About Peridot
History and Folklore
The name peridot is said to have come from either the French word meaning "unclear" or the Arabic word faridat meaning "gem". Peridot was believed by the ancients to be a gift from Mother Nature. Archaeologists discovered ancient Egyptian jewelry from the 2nd millennium BC containing peridot. The Romans were also fond of peridot naming it the "emerald of everything" due to its vibrant green glow. Peridot is thought to bring the wearer good luck, success and peace.
Facts and Information
Peridot ls the birthstone for August and is one of the few stones that has minimal variations in hue. The color varies from olive brownish green to yellow green. Peridots with high iron content are the. deeper green color s. On the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, you will find Peridot Mesa. one of the largest locations for perldot production in the world.
Major Sources
Identification and Characteristics
- R.I.: 1.654 - 1.690 (+.02, -.02)
- Hardness: 6.5 - 7
- S.G.: 3.34 (+.14, -.07)
- Species: Olivine group
Cleaning Methods
- Safe In warm, soapy water
- Risky in the ultrasonic
- Never use in steamer
