans, Egyptians referred to it as the ‘Gem of the Sun’ because of the belief it could protect its wearer from nightmares. Contrary to popular belief, the famous jewels donned by Cleopatra were not emeralds, but peridots. This mistake was also made for centuries regarding the Shrine of Three Kings in Cologone’s main cathedral. Romans called the stone the ‘emerald of the evening’ as peridots could shine quite brilliantly without natural light. During the Crusades, Crusaders amassed large amounts of the jewel that would later end up adorning many cathedrals. They can be found all around the world in China, Pakistan, Burma, and even Hawaii. 

GEMOLOGICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • FAMILY

    Olivine

  • CHEMISTRY

    2SiO4

  • REFRACTIVE INDEX

    1.650 - 1.703

  • BIREFRINGENCE

    .033 - .038

  • SPECIFIC GRAVITY

    3.28 - 3.48

  • HARDNESS

    6.5 - 7