What is Peridot?
Peridot is a natural gemstone variety of Forsterite, a member of the Olivine group. Sometimes called Night Emerald, Evening Emerald, Noble Olivine, or Peridote, Peridot is a gem known for its vibrant yellow-green tones. It can be found in nodules, pockets, or lining veins within solidified molten rock. Indeed, Peridot's associations with the Fire Element are likely due to the gemstone being found in places where lava flows have pushed up to the surface, and it is often found within Basalt, a volcanic rock. Some sources have also found Peridot within meteorites that have crashed to Earth! Peridot has been treasured throughout history, and was spoken of by Pliny all the way back in 70 AD.
How to Pronounce Peridot?
There is some controversy over the pronunciation of this gemstone's name. It's likely that you will pronounce it Pair-a-doh. This is because, etymologically speaking, the word Peridot comes from the Old French "Peritot". In French, the final t is typically silent. However, in English-speaking countries where this silent t rule is not habitual, the word Peridot is usually pronounced Pair-uh-dot. In fact, this English pronunciation was used as a character name in an extremely well loved animated series! Although there is much debate about the right way to say Peridot, both pronunciations are widely accepted. In our opinion, that means that both are correct, but Bee will always pronounce it Pair-a-doh.
What Birthstone is Peridot?
The Peridot gem is a birthstone for the month of August. This is quite fitting, since the primary Zodiac sign for August is Leo, whose season ranges from July 23 to August 22. Both the Peridot stone and the Zodiac sign Leo are associated with the Sun and the Fire Element. Virgos born at the very end of August can also benefit from the uplifting, cleansing energy of the Peridot gemstone.
Peridot Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
Peridot is a versatile crystal and a spiritual powerhouse, known for its associations with solar energy, purification, forward momentum, and metaphysical protection. Resonating intensely with the Solar Plexus Chakra, the Peridot gemstone is known for promoting a future-focused mindset that encourages us to let go of fears, obsessions, and negative influences. Awakening a fiery burst of courage, Peridot is used as a stone of protection, particularly when it comes to shielding against outside interference, doubts, and resentments. Peridot jewelry is worn by those who seek to cleanse away negativity, instill self confidence, and strengthen awareness of their own supernatural abilities. It is very much a self empowerment stone!
The Historical Significance of Topazios Island in Relation to Peridot
Topazios Island, nestled in the Red Sea, holds a pivotal place in history as the original source of the green gemstone we now know as Peridot. Ancient historians, including Agatharcides and Alexander Polyhistor, have chronicled the island's association with this captivating gem.
In their narratives, they recount the tale of troglodytes—cave-dwelling pirates—who, driven by storms and starvation, landed on an Arabian island known as Chytis. While searching for sustenance, they accidentally discovered the first "topazos," which was actually Peridot.
The island’s allure is further enhanced by accounts from notable figures like Pliny the Elder and King Juba II of Mauretania. King Juba described the island as cloaked in dense fog and sought after by sailors lost at sea. The name "Topazios" itself may derive from the troglodyte word topazin, meaning "to look for," indicating how sailors often searched for this enigmatic land when disoriented.
In antiquity, Topazios Island was also ominously known as the "Island of Death," "Snake Island," or "the Serpent Isle." These monikers hint at the treacherous conditions and mysterious aura that surrounded it, adding a layer of intrigue to its historical significance. This enigmatic island not only sparked myths and stories of ancient mariners but also laid the groundwork for the storied history of Peridot.
Historical Cases of Mistaken Identity with Peridot
Peridot, a gemstone with a vibrant green hue, has been the subject of several historical cases of mistaken identity.
1. The Ancient "True Topaz": In ancient times, Peridot was often mistaken for Topaz. This confusion arose because "Topaz" once referred broadly to precious stones with golden or yellow shades. Peridot's yellow-green variants were lumped under this category, earning them the moniker "true Topaz," despite no mineralogical link.
2. Chrysolite Confusion: Lighter shades of Peridot were also known as Chrysolite, which means "goldstone" in Greek. The naming confusion stems from the Greek prefix chrysos, denoting gold, further complicating Peridot's classification among ancient jewelers and traders.
3. Biblical References: In the Bible, a gemstone called "Pitdah" appears as the second stone in the High Priest's Breastplate. Current scholarly consensus suggests this "Topaz" was actually Peridot, specifically from the island of Zabargad.
4. Queen Cleopatra's Emeralds: A captivating case revolves around Queen Cleopatra. It's believed that many of the jewels thought to be her cherished Emeralds were, in fact, Peridots sourced from Egyptian mines. This mix-up is understandable given the similar green shades of both stones.
These cases highlight the rich history of Peridot and its frequent misidentification with other gemstones over the centuries, adding layers of intrigue to its legacy.