Peridot: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Meaning and Reloading of the stone

Peridot, also known as Olivine or Chrysolite, is a member of the Silicate family. This olive-green natural stone has been highly prized since Antiquity for its healing properties and olive-green color. Over the years, Peridot has become increasingly prized by jewelers, but also for its lithotherapy properties.

History of Peridot

The etymology of the word Peridot comes from the Arabic "faridat" meaning "gem". It is also assumed that the name comes from the Greek "chrysolite", which is often used to describe green stones, including Peridot. Today, this name is still used in the world of lithotherapy. This natural stone is also called "olivine" in reference to its olive-like color. Peridot has a rich history; it was first discovered in antiquity on the island of Topazos, now called Zabargad, in the middle of the Red Sea.

Peridot or "stone of the sun" fascinated Egyptian civilization, and had been used since antiquity for its curative properties and protection against evil spirits. The Egyptians often confused Peridot with Emerald, which was frequently used to set Cleopatra's jewels. Moreover, the stone was once called "topaz", which was a general term used to refer to gems.

The writer Pliny the Elder wrote about this magnificent natural stone in several of his collections, describing it as a sumptuous gem. Among the Greeks, Peridot symbolized power and prestige. The stone was also used to make ornaments for the Ottoman sultans. Among the Hawaiians, Peridot was associated with the goddess of fire, lightning, dance and volcanoes, Pele, and more specifically with her tears.

For the Crusaders, this natural stone was used as an ornament in churches such as the shrine of the Magi in Cologne Cathedral. Peridot helped establish relations between Europe and the Middle East and, in the process, strengthened ties.

Today, Peridot is mainly used for ornamental purposes in jewelry, but also for its virtues and benefits in lithotherapy.

Origin and composition of Peridot

Peridot belongs to the large Silicate family. The stone is essentially composed of magnesium, iron and oxygen silicate with the formula (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. Peridot density varies between 3.27 and 3.38.

Peridot forms mainly in magmatic zones, such as lavas and magmatic intrusions rich in magnesium and iron silicate. The fusion of oxygen, magnesium and iron silicate ions cools and crystallizes to form Peridot crystals. The stone can form in metamorphic rocks and meteorites, but the quality of this natural stone varies according to its inclusions and where it was formed.

There are many varieties of Peridot in the world, ranging from light green to yellow-orange, with shades of darker or darker green through green-yellow and green-orange. The color is due to the impurities present in peridot:

• Iron or manganese, which give a darker color or yellow tones,

• Nickel or chromium, which produce a brighter to darker color,

• Inclusions (air bubbles, silicate crystals, pyrite, pyroxene, etc.), which can influence the stone's transparency and brilliance.

Origin of Peridot

Peridot is mainly produced in South Africa, Egypt, Australia, Burma, Brazil, the United States and China.

The hardness of this natural stone is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and Significance of Peridot in Lithotherapy

Peridot is a stone of serenity and open-heartedness.

Peridot in lithotherapy

On a physical level,Peridot stone is appreciated for its regenerative properties on the skin, but also soothes skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. In lithotherapy, this natural stone regulates the functioning of digestive organs such as the intestines, liver and gallbladder, as well as the immune system. Peridot is said to slim and reduce pain, including contractions, during pregnancy. In addition, this natural stone improves sleep and thins the blood.

On the psychic level, Peridot brings serenity and comfort, in lithotherapy, while dispelling negative emotions such as melancholy, fear, guilt and grief. Peridot will also bring confidence and courage, while protecting the wearer from external threats, whether negative feelings (jealousy, anger...) or evil spells.

Please note that lithotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.

Significance of Peridot

The natural stone Peridot is a symbol of bliss.

This natural stone is associated with the solar plexus chakra, bringing powerful feelings such as confidence, self-esteem and self-understanding. In addition, Peridot is associated with the heart chakra to amplify feelings and relationships, such as love, empathy and compassion.

The astrological signs associated with Peridot are Libra, Leo, Capricorn and Taurus. It is also the birthstone of August.

Peridot care, purification and recharging

To care for your Peridot, it's advisable to take good care of it, and we suggest a few methods:

Cleaning and purifying

Once you've picked up your natural Peridot stone, it's time to clean and purify it:

• Clean with salt water for about 30 minutes,

• Purify by fumigation, placing the Peridot in purifying herbal smoke for a few moments.

Refill

It's not enough to clean and purify your Peridot, you also need to recharge it so that it can fully release its powers:

• Recharge your stone with solar or lunar rays for about thirty minutes,

• Place a cluster of quartz next to it.