Peridot gemstone cushion shape

Peridot birthstone of August

Peridot, August’s gemstone, is an unusual gem that exists in only one color – a vivid olive green, which is reminiscent of the colors of springtime flora. Known in Hebrew as her “Ptada,” this gem is also unique in that its color does not change even under artificial light.

 

 

Origin of the Name Peridot

 

The name “peridot” is believed to be derived from the Arabic word ‘faridat’, which means ‘gem’, or from the Greek ‘peridona’, meaning ‘bestow wealth’.

 

Other names for peridot are ‘Chrysolite’, a Greek word meaning ‘goldstone’, referring to the gem’s golden shine; and Olivine, after its mineral group.

 

 

Peridot in Judaism

 

One of the gems embedded in the Hoshen breastplate, a ceremonial piece worn by the high priest of the ancient Israelites was Pitda. Over the year, the name has been translated into ‘Topaz’, but according to Roman author Pliny the Elder (58 AD) this topaz was a green gem, most probably peridot, which was indigenous to the area near the Land of Israel.

 

 

green peridot gemstone ring
Credit: Akkaradet Bangchun / shutterstock.com

 

Characteristics of the Peridot

 

The peridot is a unique gem, in the sense that it only appears in one color – green. Its lively green color is also exclusive in the fact that it does not change under artificial light.

 

The peridot is a hard gem to polish because its refractive index is very low, which means the stone may shatter during the polishing process.

 

 

Healing Attributes of Peridot

 

In the past it was believed that peridots could fight and drive away demons. Peridot is also considered helpful in easing thirst during illness. The gem’s bright green color is said to contribute to a good mood.

 

Peridots are considered vitality enhancers, and are said to contribute to patience, confidence and assertiveness. Peridots are considered to be good for alleviating stress, invigorating the body and mind, and helping achieve mental balance.

 

 

History of the Peridot

 

Peridot stone has been in use in the jewelry industry dating back to ancient Egypt. It was also found in jewelry dating back to Roman times.

 

In his book, Pliny the Elder describes a green gem named ‘prasoides’. He quoted another author – Archelaus – as saying the gem’s origins are from the Red Sea island of Chitis. And indeed, the Emerald Island, just off the Egyptian coast, was a source of peridots in ancient times.

 

Peridots were brought to Europe from the Middle East by the crusaders, and for a while were mistaken for emeralds. Peridots were subsequently inducted into the Church’s treasury.

 

 

Peridot specimen gem Pakistan
Credit: Albert Russ / shutterstock.com

 

Mining of Peridot

 

Peridots are mined in Australia, Arizona, Afghanistan, Brazil, Myanmar, China and Pakistan.

 

 

Famous August birthdays

 

Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Napoleon Bonaparte, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, Leonard Bernstein, Madonna, Neil Armstrong, Mae West, Warren Buffett.

 

Chemical formula: A compound of magnesium iron silicate (Mg, Fe) 2SiO4
Group: Olivine
Color: Green
Mohs scale hardness: 6.5-7
Specific gravity: 3.32
Refractive index: 1.65-1.69
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Zodiac: Leo

 

By: Iris Hortman

Other articles on the category

The branch news