Peridot along with sardonyx and spinel is one of the birthstones for August. With its distinctive olive-green hue, peridot pairs well with various metals, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, and platinum. It is more affordable and accessible compared to other green gemstones such as tsavorite and emeralds. Peridot is also the colour and gift for 16th wedding anniversary celebration.
Discovery and sources
Peridot’s history is as colourful as the gem itself. The name comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem. It was discovered by ancient Egyptians on the island of Zabargad. The Kyaukpon region near Mogok in Myanmar is another important source, producing peridots with exceptional clarity and colour. The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona is a major producer of the gemstone, known for its high-quality stones. Therefore, you can see some gorgeous peridot jewellery coming out of USA.
Chemical Composition and Crystalline Structure
Peridot is the gem-quality variety ofmagnesium silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. The presence of iron in its structure is responsible for its green colour, with higher iron content resulting in a darker shade. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that come in only one colour. However, within that one hue, it has an extensive range from a yellow green to olive to a bright green.
Trade names and promotions
Peridot may be called the ‘evening emerald.’ This is one a promotional name and the two gemstones have nothing in common. Another misleading name is ‘gem of the sun.’ Please remember that these are trade names and do not denote gem quality. While peridots can be found in pallasite (made of nickel-iron and olivine) meteorites, campaigns saying that it is literally ‘not from this world’ is unture. The gemstone is found in molten rock of the upper mantle, brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
Cutural meanings and associations
According to one Hawaiian lore, peridot crystals found in volcanic ash are her tears, representing her fiery and passionate nature. In India, it is associated with the heart chakra. Therefore, it is worn to manifest love, happiness and abundance. In some cultures, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and nightmares and bring good fortune.
Peridot in Jewellery
Depending on the type of green, the gemstone can be set in yellow gold, rose gold or platinum. I would prefer a matte platinum over white gold as rhodium polish is often done to make white gold shiny and this does not suit peridot. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7, making it unsuitable for everyday wear pendants and rings such as engament rings. It is most suitable for pendants, earrings, and necklaces. It is not a stone that I see commonly in fine Indian jewellery and I wonder why. I generated two AI images of traditional North Indian jewellery sets with peridot for this post and I think that they look gorgeous.
Care
When caring for peridot jewelry, it’s essential to remember its relative softness. Avoid exposing peridot to harsh chemicals or extreme temperature changes, as these can damage the stone. Store pieces separately to prevent scratches and clean them with mild soap and warm water.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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