What do fresh limes and olives have in common? They're the colors of peridot, of course! The French word peridot comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem. This sparkling gem, known as the August birthstone and the 16th wedding anniversary gift, is the gem quality form of the mineral olivine. In ancient times, peridot was often referred to as chrysolite. As early as 1500 BC peridots were mined and used as gems in Egypt. In fact, it is now believed Cleopatra's emeralds were actually fine, dark green peridots. Egypt's green gems were mined on the island of Zeberget, and according to legend, the mines were worked only during the night because it was too difficult to see the peridot during the daytime. The island was also infested with snakes, which made mining the peridot a dangerous undertaking until one Pharaoh allegedly had them driven into the sea. The ancient Romans called peridot the"evening emerald" since its color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight. Later peridot was found in medieval European churches, likely carried back by Crusaders. At the Shrine of the Three Magi in Cologne Cathedral, one can find peridots the size of 200 carats or more in the décor.
Mined by Native Americans on the San Carlos Reservation of Arizona, the Grand Canyon State supplies the majority of peridot to our modern world. Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, and newcomer Pakistan afford some magnificent stones as well. Fine peridot ranges in color from medium to dark olive green. Found only in green, the gem's color comes from a 10-15% presence of iron. Trace amounts of chromium can also add to the green color. Fashion's demand for the fresh lime green color and new mining discoveries have fueled the peridot's increased popularity as a gemstone in recent years.
Mined by Native Americans on the San Carlos Reservation of Arizona, the Grand Canyon State supplies the majority of peridot to our modern world. Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, and newcomer Pakistan afford some magnificent stones as well. Fine peridot ranges in color from medium to dark olive green. Found only in green, the gem's color comes from a 10-15% presence of iron. Trace amounts of chromium can also add to the green color. Fashion's demand for the fresh lime green color and new mining discoveries have fueled the peridot's increased popularity as a gemstone in recent years.
Factoids:
* In Arizona, peridot is pronounced pear-a-dot, while in most other locations, the pronunciation is pear-a-doe. Both are considered correct.
* Peridots are not typically treated or enhanced, nor do they exist in synthetic form because of their relatively inexpensive cost.
* Peridot's hardness is rated 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, similar to amethyst and tanzanite.
* The Hawaiian island of Oahu has beaches made of tiny grains of peridot.
To keep your peridot jewelry in top notch condition adhere to the following advice:
* Do Not put in ultrasonic cleaners or steam.
* Do use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft toothbrush to clean.
* Do avoid scratches and hard blows.
* Do avoid temperature extremes.
See how cool green can look on you this August!
* In Arizona, peridot is pronounced pear-a-dot, while in most other locations, the pronunciation is pear-a-doe. Both are considered correct.
* Peridots are not typically treated or enhanced, nor do they exist in synthetic form because of their relatively inexpensive cost.
* Peridot's hardness is rated 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, similar to amethyst and tanzanite.
* The Hawaiian island of Oahu has beaches made of tiny grains of peridot.
To keep your peridot jewelry in top notch condition adhere to the following advice:
* Do Not put in ultrasonic cleaners or steam.
* Do use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft toothbrush to clean.
* Do avoid scratches and hard blows.
* Do avoid temperature extremes.
See how cool green can look on you this August!
