10 Amazing Facts about Peridot
Peridot is a striking green gemstone with a fiery origin and a history stretching back thousands of years. Here are 10 fascinating facts about peridot that make it a standout gem!
Peridot is Born in Fire
Peridot forms deep within the Earth’s mantle, between 20 and 55 miles below the surface, making it one of the few gemstones that originate from such extreme depths (alongside diamonds). It reaches us through volcanic eruptions, where it is carried to the surface in lava.
Some Peridot Comes From Outer Space
Peridot isn’t just an Earth-born gem, it has also been found in meteorites! Certain pallasite meteorites, like the famous Esquel meteorite discovered in Argentina, contain gem-quality peridot. Scientists have also identified olivine crystals (peridot’s mineral form) on the moon and Mars and even in comet dust, making it one of the few gemstones with an extraterrestrial connection.
Hawaii’s Green Sand Beaches Are Made of Peridot
Hawaii is home to a rare natural wonder, green sand beaches. These stunning shores, such as Papakōlea Beach, get their vibrant colour from tiny olivine crystals that eroded from volcanic rock over thousands of years. However, due to erosion and human activity, these beaches are slowly losing their green hue.
Peridot is Always Green, but Shades Vary
Unlike many coloured gemstones, peridot’s colour comes from its iron content, an integral part of this stones make-up, rather than trace impurities. This means peridot is always green, although the exact shade can range from yellow-green to deep olive. Rare specimens even have a bluish-green tint, with the blue coming from traces of titanium or nickel.
The Largest Faceted Peridot is Surprisingly Small
The largest faceted peridot in the world weighs 310 carats and is housed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. While this might sound large, it’s modest compared to the biggest aquamarine or topazes, which weigh thousands of carats.
Ancient Egyptians Treasured Peridot
Peridot has been mined in Egypt since at least 1500 BCE, particularly on Zabargad Island (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea. The ancient Egyptians highly prized peridot, believing it had protective powers. Some historians even suggest that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have actually contained peridot!
The Romans Called It the "Evening Emerald"
Peridot was beloved by the Romans, who noticed that it retained its vibrant green glow even in candlelight. Because of this, they called it the "Evening Emerald", distinguishing it from true emeralds, which could appear darker under dim lighting.
Pirates Believed Peridot Had Protective Powers
Throughout history, peridot has been linked to protection. Pirates and sailors wore peridot amulets, believing the gemstone could ward off evil spirits, calm storms, and prevent nightmares. Some cultures even set peridot in gold to enhance its mystical powers.
Napoleon Gifted Peridot as a Symbol of Love
Peridot has long been associated with love and admiration. One of the most famous historical figures to gift peridot was Napoleon Bonaparte, who gave a peridot jewel to his first wife, Josephine, as a token of his affection.
Peridot Was Once Mistaken for Jade in Ancient China
In ancient China, peridot was sometimes confused with jade due to its bright green colour. Chinese artisans treasured the gem, using it in imperial seals and jewellery. Over time, as trade routes expanded and gemology advanced, peridot was recognised as a distinct gem.
From volcanic eruptions to outer space, peridot has an origin story unlike any other gemstone. Whether you're drawn to its fiery birth, rich history, or celestial connections, peridot is a gem full of surprises!