For as long as I can remember, I’ve had special affinity to this beautiful bright green gem. The birthstone of August, peridot always feels like summer, and if it had a smell, it would surely be of fresh limes.
The name Peridot comes from the Arabic faridat, which means gem. In ancient times peridot’s were found on an island in the Egyptian Red Sea known as Topazio Island (now known as Zabargad) and were loved by the Pharaohs who believed they symbolized the sun and brought magical powers and influence to the wearer.
Peridot – The Peacock of Gems
Legend has it that if peridot is set in gold, it will develop its full potential as a talisman and have the power to protect from evil. It is also believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind
Today, peridot can be found in various parts of the world, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and parts of the U.S. such as Arizona and Hawaii.
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Peridot belongs to the mineral family of olivine, or forsterite and is the only gem to be formed in one colour. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is softer than many gems and cannot take hard wear, so it is not recommended for daily use in a ring.
Cleaning peridot is a delicate process. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended. A soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap in warm water is the preferred option. Peridot should be stored with care to avoid scratching by gems of greater hardness.