A Guide to Peridot: Meaning, Properties and Everyday Uses
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Time to read 9 min
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Time to read 9 min
Peridot is a vibrant green gemstone that has been prized since ancient times for its beautiful color and healing properties. The name "peridot" comes from the French word "peritot", meaning gold, because of the green stone's golden glow. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color, an intense green.
Peridots are formed deep inside the earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes. Historically, the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John) in the Red Sea was the main source of peridot, which is why many ancient Egyptian jewelry artifacts contain the stone. Peridot was believed to be the stone of the sun gods and symbolized power and influence. Ancient Hawaiian legend claimed that peridot symbolized the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Today, most peridot comes from Arizona in the United States. The veins of peridot are found in volcanic rocks called pallasites. Peridot is unique in that it’s one of the only gemstones that is found in only one color, a vivid green. The intensity and tint of green depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure. Peridot is known by mineralogists and bible enthusiats as chrysolite, from the Greek word “goldstone”.
The vivid green hue, shine, and mystical powers of peridot have made it a coveted stone since ancient times. Read on to learn more about the healing properties and everyday magic of peridot.
Peridot is known for its striking green color, which can range from a light olive tone to a deep, rich emerald green. The intensity of the color depends on how much iron is present in the gemstone.
This ancient gemstone has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday jewelry. Peridot rates just under sapphire and ruby in hardness.
Peridot forms deep in the earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by tectonic activity. The gem-quality crystals are found in igneous rocks such as basalts. Most peridot is mined in Arkansas, Arizona, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Africa.
This luminous green stone has an oily or greasy luster that gives peridot its beautiful glow. The gem often contains inclusions but they do not detract from its beauty when cut into finished gemstones.
Peridot is a powerful healing crystal known for its ability to bring balance and harmony. It has a rejuvenating energy that can benefit all areas of your life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Physical Healing
On a physical level, peridot is thought to activate healing and rejuvenation in the body. It may help with:
The soothing green energy of peridot can also help reduce stress, anger, and irritation, promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being in the body.
Emotional & Spiritual Healing
Peridot has a gentle but powerful vibration that instills confidence, balanced emotions, and patience. It is an excellent stone for emotional healing because it can help you understand your purpose and place in the universe.
Some of the emotional and spiritual benefits of peridot include:
Chakra Alignment
Peridot activates and harmonizes the heart and solar plexus chakras. The heart chakra rules love, higher consciousness, and compassion. Meanwhile the solar plexus chakra governs willpower, self-esteem, and empowerment.
By working with these two chakras, peridot establishes alignment and balance between the upper and lower chakras. It bridges earthly and spiritual realms, helping you manifest your true potential.
Throughout history, peridot has been associated with good luck, health, and prosperity. The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun", believing it protected its wearer at night and symbolized influence and dignity. Egyptian priestly robes were adorned with peridot as far back as 1500 BCE.
The ancient Romans also revered peridot, associating it with light and beauty. They believed it warded off nightmares and worked as a cure for asthma. Peridot jewelry was especially popular during the Middle Ages, thought to instill foresight, eloquence, and influence over others.
In Hawaiian culture, peridot symbolizes teardrops of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. It's believed that she wept tears of peridot when her sister was imprisoned. Hawaiian legend also says that the peridot brought by ancient volcanoes guided early settlers to the islands.
Buddhists believe peridot aids in purification, overcoming negative emotions, and opening one's heart to joy and serenity. In some interpretations of the Bible, peridot is thought to be one of the gemstone foundations of New Jerusalem, signifying divine nature.
With its bright green glow, peridot has long been associated with vigor, growth, and renewal throughout many cultures. Its life-giving essence makes it a fitting symbol of vitality and luck.
Peridot has many practical uses in daily life due to its beauty and energy. Here are some creative ways to integrate this lovely green stone:
Jewelry
Home Decor
Meditation
Peridot combines wonderfully with many other healing crystals. It harmonizes especially well with stones that boost prosperity, happiness, and courage. Some beneficial crystals to pair with this crystal include:
Experiment with peridot crystal combinations to create the specific healing benefits you desire. Its energetic flexibility allows it to work in harmony with many stones.
Peridot is a sensitive stone that requires regular cleansing and recharging to keep its energies fresh and vibrant. There are several simple methods to care for your gemstone:
Salt Water
Soaking it in a sea salt and water solution helps to remove accumulated negative energies. Use one teaspoon of sea salt per cup of water. Let the gemstone soak for 1-2 hours. Rinse thoroughly.
Smudging
Smudging with sage, palo santo, or other sacred herbs is an excellent way to cleanse it. Pass the stone through the smoke to allow the aroma to uplift its energies. Visualize the smoke absorbing any stagnant vibrations.
Moonlight and Sunlight
Place the crystal in direct moonlight or sunlight for several hours. The light will refresh the inner brilliance of the stone. For moonlight, situate your crystal on a windowsill or outdoors at night. For sunlight, early morning rays are ideal.
Sound and Breath
Hold the gemstone at heart level and "power up" the stone by toning OM, visualizing energy flowing from your heart into the crystal. Breathe slowly on the stone to further energize it.
Earth Burial
Burying it in the soil for 24 hours allows the earth to absorb impurities. Choose a location free of contaminants. When finished, rinse the stone with water and dry with a soft cloth. Your gemstone will feel rejuvenated.
Meditation
A simple way to charge it is through a meditative connection. Hold the stone during meditation and visualize its glowing vitality. Send the stone positive intentions, light, and love.
With regular cleansing and activation, peridot retains its integrity as a protective, healing, and empowering ally.
When shopping for peridot, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Quality
Prices
Peridot is a remarkable healing crystal that has been treasured since ancient times for its vibrant green color and powerful vibrational properties. As we have explored, it carries a positive and uplifting energy that can help manifest abundance, joy and peace in life.
With its ability to cleanse and balance the chakras, peridot can support improved health, creativity and relationships. Working with this gemstone can help release old patterns, clear blockages and align us with our true nature and purpose.
This crystal also offers potent protective qualities, creating an energizing shield against negative influences. Regularly cleansing peridot under running water and charging it in sunlight will help maintain its healing potential.
In summary, it truly is a gift from the Earth that connects us to the boundless potential of the heart and the divine light within. By incorporating peridot into meditation, rituals or simply wearing it as jewelry, we can unlock more fulfilling and enlightened experiences.
Peridot teaches us to be present, follow our inner wisdom and see the world with fresh eyes of compassion. Honoring its message allows us to move forward on our path with courage, vitality and an open heart. If you feel called to work with this gemstone, there is no better time than now to embrace its transformative magic.