The Peridot

A stone of unparalleled bright green, the peridot has captured the attention of jewelry enthusiasts for millennia. Its vibrant color, evoking both the freshness and warmth of the sun's rays, makes it a gemstone of choice to enhance jewelry creations. Known for its rarity and brilliance, this stone enchants with its natural beauty and strong symbolism.

1/ Origins of the Peridot

The peridot, once called the "emerald of the Crusaders," has a fascinating history that dates back over 4,000 years.

The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it absorbed the energy and light of this sacred star.

The first discoveries of peridot were on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, where this stone was mined as early as antiquity.

Worn by pharaohs and priests, it also adorned royal treasures throughout history, symbolizing protection and prosperity.

2/ The Peridot Around the World

Today, the most renowned mines for peridot extraction are primarily located in Myanmar, Pakistan, and the United States, particularly in Arizona.

Pakistan is known for producing specimens of exceptional quality, with stones of deep and pure green.

Deposits in China and Vietnam also yield beautiful stones with slightly golden hues.

Each region produces peridots with unique tones, influenced by local geological conditions, making each stone a rare and special treasure.

3/ Gemological characteristics

The peridot belongs to the olivine family and is distinguished by its green hue, caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition.

Unlike other stones, its color does not vary; it always presents a shade of green, ranging from olive green, yellowish green, and, more rarely, intense emerald green.

On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7, making it a relatively durable stone, though it requires careful handling to avoid scratches.

In jewelry, it is mainly cut into oval or cushion shapes, which helps to maximize the brilliance of its color.

4/ Beliefs and Astrological Signs

In the context of marriage, peridot is often associated with the celebration of the 16th wedding anniversary, symbolizing strength, growth, and harmony in the union.

Additionally, this gemstone is closely linked to the astrological sign of Leo (born in August), for which it is the birthstone. Peridot is believed to enhance self-confidence, encourage love, and ward off negative energies, making it an ideal talisman for those born under this zodiac sign. Giving a peridot jewelry piece to a Leo is offering them protection and a reinforcement of their natural qualities.

Did you know?

Cleopatra valued this stone so much that she is said to have adorned many pieces of jewelry in her personal collection with it. For a long time, historians believed that her jewelry featured luxurious emeralds, but they were actually peridots. This confusion arose due to the similarity in hues between some varieties of peridot and emerald, especially in candlelight, which amplifies their green brilliance. As a result, peridot was sometimes unjustly overshadowed by other gemstones, but today, it proudly regains its place in jewelry, recognized for its beauty and unique history.

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