peridot It is the stone that identifies the natives of August. A wonderful gem considered a powerful protector and to which healing properties are also attributed. Since the ancients believed that peridot It had been expelled to our planet after the explosion of a sun and therefore retained its healing power. Therefore, it has been used in many talismans and amulets since ancient times.
However, in jewelry it is highly underestimated, as peridot gems are usually very small. However, larger gems can be found, although they are very rare. But, if you were born in August, you are surely interested in knowing everything about this stone and how you can use it in your life. Well, join us to find out.
Etymology of his name
Etymologically there is some confusion around its name. Since many experts affirm that it possibly comes from the Arabic «faridat» which means gem. While others claim that its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word «peridot», which could be translated as a luminous button.
It is also often called chrysolite, a name derived from the Greek word chrysólithos, which means stone of gold. And it is sometimes referred to as olivine, due to its color and that it is an unusual variety of this mineral.
Peridot Characteristics
peridot it is one of the few minerals that can be found in only one color, which is why it is difficult to confuse it. It is an olive green of which only its shades change and that go from a yellowish green to an olive-brown green.
It is ideochromatic, that is, unlike other gems, its color intensity does not depend on impurities, but on the iron present in its composition. Therefore, the greater the amount of iron, the greener it will be. peridot and the greater intensity it has, the higher its value will be. The most desirable color is a deep olive green with a slight yellowish tinge, usually containing 10-15% iron.
Another characteristic that this gem has is that it maintains its bright color day and night. Being called «the evening emerald», for the fluorescent green glow it exhibits under artificial light. Likewise, the hardness of peridot is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale. In addition to having an orthorhombic crystalline system and a vitreous luster.
where does peridot come from
This gem forms deep in the Earth’s mantle, which is why the Gemological Institute of America has called it the «extreme gem.» A stone that is born from the fire of the molten rocks of the upper mantle, at a distance of 400 kilometers from the surface. Where it is subjected to temperatures of between 800 to 1200 °C and is brought to the surface by the powerful forces of earthquakes and volcanoes.
Thus, peridot and diamond are the only gems that are not born from the earth’s crust. Although it is not a stone that is produced only on our planet, but also has an extraterrestrial origin.
Proof of this is that gems and peridot particles have been found from meteorites dating back 4.5 billion years. And that it is believed that they would be part of the remains of the birth of our solar system.
History
The earliest references to peridot place us in the Hawaiian Islands, specifically in their creation myths. According to which peridot is known as the «tears of Madame Pele. A goddess of volcanoes and fire, and who would have been responsible for creating the Hawaiian Islands.
However, in terms of its extraction, there is evidence that the Egyptians would be the first to find this mineral. On a volcanic island in the Red Sea now called Zabargad or San Juan. Which is considered the most important known deposit and it is believed that they would have exploded for approximately 3,500 years.
Some historians even say that peridots were extracted at night thanks to the brightness that reflected in the dark. Likewise, the Egyptians would name this stone as «jewel of the sun» because of the brightness it showed when receiving the sun’s rays.
Other references meanwhile, come from the Bible. Where peridotis mentioned under the Hebrew name pitdah. And it is believed that this and other gems were probably set in the legendary breastplates of the Jewish high priests. Although these artifacts have not yet been found.
Despite having been used for centuries, it was not until 1912 that peridot It would be officially recognized as the August birthstone. By the Jewelers of America.
Symbolism
Giving one of these gems symbolizes peace and happiness in a relationship. As well as strength, fidelity and truth. But fame, dignity and love are other properties that they associate with the peridot. Along with good luck, health, good and friendship.
peridot in jewelry
One of the advantages offered peridot is its popularity and affordable prices. This allows it to be faceted in many cuts, and used in various pieces of jewelry, especially rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Sharing the limelight with sardonyx and spinel, as these are the secondary birthstones for August. Without forgetting that it is also the precious stone that is given to commemorate the 16th anniversary of marriage.
Association with chakras, planets and the zodiac
peridot It is the birthstone of the zodiac signs for the month of August. Which astrologically begins with the sign of Leo and ends in Virgo. It is also associated with the signs Scorpio, Sagittarius and Capricorn.
On the other hand, it has receptive energy and is associated with the planets Venus and the Sun. With the earth element and Opens, cleanses and activates the chakras of the Heart (Anahata) and the Solar Plexus (Manipura).
Main deposits
Although this gem can be found around the world in any place with volcanic activity. The most important deposits are currently located in Myanmar, Vietnam and Pakistan. Being in Pakistan where the largest and best quality specimens have been extracted.
For its part, the largest reserves of peridot are found in the United States, China, Vietnam, Mexico and Ethiopia. While the most important producer of peridot gems is still the San Carlos Reserve in Arizona, in the United States.
powers attributed to him
Since ancient times this stone has enjoyed a mystical reputation. Although there is no scientific evidence to confirm it, some powers attributed to it are:
- It helps eliminate anxiety, as well as feelings of anger, rancor and resentment. That is why it is the ideal gem for those seeking serenity, peace and love.
- Attracts luck in relationships and marriage. And it is used in spells to attract wealth.
- It is said to radiate peace and well-being, therefore wearing a peridot gemstone in meditation helps to connect with divine energies.
- Protects the aura, increases confidence and spiritual growth. As well as it also allows to increase psychic gifts, especially clairvoyance.
- Those who wear this stone are very communicative, kind and wise people.
- In ancient times it was believed that it protected against spells, negative energies and the evil eye.
- Placing it near the heart helps cleanse negative emotions, giving its wearer feelings of peace and happiness.
- It is believed to be a powerful detoxifier and to improve blood circulation, metabolism and strengthen the immune system as well as promote digestion. It is also said that it has the power to eliminate stress, apathy and tiredness.
most famous peridots
Large specimens of this stone are very rare. In fact, peridot The largest ever found comes from the island of Zabargad. It is a 319-carat cut gem that currently belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
In Russia there are some cut peridots from a meteorite that fell in Siberia in 1749.