When I was younger I was never really a fan of Peridot, maybe because it was my birthstone and I always wanted a different one for my birthday month. Why did some people get to have the coveted Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Diamonds for their birthstone and my month got Peridot? Over the years it started to grow on me and when I studied Colored Stones at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), I became fascinated. Peridot is way cooler and 'hotter' than you could ever imagine!!
Peridot, a treasure since the earliest of civilizations is known as the "Gem of the Sun" to the Ancient Egyptians. They believed a star exploded showering the Earth with the precious, extraterrestrial crystal in meteorites.
They were right! Peridot is cosmonic and truly out of this world. These interstellar space gems have been found on the Moon and in specimens from Mars. Peridot is a natural beauty and it has a wild journey to tell, with a power always propelling forward.
On our planet, it is found in exoctic locations across the globe, Hawaii included! Olivine crystals form in extremely harsh conditions and are created in Magna, deep in the Upper Mantle of the Earth
20-55 miles below the crust.
Can you believe that diamonds form there too... but 90-120 miles below!
Volcanic eruptions and tectonic activities force Olivine crystals to the Earth surface. These crystals cool in lava flows before water erosion separates them. Found in volcanic rocks called Basalts, Olivine crystals are rich in Iron and Magnesium and based on their chemical composition, range typically from yellow green to olive green in hue. If the Olivine mineral variety is gem quality, the specimen is called Peridot. In Hawaii, small Peridot pieces and volcanic glass can be referred as the tears of Pele, the Goddess of volcanoes and fire.
Peridot, the birthstone of August and one of the Zodiac birthstones of Libra is a brilliant gemstone believed to inspire creativity, bring healing energies, ward off negativity, harness protective powers against evil spirits, and much more. If you wear Peridot in gold jewelry, then the powers are thought to accentuate!
The striking color of Peridot is natural and typically not enhanced or heat treated. Softer than a diamond, these gems are perfect just the way they are and gleam with simple soap and water cleaning, never steam.
Do not underestimate the power or beauty of this mighty stone. It has been pushed to extremes, as a one-way passenger on a force of nature ticket! Although Peridot can often be confused with other green gemstones, It is always bright and cheerful and attracting abundance. Cleopatra's collection of green baubles thought to be Emeralds, may really have been Peridot!
(Inspired Resources: GIA.edu, Gem Select)
