The Timeless Allure of Peridot

Solitaire Green Peridot Ring. Photo ©2014 EraGem. by Angela Magnotti Andrews Peridot has been found in meteorites, in silicate rocks rich in iron and magnesium, in the lava intrusions which burst forth from the earth's mantle, on the moon, and on Mars. It is the only gem-quality form of olivine, a common mineral composed of iron, magnesium, and silica, and it is one of the few stones (including diamonds) which form deep within the mantle of the earth. Although olivine is abundant on the earth, the gemstone peridot is fairly rare, and it comes in only one color, green. Individual stones can range from yellowish-green, to olive green, to dark olive-green, to brownish-green. The most desired color is the verdant dark olive-green. The intensity of color of peridot is directly proportionate to the amount of iron in the crystal structure. The higher the iron content, the more intense the green. The first recorded source for peridot was the mines on Zabargad Island (St. Johns Island), east of Egypt in the Red Sea {4}. Much later, deposits were discovered in multiple locations around the world, including Myanmar (Burma), China, Pakistan, Norway, and the US, with Arizona leading the pack in commercial production. The richest source in Arizona is the mine on the San Carlos Reservation, where resident Native Americans are the only people allowed to mine the gemstones. From the reservation, nearly 90% of today's commercial production are sold to local dealers before reaching the world market {5}. Peridot is associated with good fortune, success, and peace, and it is thought to sooth anger and attract love {1}. According to Hawaiian legends, these lovely gemstones were the hardened tears of the volcanic goddess Pele {3}. During the middle ages, Crusaders fell upon the mines on Zabaragad and brought numerous peridot to Europe for the purpose of decorating "religious relics and other important ornaments of high-ranking Catholic officials" {2}. One in particular, reported to be several hundred carats, adorns the shrine of the Three Magi at the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany. This gorgeous 3.11-carat, oval-cut natural peridot, is a fine specimen of the gemstones timeless allure--the perfect choice for a woman who appreciates rich history and nature's rare perfections. Notes

1. Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry. "Peridot Facts, Information and Description." Accessed April 18, 2014. http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/peridot.htm.
2. Bohs, Natlie. "P is for Peridot," Jewels du Jour Blog, August 8, 2013. http://www.jewelsdujour.com/2013/08/p-is-for-peridot/.
3. Examiner. "Myths and Legends About Peridot, the August Birthstone." Accessed April 18, 2014. http://www.examiner.com/article/myths-and-legends-about-peridot-the-august-birthstone.
4. GemSelect. "Peridot Gemstone Information." Accessed April 18, 2014. http://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/peridot/peridot-info.php.
5. USGS. "Peridot." Accessed April 18, 2014. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/gemstones/sp14-95/peridot.html.
6. Wikipedia. "Peridot." Accessed April 18, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peridot.