Peridot

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.

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Rose Quartz