Back in the spotlight, peridot is prized for its vivid, luminous, and distinctive hue. Soft and light green, it's a gemstone with growing appeal that pairs beautifully with any design. Marking the 16th wedding anniversary, it makes the perfect gift - especially when set in a stunning piece of jewelry like a peridot ring. Its durability makes it ideal for everyday wear, while its luminous color means it effortlessly complements every metal type, from gold (yellow, white, or rose) to silver.
"Peridot" is a term derived from the Arabic "faridat," meaning "precious stone" or "golden stone." Today, this stone is also known by other names, including "olivine" - a nod to its olive-like hue - and "chrysolite," the name used in antiquity.
This precious stone was discovered thousands of years ago, around 1500 BC. Its earliest known appearance traces back to the island of Topazios (present-day Zabargad) in the Red Sea. Over the centuries, its significance and symbolism evolved alongside the civilizations that prized it. Revered as the stone of the sun, peridot was held in high regard by the Egyptians, including Queen Cleopatra. The Romans nicknamed it the "evening emerald" because its sparkling hue retained its brilliance even at night, by lamplight. In the Bible, peridot is one of the jewels adorning Aaron's breastplate. It is also among the twelve stones said to have formed the foundation of the city of Jerusalem.
Peridot then became particularly popular across Europe after being brought back by the Crusaders. It began appearing on numerous jewelry pieces, most notably those worn by Empress Joséphine when Napoleon gifted her pieces set with a magnificent peridot surrounded by diamonds. Peridot thus became a stone that left its mark on history across the centuries.
Symbolically, peridot is the birthstone for August and is often seen as the gemstone of lovers. With its soft, vibrant, and refreshing green, it evokes sunlight illuminating the natural world while symbolizing the olive tree.
Peridot has been used for many purposes across the centuries. Prized for adorning churches and religious objects during the Middle Ages, it is today found primarily in the world of jewelry.
Like diamond and unlike many other gemstones, peridot does not form in the Earth's crust but much deeper, in the mantle. It reaches the surface through the movement of tectonic plates or through volcanic activity, primarily within igneous rocks.
Some peridots have been found inside meteorites, suggesting they may be of extraterrestrial origin. Additionally, in 2003, significant quantities of olivine were discovered on the planet Mars.
The finest-quality specimens come mainly from Burma. Peridot is also found in Pakistan, the United States (Arizona), Vietnam, China, as well as in Africa, Mexico, Australia, and Brazil.

Belonging to the silicate family and composed of ferrous magnesium silicates (iron and magnesium), peridot is a durable stone. It rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and has a density of 3.2 to 3.4. This idiochromatic stone has an orthorhombic crystal structure and displays only a single color due to its fundamental chemical composition.
Its luminous hue comes in a range of shades, from bright yellow-green to deeper green and even brownish tones. The intensity depends on the amount of iron present in the stone. Finally, its appearance can range from transparent to translucent, with very few or no visible inclusions.
Highly prized for its properties, peridot is a gemstone offering numerous beneficial qualities to whoever wears it. Emotionally, peridot acts as a shield against dark thoughts, sadness, and negative energy. It is a stone with calming properties that brings joy. It helps rebalance emotions, ease conflict in relationships, and build self-confidence.
Physically, peridot is said to purify and detoxify the body. It has a highly energizing effect on the system. It is also believed to cleanse the digestive system, boost immune defenses and blood circulation, and help combat minor skin issues such as acne. Peridot is also thought to ease the pain of contractions during childbirth.
Although an exceptionally hard stone, peridot does not tolerate thermal shock or extreme temperatures well, so it should be protected as much as possible to ensure its longevity. It should also be stored in a separate pouch or box away from other gemstones and jewelry.
A little water and soap are all you need to clean it. Rinse the stone thoroughly afterward, then dry it with a soft cloth to prevent any limescale deposits.

To match every desire, Ocarat's online store offers a vast selection of fine jewelry in every style. Rings, pendants, earrings… the choice is yours. You'll find pieces crafted in a variety of precious metals, so you're sure to discover the perfect find. You can also select the size that works for you and, in some cases, a dedicated storage box.
For every item, Ocarat provides a detailed guide. In it, you'll find all the information about the jewelry piece in question, its characteristics, and plenty of other useful details to help inform your purchase.
With its distinctive color, peridot is an easy stone to recognize. It features very few or no inclusions - which is not always the case with other gemstones.
Peridot is a remarkably durable stone that can withstand many everyday challenges. However, it is best to protect it from thermal shock and extreme temperatures. You should also store pieces separately from other jewelry and gemstones.
The stone's clarity plays a significant role in its value - it should have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. As for color, the most saturated shades are typically the most sought-after in fine jewelry, particularly olive green. That said, lighter peridots are also widely appreciated for their luminosity and brilliance. The stone's color should still be sufficiently rich to stand out against a yellow or rose gold setting.
When shopping for jewelry, it's essential to turn to a trusted retailer like Ocarat. This online jewelry store guarantees quality pieces that will meet your every expectation. Rings, necklaces, earrings, and much more jewelry await you at Ocarat.
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