Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
As Spring — and St. Paddy’s Day — near, I thought a post on the beautiful green Peridot might be appropriate.
Peridot gemstones
One of the few gemstones that’s found in only one color, Peridot (pronounced pear a dough or pear i dot) shows up in shades of green, ranging from yellow-green and olive to brownish green. The yellow varieties are called Chrysolite; the olive green are Olivine, and the Spring Green are Peridot.
Mined in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C., Peridot, like Diamond, is found in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Some Peridot crystals arrive extraterrestrially, via meteorites. Historians believe Cleopatra’s famous emeralds were actually peridots!
Peridot can be found on St. John’s Island in the Egyptian Red Sea, as well as Burma, Pakistan, the western U.S., China, and Vietnam.
Believed to be one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate (see the Book of Exodus), Peridot is traditionally worn by Catholic bishops in a ring with amethyst.
Peridot is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is the traditional birthstone for the month of August. The more iron it contains, the deeper its green hue. A popular and affordable stone in small weights, Peridot is cut into facets and used in all forms of jewelry, as well as tumbled into beads and cabochons. Typically, stones over eight carats are reserved for museum pieces.
Peridot collection from Smithsonian Museum
As with a lot of other stones, Peridot contains a wealth of healing properties on the metaphysical plane. Healers claim it balances the glandular system, strengthens the digestive tract, eases the pain of childbirth, calms the nervous system, reduces fever, and improves eye health.
Ancient Romans wore Peridot rings to ward off depression. Peridot lessens jealousy and anger, enhances self-confidence, and attracts romance and financial success.
Peridot activates the Heart Chakra, helping us understand our emotions and deal with the ups and downs of relationships.
Feng Shui practitioners say Peridot should be placed in the east and southeast areas of a home or room to stimulate health, growth, and new beginnings.
Clean your Peridot with warm, soapy water. Protect it from scratches and contact with chemicals; don’t use an ultrasonic cleaner on it.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and various other sources, and likely “work” if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
I can’t believe it. I actually found the photo I took of my mother’s peridot necklace, which I still have. It’s a beautiful thing. The stone is about 7/8″ x 5/8″ — large enough to be really pretty. It’s faceted nicely, too, so it really sparkles. Too bad I can’t wear jewelry at work. I get out of the habit, and then I forget to put it on when I’m going somewhere “civilized.” I’m going to hang it somewhere as a reminder, so I can enjoy its sparkle, and put it on now and then.
Linda, your mom’s necklace is stunning! I know what you mean about getting out of the habit of wearing gorgeous things while working (I work from home, so I have to watch myself from doing exactly that). Still, pretty, sparkly things were meant to be enjoyed, so let’s agree from now on to refuse to save our lovelies until a future day and wear them with happiness right now!
My problem is that jewelry is dangerous. I can’t tell you how many people I know who’ve lost fingers because of wearing rings, or who have suffered other damage because of chains or necklaces. It’s just not smart to wear any kind of jewelry around tools and machinery — even the guys often don’t wear their wedding rings, depending on the work that they do.
But, yes — on other occasions? Sparkle Plenty! (You remember her, don’t you?)
You’re absolutely right — safety first! What good is a beautiful ring if you don’t have a finger to put it on?? Not everybody works at a computer these days, and I need to remember that. As for Sparkle Plenty, no I don’t remember her. Was she an advertising spokeslady of some sort??
Actually, she — well you can read about it here!
Well, thanks for educating me … again! No, that wasn’t a comic I read, so obviously I’d never heard of her. Who knew?!?
Since my birthstone is an emerald I have always liked the Piridot. Thanks, Debbie.
I love green. I must have been born in the wrong month! Anyway, I do like both Peridots and Emeralds — and they’re so appropriate, especially as St. Paddy’s Day nears!
There you go!!!! 😀
Debbie, being someone who is very attracted to the color green, Peridot is probably my very favorite gemstone. In fact, I actually owned a Peridot ring which I got in trade at an antique store in Florida. It was vintage and had the most beautiful gold band setting. The stone itself was square shaped. It was more of a yellow/green stone.
I had that ring for years, until one day someone I knew said that they loved the ring. So, I took it off and gave it to them. I felt as though it was time for me to let go of the ring and pass it on to someone else who could enjoy it.
FAB post, my friend! LOVE these gemstone posts!
Have a super week!
X
Ron, you’re such a kind-hearted, generous person! What a neat story, your passing your beloved Peridot ring on to someone who could give it new life! I think that’s the sort of thing that makes me feel so good about donating to charity — my lightly used things bringing enjoyment to someone less fortunate. And to actually SEE the thrill on the other person’s face — extra delight!
Glad you’re enjoying my gemstone posts, too. I’m learning so much myself from doing the research for them.
Be mindful in all that snow we’re sending your way this week, my friend. I know you love the white stuff, but four inches of it in an hour’s time sounds pretty dreadful to me, ha! xx
I love peridot – it looks like what I feel emeralds should look like, but almost never do… maybe because I couldn’t afford a flawless emerald even if I sold my house! 🙂
I happen to LOVE the green stones, FF. Must be the Irish in me! I know what you mean about their being expensive, though, and since I’d rather live in a house with no perfect stone on my finger than the other way around, I’ll have to resort to enjoying pictures of these beauties!
Stunning color, Debbie. Perfect for this time of year. I’ve been drawn to green more than not for most of my years. Thanks for sharing, Ma’am!
You too, Audrey? How I love the color green! In nature, of course, but also to wear. There’s something so soothing about green and since Peridot is less expensive than Emerald, I think it would look lovely on my hand … or around my neck!!
When I first saw this photo on Instagram, I thought it was sea glass. As an Irish lass, I love the color green – peridot is right up my alley!
Me, too, Mo — glad you liked it. I don’t have any peridot, but I’m open to receiving some, should any happen to come my way!!
Peridot is a perfect color for a Domer Mom, don’t you think? How did you learn so much about gemstones?
Pat, you’d be surprised how much research just one of these gemstone posts takes, ha! Seriously, no way could I retain all that info in my head, but it’s pretty fascinating, don’t you think??
Peridot is my birthstone, I like the spring green color. The influence on the Heart Chakra is interesting, who couldn’t use some relationship balancing. I am also trying to picture the Bishop”s ring where peridot is combined with amethyst. Very fitting post for St. Patrick”s season!
My birthstone is Sapphire, which I love. I’d have liked a green stone, too. Glad you enjoyed this one!
My daughter has an exquisite peridot ring that I love so much. And being a chakra person and energy worker – I love that it aligns with the heart chakra – make sense with it’s lovely green color.
I don’t have any peridot jewelry, Barb — not that I wouldn’t love some! Your daughter’s ring sounds beautiful, and I imagine she loves wearing it.