Peridot: The Gem of Light and Renewal

Peridot, with its fresh green glow, has captivated civilizations for millennia. Often referred to as the “evening emerald,” this vibrant gemstone was once believed to be the tears of the sun — a belief rooted in ancient Egyptian mythology. Unlike most gemstones that owe their color to trace impurities, peridot’s lush green is intrinsic to its structure, giving it a pure, unchanging hue that radiates warmth, vitality, and positivity.

A Gemstone of Light and Legend

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Its name is believed to derive from the Arabic word “faridat”, meaning gem. In ancient times, peridot was mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, where it was called the “Gem of the Sun.”

Mystics and royals revered it as a protector against nightmares and evil spirits, especially when set in gold. In fact, many "emeralds" in ancient treasures, including some in Cleopatra's famous collection, were later discovered to be peridots.

Types of Peridot

While peridot occurs in a narrow color range—from yellow-green to olive to brownish-green—the finest stones are a vivid lime or grass green with minimal yellow or brown undertones. These are typically found in:

• Pakistan: Known for producing deeply saturated, flawless peridots from the rugged Himalayan region.

• Myanmar (Burma): Noted for its clear, bright green stones.

• Arizona (USA): A major commercial source of smaller, lively green gems.

Rarely, extraterrestrial peridots are found in pallasite meteorites, offering a literal out-of-this-world origin story.

History: From Pharaohs to the Cosmos

Peridot has been adored for over 4,000 years, with records tracing its use back to Ancient Egypt around 1500 BCE. Believed to bring abundance, harmony, and healing, peridot was frequently carved into talismans and amulets. Egyptian priests called it the "gem of the sun," using it in ceremonial jewelry that honored their solar deities.

In modern times, peridot made headlines when peridot crystals were discovered in meteorites—making it one of the few gemstones known to exist both on Earth and in space.

WOW FACT!!

The largest known peridot weighs in at a staggering 311.78 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. This luminous green gem, sourced from Zabargad Island, is a remarkable reminder of peridot’s long and storied history. Even more astonishing, peridot has been found on the Moon and in comet dust brought back by NASA’s Stardust mission — a true cosmic treasure!

Mohs Scale:

Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it moderately durable. While suitable for many jewelry styles, it’s more susceptible to scratches and abrasions than harder gems and requires a bit of extra care in rings or daily-wear pieces.

Chemical Composition:

Peridot is a magnesium iron silicate, with the formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its green color is intrinsic, caused by the iron content in its structure — the more iron, the deeper and more olive-toned the green.

How to Buy Peridot Jewelry

Color

The most valuable peridots have a vibrant, rich green with minimal brown or yellow tint. Stones with an intense, slightly yellow-green color and excellent transparency are especially prized. Avoid gems that appear too dark or muddy.

Cut

Peridot is typically cut into oval, cushion, round, or emerald shapes. A good cut enhances the stone’s sparkle and vivid hue. Because peridot has high double refraction, well-faceted stones can exhibit a soft inner glow, almost like light bouncing within.

Clarity

High-quality peridot is often eye-clean, with few to no visible inclusions. However, some stones may show lily pad–like inclusions, which are accepted as a natural signature of the gem. Peridots with excellent clarity are more common than in rubies or sapphires, making them bright and lively even at smaller sizes.

Character

What makes peridot special is its natural cheerfulness—it’s a stone of light, warmth, and growth. It lacks the brooding tones of darker green gems and instead shines with a soft, sunny energy. Whether in delicate earrings or bold cocktail rings, peridot stands out for its freshness and vibrant charm.

Caring for Peridot

• Clean: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry gently.

• Avoid: Ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and exposure to harsh chemicals or high heat.

• Store: Wrap separately to avoid scratching from harder gemstones like sapphires or diamonds.

From ancient Egyptian amulets to modern space missions, peridot continues to enchant with its history, color, and celestial connections. Whether as a birthstone for August, a symbol of new beginnings, or simply a radiant pop of green, peridot remains a gemstone full of energy and elegance.