PERIDOT Stone Meaning and Uses

Meaning and uses of Peridot Stone | Gemstone | Healing Crystal

First name

The etymology of the name Peridot has generated some confusion. Probably derives from the Arabic word “faridat” (gem), but another source finds it as derived from the Middle English word “peridote” (luminous dot, button)

Chemical composition of Peridot

The Peridot is an idiochromatic gem that belongs to the group of silicates. It owes its color to high iron content, which is an important part of its composition. The Peridot can intensify its color if in its structure there are also remains of chromium and nickel. It is a transparent gemstone but there are rare “Cat Eye” specimens, that is, gems that present a luminous band on the surface, caused by needle-shaped inclusions.

Peridot Extraction

The classic source of the Peridot has been for years the island of Zabargad, 89 kilometers from the Egyptian coast on the Red Sea. The largest deposit in the world is located in the Apache reserve of San Carlos, Arizona and there are also extractive sources in China and Pakistan.

History of Peridot

Its delicate appearance has made this gem very loved and with a fascinating historical and mythical tradition. In the past, it was believed that the Peridot stimulated friendships, managed to release the spirit of envy and was able to develop eloquence. Marbodio de Rennes (1035-1123) wrote in his mythological compendium “Liber de Lapidibus” that the Peridot, to be used against evil spirits, should be pierced, threaded with a donkey’s hair and tied to the wrist of the left arm. He has been quoted at different times in the Bible with his old name of Chrysolite. The Peridot was also a precious stone loved by pirates, as it was considered to drive away evil spirits and to calm the fear of darkness.

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Peridot Characteristics

The colors of the Peridot comprise the different shades of green. The most coveted specimens present an intense and pure green meadow. If the gem is small, it can be eye-clean, but being a Type II Gemstone, the Peridot presents inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Variety of Peridot

The most beautiful Peridot specimens are taken from the Support region in the vicinity of the Himalayan mountain range in northwestern Kashmir, Pakistan. The famous Kashmir Peridot has a more beautiful, purer color and offers larger dimensions, as well as a higher degree of purity than the rest. Unfortunately, the offer is very limited because of the harsh winters that make it impossible to extract them outside the months of June to September.

Peridot Care

For some precious stones, the drastic change in temperature can cause damage. The Peridot belongs to this group of gems and therefore is to avoid thermal shocks.