Posted by Elizabeth Hart on Mon, Aug 06, 2012 @ 02:40 PM
By: Elizabeth Hart
First issue to address with this gem...how on earth do you pronunciate 'peridot?' My google-research has shown the most genenerally accepted pronunciation is "pair-a-doe," however, in peridot-mining Arizona it is often called "pair-a-dot." Therefore, both pronunciations are considered correct.
One of the largest modern mining areas is the Peridot Mesa (an old volcanic basalt flow) on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Many of the stones found here are small, and less than 3 carats. The largest peridot gem, weighing in at 317 carats, is on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Quality peridots are also mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, and the Congo. What do these locations have in common: historical volcanic activity.
Peridot is the mineral olivine and ranges in hue from a hayish yellowish-green to a juicy granny smith green and onward to a dark olive color. The green coloration is produced by the presence of iron and a little bit of chromium during volcanic processes. The most popular color of peridot is a bright, lime green - think, sour apple Jolly Rancher.
The peridot received it's nickname "evening emerald" due to the observation that the gem's color glowed in low-light (or lamp light) conditions - such as evening twilight. It has been said that miners used the evening light to find and mark the glowing peridots' location then come back during the day to collect the gems.
Peridot is closely associated with nature in many cultures around the world. Ancient Egyptians considered it the "Gem of the Sun" because the gemstones could not be seen in the dessert sun, but nightfall would reveal the scattered peridot gems, still glowing from the heat of the sun. To native Hawaiians, these gems are the "Tears of Pele," the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire. Many Hawaiian beaches are dusted with peridot stones too small to be cut.
Peridot was also believed to cure asthma as well as thirst caused by a fever by being ground into powder and mixed with water as a drink.
The gift of peridot jewelry is said to represent vitality in life, love, and happiness. Wearing this gem is also said to repel evil and anxiety. Folklore also has it that peridot protects against night terrors, especially when set in gold.
The peridot is the birthstone for August and the 16th anniversary stone.
Special note on the care of peridot jewelry: pieces containing peridot stone should not be put in an ultra-sonic or steam cleaner. Use warm, mild soapy water and a soft brush, like a toothbrush to gently clean peridot jewelry.
