What is Peridot, Its History, and Symbolism?

Bringing into being in lava, heaven-sent from meteorites and unearthed in the deepest mantle of the earth, yellow-green Peridot is the extreme and unique yellowish-green gemstone. This ancient, cosmic gem has been treasured since primitive times.

August babies are fortunate to have this one-of-a-kind birthstone. Their birthstone makes the earth move! To be exact, the shifting and volcanic eruption bring their birthstone to the surface. It is put in place deep in the ground under extreme temperature or from a scorching meteorite known as pallasite meteorites. The eminent way for it to naturally reach the surface is by an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Imagine a stone that is in abundance but at the same time few and far between. Sounds odd, right? It just seems to be out of reach from 20 to 50 miles beneath the surface. It comprises familiar minerals like magnesium and iron, but its distinguishing determinant is that it comes in just one color, green. Other gems like diamonds can be found in various colors, but Peridot only comes in elusive shades of green.

I believe right now, you are hooked to learn more about this undoubtedly stunning birthstone. There is no gemstone quite like the Peridot. Its exquisiteness has been admired for centuries across different civilizations of the world. Continue reading, and let's delve into the shimmering world of Peridot and uncover its rich history and secrets why it has been sought-after for centuries.

The Name

Peridot is derived from the French word "peritot," translated as unclear because several inclusions and internal fractures frequently come up within peridot gemstone beads. It is essential to mention that it was formerly called Chrysolite, an older German word called Olivine because of its distinct green color.

Its Source Location

Currently, Peridot can be mined in Arizona, Mexico, Oregon, Norway, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Finest Peridot stones are mined from the Canary Islands, China, Brazil, Norway, Hawaii, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Its History

Peridot has a compelling and intriguing written history. It may seem like a newly found gem, but it is an ancient jewel with origins dating back as early as the 2nd century BCE.

• Based on historical records, an ancient papyri note the mining of Peridot as early as 1500 B.C.
• The primary source of Peridot in ancient times was in the Egyptian Red Sea, Topazo Island (currently called St. John's Island). The natives of the island were forced to mine the gems for the Pharaoh's granary. Urban myths state that the island's guardian had orders to put any trespassers on the entire island. Also, the testimony says that miners have to work day and night to mine the gems. This is because of the distinct radiance of the rock during the night with a lighted lamp.
• According to the "Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones 2nd edition" written by Joel Aram states that "Zabargad is an island in the Red Sea that is often shrouded in fog, making it hard for ancient navigators to find. The location has been lost for centuries and was rediscovered in about 1905. The island is located 35 miles of the Egyptian coastal port of Berenice."
• Peridot was highly recognized and treasured in Ancient Egypt and called it “Gem of the Sun.” The tombs of pharaohs had peridot pieces of jewelry and artifacts as a  guard against the evil eye. It is alleged that the famous emeralds of Cleopatra were actually peridots. The green gemstone was her favorite because of its alluring beauty and ability to repel evil spirits. In fact, Peridot is now considered the National Gem of Egypt.
• In medieval times, European envoys brought back many peridot stones from their travels and adorned their churches and robes with them. In fact, the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in a cathedral located at Cologne was adorned by Peridot, and for centuries it was assumed to be an emerald all along until it was proven recently to be a genuine Peridot gemstone.
• Ancient Romans referred to Peridot as “Evening Emerald” and wore it on their right arms during war. They traded Peridot for its beauty and mystical powers during the medieval time.
• It was listed in the Bible as one of the stones in Aaron's breastplate believed by Ancient Hebrew.
• In 1749, a meteorite was found in Siberia, and it was discovered that it contained many peridot crystals big enough to be utilized as jewelry. It is reported that the moldavite-bearing pallasite came to the earth's surface as early as 14.8 million years ago.
• Rumors in the scientific communities believe that peridot crystals transitioned the creation of the moon, and now they said that the large portion of the moon's mantle is made up of this. 
• During the end of the 19th century, the Kedhiye of Egypt had a monopoly on the mines, and on the Zabargad Island alone had mined an estimate of millions of dollar's worth of Peridot.
• During the latter part of 1930, production of Peridot had practically come to a halt when the mines were nationalized.
• In 2005, it was discovered that the Stardust robotic space probe brought back Peridot in comet dust.

Its Legend, Myths, and Folklore

• Locals of Zabargad Island, Egypt, where the Peridot has first discovered, thought of the gem as suggestive of spring that signifies youthfulness, peace, and nature due to its distinctive green tone. It was also publicly known that the Egyptian priests drank from Peridot cups to mend numerous illnesses.
• Urban myths claimed that the tiny Peridot pebbles discovered on Hawaiian shores have inferred the tears Pele- their goddess of volcanoes and fire. 
• According to Roman folklore, if Peridot stone is set in gold, it will attain its full potential to get rid of terrors of the night, such as nightmares and fear of darkness.  Pliny the Elder, a known Roman philosopher, said that the Peridot should be worn on the right arm to be an effective talisman to chase away lousy vibe and night visions.

The Geological Properties

Peridot materialized in silica-poor igneous rocks like basalts. Others are found in volcanic areas, while some are discover embedded in meteorites. The intensity and depth of the green shade are based on the amount of iron constituted in the stone. Like other precious gemstones, it comes about in pebble-sized specimens formed by tens of thousands of years of erosion in gemstone veins.

Its Symbolism

• Stone of Compassion

Peridot is well-known to bring good health, peaceful sleep, and well-balanced relationships by balancing emotions and mind. It is ideal for exonerating emotional issues affecting your body. Placing Peridot over the Heart Chakra relieves the burden of your heart, empowers forgiveness, and diminishes jealousy.

