Peridot
Peridot, also known as chrysolite or olivine, is a gemstone formed from magma in volcanoes. This gem has been used for centuries to adorn jewellery. It is even mentioned in the Bible, referred to by its Hebrew name ‘pitdah’. On this page, we share more about this grass-green stone.
About Peridot
A green stone like peridot may not appeal to everyone, but a well-set peridot in jewellery can be stunning. When well-cut, it is a true eye-catcher. What's remarkable about peridot is that it is found not only on Earth but also in meteorites. Additionally, the Odyssey space probe discovered the stone on Mars. The Mars Exploration Rovers have further confirmed its presence on the planet. Truly, a gemstone from out of this world.
On our own Earth, peridots were used in jewellery by the ancient Egyptians. They also used the stone for healing rituals. Furthermore, it is believed to have been part of the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, symbolising one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the Middle Ages, the stone was used as protection against evil spirits.
Less glamorous than a peridot set in beautiful jewellery is the fact that this stone is often used in grain form for facade cleaning due to its greater hardness than sand.
Peridot is also used to extract CO2 from the atmosphere, as it reacts with it quite quickly.
It is the birthstone for August and is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. As a healing stone, it is associated with forgiveness. Carrying the stone helps release feelings of bitterness, jealousy, and hatred, opening the heart to positive energy. Peridot is also used to strengthen the immune system, help with skin and lung problems, digestive complaints, and prevent diseases from recurring.
Physical Facts about Peridot
Peridot is a green stone, varying from bottle green to olive and yellow-green. However, brown peridot also exists. This is very rare and seldom found. Peridot can be found in Pakistan, China, Myanmar/Burma (Mogok district), USA (Arizona), and Zabargad (St. John’s Island), and the stone has also been observed on Mars.
Molecular Formula: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Hardness on Mohs Scale: 6.5 - 7
Peridot can be scratched by materials that are harder or have the same hardness. Garnet, for example, can scratch peridot. The toughness of peridot is moderate to good, meaning the stone is susceptible to fractures. This also depends on the number of inclusions in the stone. Therefore, our gemstone specialists always ensure that the peridot we purchase is of good enough quality to be worn in jewellery.
Caring for Peridot
Due to its lower hardness and moderate toughness, we recommend not to knock the stone or wear it during activities where it might get damaged. For example, gardening could cause the stone to break. Peridot is sensitive, so we recommend not bringing the stone into contact with products like perfume or hairspray. Remove your peridot jewellery during sports, showering, and handwashing.
Imitations of Peridot
Imitations that can be used for peridot include glass, green sapphire, tourmaline, chrysoberyl, and green garnet. The most common imitation for peridot is glass. Glass can be produced in all colours and is cheap for imitation stones. The other possible imitations are less common.
Cutting
Peridot is generally cut in large sizes. When cut in small sizes, there is a high chance that the stone will break during cutting. The colour of the stone also comes out best when cut in a larger size. Peridot can be cut in almost any shape. A common cut for peridot is the spherical cabochon.
DiamondsByMe Jewellery with Peridot
If, after reading this information about peridot, you are curious about how jewellery with this stone would look, take a look at our various collections. For example, peridot earrings, peridot rings, and peridot necklaces. You may find that peridot makes for a very special piece of jewellery, possibly even (literally) out of this world!
Other jewellery with peridot can be found here: