8 Cool Facts About Peridot Gemstone
Ever spotted a gem that looks like it’s glowing with sunlight? That’s the peridot gemstone, a green beauty with a story as wild as its shine. This August birthstone has been loved for centuries, from ancient kings to modern jewelry fans.
Curious about what makes peridot so special? I’ve got eight legit facts covering its cosmic roots, history, and zodiac connections. Let’s get started!
Key takeaways:
- Peridot has cosmic meteorite origins
- Treasured by ancient Egyptian royalty
- Naturally green with iron-rich glow
- Symbol of luck, love, and healing
- Birthstone for bold Leos, Virgos
1. A Gem from the Stars
The peridot gemstone is out of this world, literally. It’s the gem-quality version of olivine, a mineral from Earth’s upper mantle, brought up by volcanoes. But get this: peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites, making it a true extraterrestrial gem.
In 2006, NASA’s Stardust mission spotted gem-quality peridot in solar system samples, confirming its cosmic origins.
2. Ancient Egypt’s Green Obsession
Peridot’s history is seriously old-school. Ancient Egyptians mined it over 3,500 years ago on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, dubbing it the “gem of the sun” for its bright green shine. They believed it glowed in the dark, so miners worked at night to spot it. Some say Cleopatra’s “emerald” stash was actually peridot gemstone jewelry!
3. Green and Only Green
Unlike other gems with multiple colors, peridot sticks to green, think lime to deep olive. Its color comes from iron in its chemical formula, (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, not impurities, which is rare for a gemstone. More iron means richer green, less gives a yellowish tint. This makes peridot’s gemstone properties super consistent and unique.
4. Symbol of Good Fortune
Peridot’s long been a symbol of prosperity and protection. Ancient Egyptians thought it kept nightmares and bad spirits at bay, especially in gold settings. In Hawaiian lore, peridot represents the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess, tied to renewal and emotional healing. Its healing properties are said to bring luck and positivity.
5. Zodiac Star: Leo and Virgo
If you’re a Leo or Virgo, peridot is your zodiac stone. As the August birthstone, it boosts Leo’s bold confidence and charisma. For Virgo, it enhances clarity and inner strength, aligning with their grounded nature. In Vedic astrology, peridot connects to Mercury and Venus, supporting mental focus and love.
6. Durable but Handle with Care
Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, solid for gemstone jewelry like a peridot ring but softer than diamond or sapphire. Its conchoidal fracture means it breaks in smooth curves, and it’s a bit brittle. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or heat to maintain its gemstone care needs.
7. Where Peridot Comes From
Peridot is mined globally, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, but Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Reservation produces 80-95% of the world’s supply. Pakistan’s 1990s deposits yield the finest grass-green peridots with no brown hues. Large, flawless stones are rare, making high-quality peridot a prized find.
8. The Emerald Imposter
Peridot’s green shade has tricked folks for centuries. The 200-carat gems in Germany’s Shrine of the Three Holy Kings were thought to be emeralds but are peridots. In ancient times, without fancy tools, peridot’s historical significance was often confused with emerald, despite their different mineral composition.
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Final Thoughts
That’s the scoop on the peridot gemstone, eight facts that show why it’s such a standout. From its meteorite origins to its Leo-Virgo zodiac ties, this green gemstone packs history, science, and good vibes.
If you’re drawn to its cosmic roots or its prosperity symbolism, peridot is a gem worth celebrating. Snag our Peridot Moss Nino ring and let this August birthstone add some sparkle to your style!
References:
Peridot: Gift of the Volcano Goddess. (n.d.). Maui Divers Jewelry. https://www.mauidivers.com/pages/peridot-gift-of-the-volcano-goddess?srsltid=AfmBOoppXIaN2oUKbg7_zs2IUuyqABD6I1xkhrC9CdT_E4YNzUc9Vppm
https://www.gia.edu/doc/Zabargad-The-Ancient-Peridot-Island-in-The-Red-Sea.pdf