• Stone of Love and Affection

Peridot can resort to setting the love around you in motion, motivating you to follow your destiny and listen to your heart's desire.

• Stone of Eloquence and Creativity

Peridot elevates eloquence to your presentations, uplifting a positive response from supposedly unhelpful people and increases profits in trades.

• Stone of Transformation

Peridot is utilized as a treatment for recovery for tobacco and inhalant dependents.

• Stone of Protection

Peridot has been recognized as a talisman that has protective powers. At present, many crystal healers still recommend this green stone to ease negativity and shield you from any negative feelings such as guilt, depression, and other emotional hang-ups.

• Study Stone

Peridot is thought to increase mental focus and encourages you during challenging academic pursuits.

Its Birthstone

Peridot is the official birthstone for August-born babies. At the same time, it is a traditional gift for the 16^th wedding anniversary. (To know more about August birthstone, check out our Ultimate Guide for August Birthstone)

This green stone has been linked as zodiac birthstones for Leo and Virgo babies and is correlated with those born in the year of the Chinese zodiac monkey. 

Benefits and Relevance of Peridot

• Peridot is reputed to help those with sleeping disorders. Placing a Peridot stone under a pillow can calm your mind and desist you from overthinking and worrying about achieving peaceful and restful sleep.
• Psychologically speaking, this gemstone can relieve you from negative feelings such as jealousy, anger, spite, and resentment. It guides you to remember the lessons of your past and encourages self-forgiveness.
• Mentally speaking, Peridot can sharpen the mind and put you up to higher levels of awareness. It makes you see the things you may have neglected consciously or unconsciously but is now in need of your attention.

Peridot Sterling Silver Jewelry

We are familiar with its rich history and why it has been one of the most coveted gemstones for millennia. Having a piece of Peridot sterling silver jewelry and wear it feels like a story of islands with ancient treasure, the tears of volcanoes, and a gem of spring worn for luck and success.

An excellent alternative for those who love to wear green jewelry but cannot afford the high price of emeralds. Today, Peridot's signature green color became a classic statement and a popular centerpiece for a fashion-forward ensemble. Unsurprisingly, it became a rising star in modern gemstone jewelry.

Because of the natural radiance of Peridot, it is often linked to summer and spring. People prefer to wear Peridot jewelry during spring, summer, and early autumn months that will capture your imagination! When set against lustrous sterling silver, Peridots displays a distinguishing vibrant and captivating sparkle and glow.

 See for yourself our dashing collection of peridot sterling silver jewelry you will seek after for its charming radiance! Because of its striking abundance and price point- there is enough peridot jewelry for women of all ages and paces of life! Presenting our top-selling peridot sterling silver jewelry, you would love to wear every day, all the time! "Be pretty in Peridot sterling silver jewelry nature-inspired collection of Lotus Fun!

Blooming Anemone Flower Series

Our Blooming Anemone Flower series is comprised of the following

Each one will bring a glimmer of green-like sunlight through the trees. Truly, nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry is perfect for your summer spirit. Experience an extra dazzle and glow with this peridot jewelry series. Wearing these handmade silver jewelry pieces brings sheer joy and bridges the gap between emotional freedom and sparkling fashion.

Lotus Leaf's Morning Dew Earring

As dawn breaks, the dewdrops sparkle on wild lotuses like diamonds in the morning light. This inspired the elegant Lotus Leaf's Morning Dew Earring; it comes in gold or silver for the main leaf and is decorated with natural Peridot. Flattering options to achieve the full potential of Peridot: if you choose a handmade sterling silver jewelry, it focuses on your spiritual, while if you select one in 18k gold plating, it can help you with emotional ailments.

What are you waiting for? Shop now at Lotus Fun to boast a brilliant flash of color as a great conversational starter and experience its fantastic benefit completely!

Serpentine Bee Earring

Our Serpentine Bee Earring is a nature-inspired sterling silver jewelry that depicts a bee kissing a hanging serpentine stone on a silver stud earring. It is a piece of beautiful and magnificent handmade jewelry that serves as an accessory and a charm to attract more positive energy and block all negative energy for all the ladies wearing it. A piece of mesmerizing jewelry to add to your fashion wardrobe.

Serpentine stone is believed to be an energy stone. Wearing one will clear all your negative energy and bring more positive energy to your aura. Its beautiful light green color is a perfect match for sterling silver.

How to Take Care of your Peridot Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Peridot possesses strong character, but it is rated 6.5 - 7 on Moh's hardness scale, meaning it requires special care. Here are some helpful tips and guides on how to care for your favorite peridot jewelry to safeguard it for the enjoyment of forthcoming generations.

• Peridot should be stripped-down from rugged wear.
• You can clean it with warm, soapy water.
• Keep it away from sharp objects or anything that can fracture or shatter the stone.
• Keep away from ultrasonic and steam cleaners and get around from intense temperature changes that may harm the stone.
• Take note that Peridot stones are sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot waters.
• Store it separately from other metals or gemstones.
• Do not wear peridot jewelry when doing heavy work that might gash it, like gardening.

Final Thoughts

Lovely, bursting of boundless possibility, and constantly inclined to provide that vigor in your day-to-day routine by owning a Peridot stone. It also entails acting on your emotional soul every second of the day – without even observing it. For those who just yearn for a bit more sense of balance, who want to have confidence in their heart, and who are jaded of struggling with those innermost demons of judgment and jealousy – this gemstone will cover your absolute self in the sunshine of mellow joy. Let the shadows fall down as you stride out into the yellow light of season with the yellow-green gleam of Peridot.

Would you like to try on Peridot and see what energy it might bring into your life? Shop now at Lotus Fun and experience its ability to elevate your overall level of happiness.