Peridot Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
I
Peridot Gemstone Facts and History
Peridot is a gem-quality olivine mineral that ranges its color from yellow-green to olive-green. These stones derive their exquisite green hue from the iron and magnesium present in their crystal formations. As the iron content increases, the color becomes increasingly vibrant and deep, enhancing its visual allure. Peridot gems have a hardness rating of approximately 6.5 in Mohs Hardness Scale, making them ideal for creating beautiful Peridot earrings, necklaces, and various other types of Peridot jewelry. However, when it comes to rings and bracelets, using Peridot Gemstones require extra caution to avoid scratching and loss of shine.
The term “olivine” comes from the Latin word “oliva,” which refers to the mineral’s color. On the other hand, “Peridot” originated from an English word in the thirteenth century, “Peridote.” In ancient times until the eighteenth century, Peridot was often called “topazion” or “topaz,” probably because it was found on an island called Topazios (now known as Zebirget or Isle of St. John) in the Red Sea. However, in the eighteenth century, the name “topaz” was assigned to the mineral we now recognize as topaz, while the gemstone olivine adopted the name “Peridot.”
The world’s largest Peridot deposit is situated on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, making it incredibly productive. This single location alone is estimated to provide approximately 80 to 95 percent of the global Peridot supply. Peridot is also found in many parts of the world, including China, Tanzania, Pakistan, and the United States.
II
Peridot Gemstone Uses
Primarily, Peridot is used in jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and pendants. It is also used in decorative items and in the manufacturing of high-tech devices due to its unique optical properties.
In the industrial sector, Peridot is utilized as a slag conditioner in metallurgical processes. In blast furnaces, high-magnesium Peridot, or forsterite, is employed to eliminate impurities from steel and facilitate slag formation.
Furthermore, Peridot has been employed as a refractory material, finding use in the production of refractory bricks and as casting sand for its high melting point. Although these applications have experienced a decline due to the availability of more cost-effective and easily attainable alternative materials.
III
Peridot Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Peridot is a remarkable gemstone known for its association with abundance. It serves as a powerful catalyst in recognizing, honoring, and embracing abundance in one’s life, encompassing both material and spiritual wealth. This captivating stone works to dismantle the internal barriers that hinder one’s progress towards reaching his fullest potential. With the assistance of Peridot, one may experience heightened happiness, improved well-being, and enhanced wisdom.
Moreover, Peridot is believed to possess remarkable properties that benefit both the body and mind. It is said to bring healing, vitality, patience, confidence, and assertiveness. It is also associated with slowing down the aging process and aiding in the treatment of digestive, heart, lung, and eye disorders, while promoting a harmonious birthing process. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and emotions, fostering balance, harmony, and personal growth.
Peridot embodies good fortune, prosperity, emotional healing, and playfulness. As the stone of compassion, it enhances intuition, spiritual awareness, and love attraction. Peridot also inspires creativity, brings joy, and renews all aspects of life, fostering good health, restful sleep, and harmonious relationships.
IV
Peridot Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Peridot crystals can take on many different shapes, including tabular, prismatic, and rounded. Tabular Peridot, containing flat and rectangular shape, is associated with stability and grounding. This kind of Peridot is believed to bring a sense of balance and harmony, helping to anchor one’s energy and emotions. Prismatic Peridot, on the other hand, is characterized with long and slender shape with multiple facets and is associated with clarity, focus, and amplification of energy. This symbolizes a strong connection to higher realms and the ability to channel and direct energy effectively.
Moreover, rounded Peridot has a smooth, rounded shape and is associated with nurturing, comfort, and emotional healing. This is believed to promote feelings of love, compassion, and emotional well-being. Moreover, it symbolizes a gentle and soothing energy, helping to heal emotional wounds and foster inner peace.
V
Peridot Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
Peridot carries a rich history and cultural significance across different civilizations. In ancient Egypt, Peridot was called the “gem of the sun” and was believed to protect against nightmares and evil spirits. Its captivating luster guided miners in locating and marking the stone even during the darkness of night, ensuring its extraction the following day.
This gemstone also found great appreciation in Greek jewelry and was primarily owned by Ottoman Sultans. Furthermore, it held such value that it was fiercely guarded by Pharaoh’s soldiers, who swiftly executed anyone attempting to steal it.
In Hawaiian culture, Peridot is associated with the goddess Pele and is believed to have healing powers. In some traditions, Peridot is thought to be a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and well-being.
VI
Peridot Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
Peridot is often combined with other gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. It is also frequently used as an accent stone in rings, pendants, and bracelets.
VII
Peridot Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and is associated with the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo.
VIII
Peridot Gemstone in Dreams
Dreams about Peridot may represent prosperity, abundance, and personal growth. As associated with its general symbolism, dreaming about a Peridot Gemstone may also indicate a desire for spiritual transformation or a need for emotional healing.
IX
Peridot Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
Peridot, cherished in various cultures, is believed to possess remarkable powers and attributes. It is revered for its ability to safeguard against nightmares and ward off evil spirits, while bestowing good luck and fortune upon its wearer. Furthermore, Peridot is thought to enhance romantic relationships and promote fidelity in marriage.
Legend holds that when set in gold, Peridot reaches its full potential as a talisman, capable of dispelling terrors of the night such as fearful visions and nightmares. When Peridot is worn on the right arm, according to Pliny the Elder, the esteemed Roman philosopher says it maximizes the potent dispelling effects. Its radiant glow, reminiscent of a hot coal under lamplight, serves to banish foreboding night visions.
Peridot has long been revered for its ability to repair and maintain friendships, freeing the mind from envious thoughts that can strain relationships. It is also believed to offer protection against the malevolent influence of the evil eye.
To invite peaceful sleep, wearing a Peridot set in gold is recommended, particularly for those plagued by recurring nightmares involving evil spirits, murder, or sexual attacks. As a talisman of luck and a sun stone, Peridot serves to ward off personal darkness. It adds charm and eloquence to presentations, eliciting positive and helpful responses from usually uncooperative individuals. Additionally, Peridot is said to increase profits in business endeavors and serves as a natural defense against envy, gossip, and deceitful people.
X
Peridot Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
Peridot Gemstones have a rich mythology deeply rooted in ancient cultures, particularly in Greece and Rome. In these ancient civilizations, Peridot held a special place and was believed to possess mystical properties. It was widely believed that wearing Peridot bestowed nobility upon the wearer, elevating their status and bestowing them with regal qualities.
In Greek mythology, Peridot was closely associated with Zeus, the king of gods. It was believed that Peridot was prescribed specifically to Zeus, symbolizing his divine power and authority. Similarly, in Roman mythology, Peridot was linked to Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Zeus, emphasizing the gemstone’s connection to royalty and high-ranking deities.
Moreover, in ancient Egypt, Peridot was highly valued and was believed to have healing properties. It was also associated with the sun god Ra and was believed to protect against evil spirits and nightmares.
