Peridot

Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine (forsterite), one of the few gemstones that comes in only one colour: green. Its colour, caused by iron, ranges from yellowish-green and lime green to olive and deep bottle green, with the finest stones a vivid, pure green without brown tones.

Peridot forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity, often in basalt. It has also been found in meteorites, and olivine has been detected on the Moon and Mars. Today the largest supply comes from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, USA, with other important sources in Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Tanzania. Pakistani peridot is noted for large, clean, vivid stones.

The name's origin is uncertain; it may come from the Anglo-Norman "peridot" or from the Arabic "faridat", meaning gem. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (St John's Island) in the Red Sea for over 3,500 years, and it was long confused with other green stones. Some of Cleopatra's famous "emeralds" may in fact have been peridot, and large peridots decorate the medieval Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, where they were long thought to be emeralds.

Peridot is generally untreated. It is relatively affordable and is cut into faceted stones, cabochons, beads and chips. Imitations include green glass and synthetic spinel.

Peridot at a glance

Caring for peridot

Peridot (6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale) is fairly durable but can be scratched and is sensitive to sudden temperature changes and acids. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and keep it away from acids and household chemicals. Store separately from harder gems in a soft pouch.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

The ancient Egyptians called peridot the "gem of the sun" and believed it protected its wearer from terrors of the night, especially when set in gold. In medieval Europe it was used to decorate churches and was believed to ward off evil spirits. Hawaiian legend says that peridot crystals, which wash up on some beaches, are the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Peridot is the birthstone for August and the gift for a 16th wedding anniversary, and is associated with the zodiac signs Leo, Virgo and Libra.

Peridot is traditionally regarded as a stone of renewal, positivity and prosperity. Crystal healing lore holds that it releases negative patterns such as jealousy and resentment, brings emotional balance and openness, and encourages growth. It is also associated with warmth, good fortune and healthy relationships. It is linked to the heart and solar plexus chakras.

Related stones

Olivine, forsterite and chrysolite (an old name for peridot). Stones of similar colour include green tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, demantoid garnet, chrome diopside, prasiolite (green quartz), green sapphire, emerald, moldavite and green glass.

For the technically minded

Shop peridot beads

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