Peridot (prounounced PAIR-eh-dough or PAIR-eh-dot) is a light green gemstone variety of olivine. Peridot is one of the few gemstones which is only found in one color. The green color comes from the traces of iron in it's chemical makeup. Traces of peridot and olivine have been found in meteorites, making peridot the only gemstone which has come from outer space.
Peridot has been confused with emerald and in fact, archaeologists have discovered many gemstones in royal jewelry and adornments which were called "emerald" are actually peridot. During the Ottoman empire, sultans amassed a large quantity of peridot in their treasure stores - as loose stones and in jewelry and other decorations. Peridots were introduced to Europe via the Crusades. Peridot has been called the "evening emerald" because it still appears green in dim light. Other stones confused with peridot are green garnets and moldavites and green tourmaline,
Peridot has its origins in fire, created under high pressure and extremely high temperatures deep in the Earth's center. It is sometimes extruded in basaltic lavas. Natives of Hawaii long ago discovered peridot nuggets in the black lava sands on the beaches and declared them to be tears shed by Madame Pele, the volcano goddess.
Peridot mining dates back to somewhere around 4,000 years ago. 80 to 95% of the world's peridot comes from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, near a little town which bears the same name - Peridot. Other locations in the US where peridot may be found are New Mexico, Colorado and Hawaii. Recently, China and Pakistan are becoming rivals in peridot production. It is also found in Myanmar, Australia, Brazil and Norway. There are records showing that peridot has been mined on St. John's island off the coast of Egypt since 79 AD.
Peridot is sometimes treated with resins, wax or oil to fill voids and improve the appearance. One may safely presume that any inexpensive peridot is treated. Peridot beads are usually cut in India and may be irregular in shape or size. Because peridot is relatively soft, it does require special handling. Avoid contact with acids, quick temperature changes and scratches. A sharp blow could also damage a peridot gemstone. When cleaning peridot jewelry, do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or a harsh chemical dip. Warm water and a soft cloth are best and most gentle cleaners for peridot.
Peridot as a healing stone has many properties. It has been used by natural healers to heal the heart and lungs, though healers say it should not be used during chakra work. Peridot is purported to slow the aging process - no wonder it is reported to have been a favorite of Cleopatra! It is purported to aid in the birthing process, as well as to help find lost or misplaced things. It is a "speaker's stone" - helping to improve eloquence and confidence in speech.
At AZ Bead Depot, we have peridot available in several shapes and qualities - from relatively inexpensive chips to AAA grade beads. If you are in love with the peridot color, but not with the price of the genuine stone, we have peridot colored Swarovski crystal, Czech fire polished crystal and even seed beads in that lustrous yellow green color which so entranced the Ottoman sultans. You won't even have to pay a king's ransom to take them home.
Next month - Sapphire - September's birthstone.
No comments:
Post a Comment