Peridot
Peridot is a gem form of the mineral olivine. The vivid green colour of peridot comes from traces of iron within the stone, the
intensity of the green colour depending on the quantity of the iron present. It is one of the few gemstones which come in just one colour.
Peridot can range in colour from a bright lime to olive green hues and at 6.5 –7 on the Mohs' hardness scale, the stone is a fairly
durable gemstone for jewellery.
Peridot is formed as a result of extreme conditions of huge heat and pressure deep within the earth. It is found in rocks created by
volcanoes and in meteors that fall to the earth.
The most desirable peridots are abundantly found on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Other occurrences can be found in China,
USA, Myanmar, Africa and Australia.
The name peridot comes from the Greek ‘peridona’ meaning ‘to give richness’. It has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years
and has been found in much Egyptian jewellery. In ancient times, peridot was mined on an island off Egypt called Zeberget. Work was done
during the night because it was not easy to see the stone in the daylight. According to legend, mining there was very treacherous as the
island was riddled with snakes, until a Pharoah banished them to the sea. The Romans had a particular liking for peridot and called it
‘evening emerald’ as the colour remained bright and light at night. Peridot has also been found in medieval churches in Europe, probably
carried by the Crusades. Very large peridots are set in a shrine in Cologne Cathedral. Peridot is particularly sacred in Hawaii as it
is believed to be the goddess Pele’s tears.
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and for the Leo Zodiac sign (July 23 – August 23.) It can also be given as a 16th
wedding anniversary gemstone.