Peridot Properties Facts and Photos

Contents 1. What is Peridot? 2. History of Peridot 3. More About Peridot 4. Peridot Healing Properties 5. Article Pictures 6. Shop Peridot

What is Peridot?

Peridot is the gemstone variety of the mineral olivine, which is composed of magnesium iron silicate.

Olivine, one of Earth's most common minerals, has been found in meteorites, on the moon and on Mars.  It's one of only a few minerals that occur in just one colour. Depending on the amount of iron present, the depth and shade can vary from green to yellowish-green to brownish-green.

The finest grade olivine contains more magnesium than iron.

Peridot is idiochromatic which means its colour comes from the chemical composition of the mineral and not from impurities. 

According to the Modern Birthstone Chart, peridot is the birthstone for August. On the Traditional Chart, it's an alternative to sapphire. Peridot is also associated with the zodiac sign of Libra.  

Although often pronounced per-i-dot, the correct pronunciation is per-i-dough.

Despite olivine being such an abundant mineral, gem-grade peridot is quite rare.

The History of Peridot

One of the earliest references to peridot was by the ancient Roman author and philosopher Pliny the Elder. In his encyclopaedia Naturalis Historia, he talks of a stone presented to Berenice, Theban queen of Lower Egypt, around 300 B.C.

In the Bible's Book of Exodus, it's written that peridot was the second stone in the first row of the high priest's breastplate. This religious garment was worn by Aaron, the first Jewish high priest.

In ancient texts, peridot is believed to have been known as topazos. Historically, this has caused no end of confusion with the mineral topaz.

Most of the early peridot was mined on the island of Topazos. Today, this island in the Red Sea is known as St John's Island or Zabargad in Arabic. Small amounts of peridot can still be found there.

Stones from this location have excellent colour and sharp, lustrous and well-defined crystal faces.

In later years, large gem-grade peridot was found in Myanmar, formerly Burma. These mines became well known for their twenty and forty carat stones which exhibited exceptional colour and clarity.  

Ancient Egyptian rulers called peridot 'the gem of the sun' because of its intense brightness. They believed it could not be mined during daylight because the brightness rendered it invisible.

In the dark, peridot was believed to give off its own light. The location could then be marked so miners could return by day to collect stones.

More About Peridot

A particularly unusual characteristic of the mineral olivine is it's highly susceptible to chemical weathering. For this reason, it cannot survive for long at the surface in wet climates.

This is probably the reason why there are so few localities where it's found. Stones tend to be restricted to areas with arid or semi-arid climates.

A significant quantity of fine-grade peridot from the Suppatt region of Pakistan appeared on the market in 1992. The deposit is 15,000 feet up in the Kashmir region of the Himalayan Mountains. This inhospitable and rugged terrain is prone to landslides and heavy winter snow.

Peridot from this area can only be mined from late June to early September.

Some of the finest grade peridot from Pakistan ever discovered was mined around the year 2000. The size of these stones was described as "quite magnificent". Once cut, some weighed over 2000 carats.

Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation in the United States is currently the most productive mining area in the world for peridot. It's estimated eighty to ninety five per cent of the world's peridot comes from here.

Peridot can also be found in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Norway and other parts of the USA.

Peridot grades 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Although quite hard, it's also brittle.

Peridot Healing Properties

Peridot alleviates stress, anxiety and depression whilst promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. It helps heal emotional wounds and promotes forgiveness.

A stone of transformation and renewal, peridot enhances spiritual growth, openness and intuition. It can be used to connect with higher energies and to achieve a deeper spiritual understanding.

It's beneficial for strengthening and regenerating the body. It emits warm energy and provides a shield of protection around the wearer. This can protect against negative energy and promote a sense of security.

Peridot heals a bruised ego by lessening feelings of anger or jealousy. It increases patience, confidence and assertiveness. On a mental level, it slows the ageing process.

Peridot protects the aura and is a powerful cleanser of the mind and body.

It can be used to restore balance and harmony in a relationship and to one's inner self. It promotes love, compassion and empathy.

Associated with the heart chakra, peridot cleanses and balances. Wearing or carrying peridot is believed to enhance physical vitality and energy levels. It can help those who feel fatigued or who lack motivation.

Peridot can be used to release guilt, burdens or obsessions and slowly encourages you to detach yourself from outside influences. It helps you understand your destiny and motivates you to move forward.

Article Pictures

The mineral olivine in the picture at the top of our article is courtesy of Stan Celestian. 

The peridot stones in the second picture are on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C.

Both photos are clickable and redirect to the original image.

Pop-up photos: Pallasite meteorite (with olivine crystals) - Courtesy of Ron Wolf.