HAVE you ever held a peridot gemstone in your hands? If so, you’ll have noticed its golden-green sparkle looks really vivid – almost more than other gems.
This effect is partly caused by what’s called “high double refraction”. If you peer closely into a peridot crystal, you’ll see a double image of some of its facets. Its radiance has made peridot a very popular August birthstone gem, perfect for use in fine jewellery.
Take a look at this video to appreciate the sparkle of a high grade peridot:
The “stardust” gem
Peridot has many myths attached to it, and it’s a gem associated with the sun, the sky and also with fire. Ancient Egyptians believed peridots were rays of sunlight that had fallen down from the sky. In Hawaii, early inhabitants worshipped peridot gemstones as the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess.
Strangely enough, both of these primitive theories are somewhat true!
In 2006, NASA’s Stardust explorer spacecraft returned with particle samples gathered from our solar system. Among them scientists found peridot dust. This explained why the gemstone is so often found at meteor crash sites on Earth. The peridot is truly an “extraterrestrial gem”.
Meteorite rock with peridot crystals / Geology.com
Forged in fire
Peridot is also found in the Earth’s mantle layer, and in and around volcanos. Geologists believe that this type of peridot formed millions of years ago, after the earth’s magma cooled down and solidified into rock.
In Hawaii, you can even find peridot grains on the beach, mixed in with black volcanic sand. Sadly, these grains are too small to be used in jewellery!
Peridot’s unique colour
Peridot has a fresh green color leaning towards gold or yellow, often referred to as “citrus green”, “lime green”, “bottle green” or “olive green”. Peridot is formed from a mineral called olivine, a type of iron magnesium silicate. The intensity of the peridot’s green color depends on the amount of iron trace elements in the crystal.
Famous peridot jewellery
One of the most legendary peridot jewellery sets is a tiara and parure that originally belonged to Archduchess Isabella of Croÿ, an aristocratic descendant of an Austrian dynasty. In 2001, the set was auctioned by Sotheby’s for about £300,000. The buyer later loaned the necklace to comedian Joan Rivers for the 2004 Golden Globes.
Connected with nature
Through history, peridot has been regarded as a symbol of vitality, strength and new growth. In primitive religions it was also used as a magical means of connecting humans with the forces of nature.
For instance, in Old Egypt priests would made a drink called some, meant to give the body vigor and stimulate the mind. They would drink it from cups made of peridot because they believed this would bring them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature and motherhood.
Today, peridot is still Egypt’s national gemstone.
A peridot cabochon from Egypt / Museum of London; photo by Robert Weldon/GIA.
Peridot gift jewellery
Astrologists link peridot with the star sign of Leo and it’s also the officially recognised gemstone for 16th wedding anniversaries. Wearing peridot birthstone jewellery is said to attract love and harmonious relationships into your life. Some believe the gem alleviates stress, sadness, anger and insomnia and makes you more patient, happy and confident.
Peridot is perfectly suited to gift jewellery. It’s unique colour and sparkle, as well as it’s fascinating background, make it exceptionally beautiful and meaningful.
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