The peridot belongs to the fosterite-fayalite mineral series that belongs to the olivine group of stonses. The peridot is one of very few gems that is naturally found in only one colour. This gemstone is ‘idiochromatic’, which means that its colour is a result of the basic chemical composition of the stone itself, and not caused by minor impurities, as is the case with a large number of other gemstones. Hence, the peridot is only found in shades of green. This stone is sometimes called ‘chrysolith’, derived from the Greek word ‘goldstone’. Its common name, however, is derived from the Arabis word faridat, meaning ‘gem’.
The peridot is one of the birthstones for the month of August, the month of the sign of Leo. In ancient times it was called the gem of the sun, and the sun rightly rules the zodiac sign of Leo. However, it is also associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, ruled by the planet of Venus, appearing in the latter half of September and greater half of October. Furthermore, in the Middle Ages, when gemstones were believed to reflect the cosmos, this stone was assigned to the planet of Saturn, which rules the sign of Capricorn that appears in the latter half of December and greater half of January. The peridot is also presented as a gift on the sixteenth wedding anniversary.
One of the many legends and beliefs surrounding the peridot gemstone originates in ancient Egypt. Believed to be an extremely powerful and spiritual stone, it was crushed up and mixed in hot beverage on various ceremonies. It was believed to bring one closer to nature. Cleopatra, especially, was said to have a great love for the peridot.
Another such legend surrounding the stone comes from ancient Hawaiian folklore. The peridot was believed to be formed out of the tears of a goddess named Pele. Pele was associated with thunder, lightning, and volcanoes, and hence was a powerful and sometimes destructive goddess. However, since the islands of Hawaii were born out of volcanic function, she was also believed to be a benevolent goddess, and the peridot was one of the gifts that she is said to have given to her people.
The peridot has also been associated with medicinal and healing properties throughout time. It was said to have been efficient with respiratory problems, such as asthma, in its crushed up form. In the medieval times, a peridot placed on the tongue was believed to cure fevers. In New Age tradition, it is said to ward off negativity and anger and help bring deep sleep. The stone is also associated with success, peace, and good luck.
Visit Padmabazaar[dot]com to buy gems online
The peridot is one of the birthstones for the month of August, the month of the sign of Leo. In ancient times it was called the gem of the sun, and the sun rightly rules the zodiac sign of Leo. However, it is also associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, ruled by the planet of Venus, appearing in the latter half of September and greater half of October. Furthermore, in the Middle Ages, when gemstones were believed to reflect the cosmos, this stone was assigned to the planet of Saturn, which rules the sign of Capricorn that appears in the latter half of December and greater half of January. The peridot is also presented as a gift on the sixteenth wedding anniversary.
One of the many legends and beliefs surrounding the peridot gemstone originates in ancient Egypt. Believed to be an extremely powerful and spiritual stone, it was crushed up and mixed in hot beverage on various ceremonies. It was believed to bring one closer to nature. Cleopatra, especially, was said to have a great love for the peridot.
Another such legend surrounding the stone comes from ancient Hawaiian folklore. The peridot was believed to be formed out of the tears of a goddess named Pele. Pele was associated with thunder, lightning, and volcanoes, and hence was a powerful and sometimes destructive goddess. However, since the islands of Hawaii were born out of volcanic function, she was also believed to be a benevolent goddess, and the peridot was one of the gifts that she is said to have given to her people.
The peridot has also been associated with medicinal and healing properties throughout time. It was said to have been efficient with respiratory problems, such as asthma, in its crushed up form. In the medieval times, a peridot placed on the tongue was believed to cure fevers. In New Age tradition, it is said to ward off negativity and anger and help bring deep sleep. The stone is also associated with success, peace, and good luck.
Visit Padmabazaar[dot]com to buy gems online