10 Fun Facts About Peridot
The magnificent gemstones which have been popularly used to form beautiful pieces of jewellery for a number of years originate from mineral crystals in an array of contrasting tones.
Not only are these gemstones considered to be highly prized due to their outstanding beauty, but their mystical powers and symbolic value have also made the stones very popular to be worn and given as gifts.
Today, we are presenting to you the fantastic peridot gem, an unusual yet spectacular stone which is certainly popular throughout our collection.
If you arent perhaps too familiar with this gemstone but would like to learn more, here are 10 of our fun facts about peridot.
1. Origin
Peridot is a popular, ancient stone which dates back to the Pharaohs in Egypt. According to the Gemological Institute of America, the ancient Egyptians mined the gem on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, which is also the source for many large fine peridots in the worlds museums.
2. Name
Whilst the stone predominantly takes on an exquisite olive-green hue, peridot has also been claimed to show hints of gold in its colouring too. The intensity of the gems colour can alter depending on how much iron is enclosed in the crystal structure, meaning that the stone may, at times, adopt a darker, brownish-green tone. Peridots with a more intense and darker olive-green colour tend to be more sought after.
3. National gem
Peridot is also the National gem of Egypt and was referred to by the ancient Egyptians as the gem of the sun.
4. Perfect for summer
The gemstone has been regarded as a great choice of stone to be worn alongside a summer wardrobe. This is not only fitting due to its reference of gem of the sun, but peridot is also the birthstone belonging to the month of August.
5. Where can it be found?
Peridot can often be produced as a result of igneous activity. Often located within the deep mantle of the earth, these stones are then brought up to the surface following volcanic activity, as explained on Minerals.net. It has occasionally even been suggested that the peridot crystals found amongst the volcanic ashes symbolised the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind and volcanoes.
6. Seeing double
Another interesting fact about Peridot is that it has a particularly high double refraction. This means that when one closely observes the stone, theyll most likely be able to see two of each pavilion facet.
7. Admired by the ancient Romans
It was not only the ancient Egyptians who cherished this gem, but the ancient Romans too were attracted to the beauty of peridot. Due to the vibrant tone which remains just as radiant even under artificial light, the stone was also referred to as the emerald of the evening.
8. Kashmir peridots
Although the popularity of peridot somewhat declined until it was rediscovered in the 1900s, peridot deposits which were located in the Kashmir region led to the resurgence of the gem. The magnificent quality of the colour and transparency of the stones which were also considered to be finer than any peridot which had previously been found, helped to restore the admiration of this gemstones back to its former prestige.
9. Extraterrestrial crystals
Interestingly, some peridot crystals have also been located in particular types of meteorites. Although extremely rare in that these crystals are usually very small, some extraterrestrial crystals can be large enough to feature as cut gemstones.
10. Symbolism
Its believed that that the stone contains magical powers in the form of bringing inner strength and luck to the wearer. The stone is, however, most popularly known for its powers of being able to bring good fortune to the individual. The gemstones virtues also extend in helping to ward off evil spirits and to deliver healing powers.