Introduction To Peridot

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.

Physical Properties

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.

Healing Properties

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:

• Detoxification and stimulation of the liver
• Treatment of the lungs, heart, spleen, and intestinal tract
• Cellular regeneration to slow aging
• Absorption of vitamins and minerals
• Reduction of fever and treatment of infections
• Issues related to the eyes and vision

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:

• Alleviates jealousy, resentment, spite, and anger
• Fosters openness to new experiences and relationships  
• Aids in recognizing and separating illusion from truth
• Attracts love and strengthens marriage/partnership
• Enhances expression and communication of your truth
• Dispels negative emotions and victim mentality
• Stimulates spiritual growth and connection with divinity 

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.

Meaning and Symbolism

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.

Everyday Uses

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

• Peridot jewelry makes a lovely addition to any outfit. The stone's bright green colors uplift any look.
• Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings allow you to keep the stone's vibration close throughout the day. 
• Because it is relatively common, that makes this gemstone an excellent choice for not only affordable, but also ethical jewelry.

Home Decor

• Display crystals or tumbled stones around your home to uplift the space with their joyful green energy. 
• Place the crystal in your office or workspace to stimulate creativity and mental clarity.
• Add the gemstone accents to living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms to encourage relaxation.

Meditation

• Hold the gemstone during meditation to amplify intentions related to growth, renewal, and emotional healing.
• Place peridots on your body at energy points to clear blockages.
• Sit with peridots during chakra healing practices to align and balance the heart chakra.
• Keep peridots under your pillow or by your bed to ward off nightmares and encourage restful sleep.

Crystal Combinations

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:

• Citrine - This warm yellow stone magnifies peridot's abundance-attracting powers. Combining the two creates a sunny vibration that manifests wealth and success.
• Green Aventurine - Pairing the "stone of opportunity" with peridot amplifies good luck in finances, gambling and taking chances. This duo radiates joy and optimism.  
• Rose Quartz - For emotional healing, rose quartz softens peridot's intensity. Together they soothe heartache, anger and feelings of unworthiness. This blend encourages self-love.
• Sunstone - Sunstone activates the solar plexus chakra, the core of willpower. With peridot, it builds confidence, dispels fears and empowers positive thinking.
• Rhodochrosite - This "stone of love and balance" reduces anxiety and worry when combined with peridot. It allows inner peace and acceptance of situations out of one's control.
• Clear Quartz - As a master healer, clear quartz magnifies the energy of any crystal. Paired with peridot, it amplifies its cleansing and rejuvenating properties.

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.

Cleansing and Charging

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.

Buying Guide

When shopping for peridot, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Quality

• The gemstone quality is graded based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valued peridot has a rich olive-green hue. 

Prices

• Fine peridot can cost $50 to over $1,000 per carat. Larger sizes exceeding 5 carats are uncommon and fetch premium prices.
• Factors like color saturation, clarity, cut grade, and carat weight significantly affect valuation. Peridot originating from prized localities like Myanmar or Pakistan also command higher market value.
• Synthetic and simulant peridot is far more affordable, but lacks the appeal of natural gemstones. If opting for cheaper laboratory-grown or imitation cystal, ensure it is properly disclosed as such.

Where to Buy

• For the best selection, shop with trusted online dealers that specialize in gemstones. Reputable jewelers are also a smart option. Department stores tend to have limited stock or won't tell you if it's made in a lab.
• Local rock shops can be an excellent source for rough, uncut crystals and matrix specimens. These are unique for mineral collectors, though lower in quality than precision-cut gemstones.  You know this is where my hear lies.
• At antique shops and estate sales, you may discover vintage peridot jewelry sold at discounted prices. 

Conclusion

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.

References

• The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall 
• The Crystal Healer by Philip Permutt
• Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway  
• The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach by Robert Simmons
• The Crystal Zodiac: Use Birthstones To Enhance Your Life by Judy Hall
• Crystals for Healing by Karen Ryan
• The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals, and Stones by Margaret Ann Lembo
• The Little Book of Crystals: Crystals to Attract Love, Wellbeing, Prosperity, and More by Vivienne Campbell
• Crystal Muse: Everyday Rituals to Tune into the Real You by Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro
• - Crystal Prescriptions: The A–Z Guide to Over 1,200 Symptoms and Their Healing Crystals by Judy Hall
• The Crystal Wisdom Healing Oracle by Judy Hall