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Peridot 101

Peridot has a notable bright green, consistent color. Peridot’s color can range from pure green to yellowish green to greenish yellow. The finest hue is green without any hint of any other hues. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, the source for many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. Peridots are found in some lava flows in the United States, China, and Vietnam and, very rarely, as large crystals in certain types of solidified molten rock. Peridot can also be found in Finland, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the island of Zabargad. Peridot is the August birthstone and used to celebrate the 15th wedding anniversary.

Peridot b2

Birthstone

August

Zodiac

Gemini

May 23–June 23

Anniversary

15th & 40th Wedding Anniversary

The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat,” which means gem. Most peridot formed deep inside the earth and was delivered to the surface by volcanoes. Some also came to earth in meteorites, but this extraterrestrial peridot is extremely rare. Peridot has always been associated with light. In fact, the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Some believed that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when it was set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits. Given its color and energetic properties, peridot is often considered a stone for opening the heart, as well as for attracting abundance, family harmony and good luck.

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