TECHNICAL DETAILS
A translucent lime green stone, often with exceptional brilliance when faceted.
Ranks 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
Originally from Egypt, it’s also mined in Brazil, Arizona, Australia, China and South Africa.
The green colour comes from the iron content, meaning that the depth of colour can vary.
A type of olivine, the mineral blend is magnesium iron silicate, and it can have inclusions resembling little lilypads (visible when cabouchon cut).
PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Physically peridot is said to be good a good anti-toxin stone, cleansing the organs (as such some say it can dilute the effects of alcohol!)
Emotionally it is known as the “Let’s Go” stone, allowing the timid to step forward in life.
ANECDOTES…
The name comes from the Greeks and Romans, who renamed Zebirget Island “Topazios” and called the green gem they found there Topaz. It was then called Peridot years later – a French word, derived from the Arabic “Faridat” meaning gem.
It’s been mined for 3500 years, making it a real grandparent of the crystal world.
The Victorians said it imparted gracious manners.
