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Peridot’s meaning, styling, and care
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is a beautiful yellow-green gem with a rich history. Learn more about this beautiful stone, including how to style and care for your Peridot jewelry.
The meaning of Peridot
The ancient Egyptians called bright yellow-green Peridot "gem of the sun," and thought that the stone contained the sun's rays. It was believed to protect against fears and nightmares, and help guarantee a good night's sleep. Peridot was also believed to attract good health and prosperity, and bestow the gifts of wit and eloquence upon those who wore it.
Peridot is a playful gem, helping us release any thoughts or beliefs that are weighing us down and encouraging us to travel through life free from emotional baggage. It inspires us to approach life with a child's wonder, staying curious and being delighted by new discoveries. While we may talk about someone as being "green with envy," this yellow-green gem laughs away thoughts of envy and jealousy, allowing us to love from a place of deep security.
Peridot is a playful gem, helping us release any thoughts or beliefs that are weighing us down and encouraging us to travel through life free from emotional baggage. It inspires us to approach life with a child's wonder, staying curious and being delighted by new discoveries. While we may talk about someone as being "green with envy," this yellow-green gem laughs away thoughts of envy and jealousy, allowing us to love from a place of deep security.
Peridot is connected to the heart and solar plexus chakras, helping us stay emotionally balanced and aware of our own needs even as we recognize the needs of others. It's considered to be a stone of great happiness, too, boosting our self-worth and confidence. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. It's also the gemstone for the 16th anniversary.
Peridot is connected to the heart and solar plexus chakras, helping us stay emotionally balanced and aware of our own needs even as we recognize the needs of others. It's considered to be a stone of great happiness, too, boosting our self-worth and confidence. Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. It's also the gemstone for the 16th anniversary.
As a green gem, Peridot represents growth, expansion, and new beginnings. Wear Peridot to help you establish healthy new habits in your life -- let its sunny glow boost your confidence and encourage you to succeed.
Peridot was a favorite gem of the Egyptian pharaohs.
Peridot – gemstone knowledge
No one is really sure where the name Peridot comes from, but one theory is that it derives from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine; it's one of only two gems that are not formed in the earth's crust, but in the much deeper mantle (the other one is Diamond). The stone is pushed up through the earth's surface through volcanic eruptions.
Peridot is also one of the rare gems that come in only one color; it ranges from yellow-green to a dark olive green. The intensity and tint of the gem's color depends on how much iron is in the crystal.
Peridot is also one of the rare gems that come in only one color; it ranges from yellow-green to a dark olive green. The intensity and tint of the gem's color depends on how much iron is in the crystal.
Where is Peridot found?
This gem has been known to mankind for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians mined it on the tiny volcanic island of Zabargad, in the Red Sea. It was a great favorite of the pharaohs, and it's believed that Cleopatra's famed collection of Emeralds may really have been Peridots. Today, major producers include Myanmar, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and the United States (Arizona and Hawaii).
One of the most productive Peridot mines in the world is located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, in southestern Arizona. Mining there is limited strictly to tribe members or those who have been given permission by the tribe.
One of the most productive Peridot mines in the world is located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, in southestern Arizona. Mining there is limited strictly to tribe members or those who have been given permission by the tribe.
Fun facts about Peridot
• The ancient Romans called it "Emerald of the Evening," because of the stone's ability to keep its radiance even in low light.
• It's said that the ancient Egyptians even mined the gem at night because its glow was still visible in the darkness.
• According to Hawaiian legend, Peridots represent the tears of the volcano goddess Pele, and are sacred to her.
• Peridot jewelry became very popular during the Art Nouveau period (1890-1910) after Edward VII of England declared it his favorite gem.
• One of the most famous sets of Peridot jewelry is the Habsburg Parure, created in 1825 and first worn by Archduchess Henriette of Austria. Comprised of a tiara, necklace, earrings, and brooch, the set features enormous gems surrounded by Diamonds.
• The gem has been found in meteorites and even in comet dust.
• There's a beach in Hawaii whose sand is composed of tiny pebbles of olivine (non-gemstone-quality Peridot).
• The world's largest cut Peridot, found on on Zabargad Island in Egypt, weighs 311 carats (over two ounces). It's housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of National History.
How do I care for Peridot jewelry?
Peridot is rated 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it’s durable and appropriate for everyday wear, with a little care. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches.
Your jewelry for everyday wear needs minimal care. You can wear it in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Follow these common-sense tips for keeping your jewelry in good repair:
• Store jewelry in its pouch or box to keep the gems from getting scratched by other stones.
• Remove rings before lifting weights or other heavy objects, which could cause the stone(s) to get scratched, or even bend the band itself.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water (an occasional dip is fine).
Your jewelry for everyday wear needs minimal care. You can wear it in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Follow these common-sense tips for keeping your jewelry in good repair:
• Store jewelry in its pouch or box to keep the gems from getting scratched by other stones.
• Remove rings before lifting weights or other heavy objects, which could cause the stone(s) to get scratched, or even bend the band itself.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water (an occasional dip is fine).
How do I clean Peridot jewelry?
Maintain the beauty of your jewelry by keeping it clean. Use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water. Let it soak in a small bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
You can wear your Peridot jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Just keep it away from extreme heat and be sure not to strike it against hard surfaces.
You can wear your Peridot jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Just keep it away from extreme heat and be sure not to strike it against hard surfaces.
Styling tips for Peridot
Just as bright, yellow-green leaves accent the flowers of springtime, so does this gem complement most any other stone it's paired with.
Ancient peoples believed that setting Peridot in gold would heighten its powers. Yellow gold highlights the stone's warm undertones, while white gold provides a beautiful tonal contrast. No matter which color gold you choose, your jewelry is sure to glow.
Ancient peoples believed that setting Peridot in gold would heighten its powers. Yellow gold highlights the stone's warm undertones, while white gold provides a beautiful tonal contrast. No matter which color gold you choose, your jewelry is sure to glow.
Peridot and light-blue Aquamarine are a quietly gorgeous combo, bringing to mind the soft, fresh colors of spring.
Peridot and light-blue Aquamarine are a quietly gorgeous combo, bringing to mind the soft, fresh colors of spring.
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FAQ
Tradition says that wearing your birthstone is good luck, so if you're an August baby, it's a great choice for jewelry! Peridot is considered to be a lucky stone in general, so it makes a wonderful gem for everybody. Try pairing it with Diamond or White Topaz to make that fresh green color pop!
People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because it’s the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because its traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love, such as a child, friend, or loved one who’s passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal and you should feel free to wear any gemstone that speaks to you.
According to legend, Peridot is a tonic for both mind and body, releasing tension and promoting a good night's sleep.
Yes, it can. You can wear it while showering, swimming, and exercising.
Except for very rare specimens, Peridot is always a yellow- or olive-toned green; Emerald, while available in a range of hues, tends to be a truer, deeper green.