Gem in the Spotlight: Peridot
A vibrantly beautiful and surprisingly affordable gem
Peridot is a lovely yellow-green gem with a rich history. Legend has it that Peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra. The ancients called it the “gem of the sun”. It was believed that peridot could chase away evil spirits and dissolve curses but only when set in gold.
Peridot is the birthstone for August. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Peridot’s unique yellow-green color is very attractive. The name “Peridot” is simply a French word derived from the Arabic for green.
Peridot’s color ranges from yellow-green to a warm olive green, and it is distinguished by its soft appearance. Color is the most important characteristic when determining the value of a Peridot gem. The deeper green the peridot is, the higher its value.
There is a lot of confusion over the pronunciation of peridot. It is actually pronounced “pear-a-doe” instead of “pear-a-dot” although you will find many, even in the jewelry trade, who use the mispronunciation on a daily basis.
The name “Peridot” is simply a French word derived from the Arabic for green
It was believed that Peridot could chase away evil spirits and break curses. Some legends added that this can only happen when it set in gold. Peridots were favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night.
They had medicinal uses, too. If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines were drunk, it was believed that they intensified the effects of the drug.
Gemologically speaking, Peridot is the gem variety of Olivine. It has a Moh’s hardness of 6.5 to 7 which makes it a little harder than Moonstone and a little softer than Topaz.
Care should be taken to protect peridot from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine for cleaning. Instead, use warm soapy water and a tooth brush for at-home cleanings. If well cared for, Peridot jewelry can last generations.
We have an excellent selection of Peridot jewelry and loose Peridot gems that we can set for you. Come by the shop to find your perfect piece of Peridot.