Peridot

I have recently done some research on pretty gemstones, and I came across Peridot!

They are vivid green or olive colour and although it is a very old gemstone, it is still popular today. We can also source bright yellow-green peridot too. The amount of iron in the stone determines the brightness and intensity of the colour. Peridot is famously the birthstone for August, and it is 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. Because it is not an extremely hard gem, care needs to be taken when cleaning – but when it is set in a secure setting, this stone makes a stunning engagement ring or a wedding ring or dress ring!

Peridot was originally mined in Egypt and it is formed deep within the earth under extreme pressure and heat. The mining was at night because it’s transparent and bright colour was seen easier in the dark than during the day, the richness of its colour can be illuminated by the moonlight.

Peridot was used in early Egypt as far back as 2,000 B.C.E. and it was found in the Red Sea on St John’s Island, and this is where the majority of the mining was done. Pharaohs and leaders, including Cleopatra, heavily used peridot to adorn their robes and goblets, believing that it had magical powers. Peridot can be found today in some of the largest mines in America, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, Kenya and also China, and it is proven that peridot has been found in meteorites!

The price of peridot can vary and some stones can be quite costly, especially the rare star peridot‘s which are particularly precious. The larger stones with an intense and transparent colour are quite rare and more expensive. It can be found in a huge number of cuts, and these include round brilliant, oval, pear, marquise, octagon, radiant, trillion, heart, square princess, baguette and cushion.

The largest cut peridot was found on the island Zabargad, and it weighs in at 319ct. Also, apparently In Russia there is some that came out of a meteorite, which came down in eastern Siberia in 1749.

Some believe that this gemstone brings to its wearer success, peace and good luck! It is meant to have the magical power to drive away evil spirits and is used to help dreams become a reality! In the past, it was prescribed as a medicine to help asthma. Peridot was regarded as a symbol of the sun, since ancient times and it is thought to aid sleep and protection.

If you would like to have a look at some beautiful peridot gemstones in person, or discuss your ideas with a designers, then call, email or pop by and we will be happy to help!