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Gemstone Directory Peridot | Peridot |
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Peridot is one of the few gemstones which only comes in one colour. The depth of colour depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure and varies from yellow green to olive to brownish green. Peridot is also frequently mispronounced, is should be said as per-i-doh as opposed to per-i-dot. Olivine is a very abundant mineral but gem quality is much rarer. peridot crystals have been found in iron-nickel meteorites. The largest cut stone is a 310 carat (62 g) specimen in the Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C. One of the earliest mentions of peridot was in Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder an ancient author and natural philosopher in which he tells of the first specimen which is presented to Berenice, Theban queen of Lower Egypt circa 300 B.C. Peridot is also mentioned in the book of Exodus as one of the gemstone's in the high priest's breastplate which was set with gemstones for the twelve tribes of Israel. The ancient Egyptian rulers called it 'the gem of the sun' because of its intense brightness and it was believed peridot could not be mined during daylight because it was so bright it was invisible. In the dark it was believed to give off its own light so miners could mark its location and come back during daylight to collect it. The original source for peridot was the island of Zebargad (the Arabic word for peridot) which is in the red Sea about 54 kilometres off the coast of Egypt. Most of the earliest known gemstones came from here and small amounts are still produced today. Later very large fine-quality peridot was produced from deposits in Myanmar (formerly Burma). These deposits were well known for their 20 to 40 carat cut stones of superb colour and clarity. Unlike most other gemstones, olivine is highly susceptible to chemical weathering and thus does not survive very long at the surface in wet climates. This fact probably accounts for the very limited number of known gem localities and their restriction to areas having arid or semi-arid climates. Peridot was also discovered in Pakistan circa 2000 and the size of the pieces was absolutely stupendous. Some of the cut gemstones weighed over 2000 carats, however these supplies are now dwindling and a tribal war over control of the mines raises uncertainties about future availability. Furthermore this region is extremely inhospitable and dangerous 15,000 feet up in the Kashmir region of the Himalayas and hence the weather leaves the site accessible for only two or three months of the year. Peridot Mesa located on the San Carlos apache indian reservation is currently the most productive locality for peridot in the world. It is estimated that 80% to 95% of the world's supply comes from here. Smaller amounts are also found in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Norway, and USA. In crystal healing, peridot is an excellent healing stone acting as a "tonic" to both strengthen and regenerate the body. It emits a warm and friendly energy and provides a shield of protection around the wearer. It can help heal a bruised ego by assisting in the lessening of anger or jealousy and inspiring happpiness within ones self. peridot increases patience, confidence and assertiveness. As well as helping to slow the aging process and aid in the treatment of digestive, heart, lung and eye disorders, it is also said to be helpful in facilitating the birthing process. Peridot attracts love and its deep green colour also suggests a connection with attracting wealth. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. It is graded 6.5 to 7.9 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The following links offer further reading on peridot http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peridot
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Peridot is also sometimes referred to as 
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