Peridot Meaning

Peridot is an ancient gemstone that adorned medieval churches and was treasured by Napolean and Cleopatra. The healing properties of peridot and unusual peridot color have made this green mineral rock highly sought after. It is, however, more affordable than emeralds, making it even easier to take advantage of its beauty and many benefits.

Peridot History

Peridot has been considered an important green mineral rock for over 3500 years. Because this olive-green gemstone is not considered as valuable as emeralds, it is also called "the poor man's emerald." Peridot gemstones are always olive green but they can be a little more yellow-olive green or brown-olive green.

Ancient Romans enjoyed admiring the peridot color by candle light or in the warm glow of a campfire. Historians believe that some, if not all, of Cleopatra's emeralds were peridot gemstones. The Crusaders brought green peridot to Europe where it was commonly used in medieval church decorations. It is believed by some that peridot gemstones were used to adorn the breastplates of Jewish high priests. The popularity of green peridot blossomed briefly during the Baroque era. Napolean gave peridot gemstones to Josephine as a symbol of his love and admiration for her.

Peridot has been mined on Zabargad or St. John Island located in the Red Sea since it became popular in 1500 BC. Zabargad is a volcanic island which is the type of area peridot is commonly found. Peridot rock is formed deep in the earth's mantle which has a great deal to do with peridot meaning. The crystals are created in magma that originates in the upper mantle. The green mineral rocks are brought to the earth's surface by shifts in tectonic plates or volcanic eruptions.

High quality peridot stones are mined in Burma, Pakistan and Vietnam today. Peridot deposits are also located in Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania as well as in Arizona and Hawaii in the United States. The most prolific producer of peridot is currently China. Peridot is a type of olivine which has been found on the moon, Mars and in meteors that have fallen to earth. The planet Saturn is symbolized by peridot.

Peridot Meaning

The origin of the name of this green gemstone is Arabic. The Arabic word "faridat" meaning "gem" evolved into peridot. Peridot is a type of chrysolite, which is Greek for "goldstone." The gem peridot meaning "pitdah" in Hebrew can be found mentioned in the Bible. Peridot stones occasionally wash up on the beaches in Hawaii where they are thought to be the tears of Pele. This supports peridot meaning in that Pele is the goddess of the elements.

In ancient times, peridot meaning was based on how peridot is created. Peridot meaning was based on the belief that it was a gift from Mother Nature. Peridot rock is formed deep in the Earth and brought up by earthquakes and volcanos. This "gift" from Mother Nature was thought to be in honor of a yearly renewal of the Earth. Peridot meaning for national leaders who wore peridot gemstones in more recent times symbolized fairness and a wise, gentle demeanor.

Throughout history, peridot meaning has been linked to dispelling negative elements in life while providing strength. Peridot crystal meaning is dispeller and strengthener. Peridot meaning is also linked to education. Peridot meaning is the "Study Stone" due to peridot power based in its Olive Ray of Influence. Peridot color makes it the best gemstone for students of all ages but is especially helpful to more mature students. Peridot enhances learning by providing the strength needed to persevere during the learning process. Peridot gemstones enhance the mind's receptiveness due to peridot color, making it easier to understand new ideas and meanings. The ability to ignore distractions and focus on studies is one of the many peridot crystal benefits, in keeping with peridot meaning.

Peridot meaning is slightly different for each variation in peridot color.