A Promise of Peridot

What comes to mind when you first hear the word Peridot? It compels me to think of an oblong green gemstone that dazzles in the light. Or, it could be a memory of jewelry I came across in a shop once. Peridot has always been a gemstone who’s charm is often understated and sleepy, as it lacks the elegant luster of rubies or the desirability of diamonds. Its earthy tone provides a sense of gentle beauty that is often overlooked in nature. This is my interpretation of Peridot, and many others feel differently. This article seeks to classify the gemstone’s deep appeal, document its fascinating past, and explain why it might be the gemstone one didn’t realize they needed. 

The Stone That is Out of This World

Peridot is not like any other stone. It is a mineral in the form of olivine, after all, but its formation is nothing less than extraterrestrial. The peridot most abundant on Earth originates from volcanic aviaries, where it exists in the Earth’s mantle and is dragged to the surface by lava flows. Now, this is the peculiar part: some of this peridot is not from Earth at all. Minute pieces were discovered in meteorites and have since earned the title of ‘space gem’. How extraordinary is it that a stone after travelling through space ends up on Earth to be forged into a ring or pendant? It is literally like placing a part of the universe on your finger. 

This connection with outer space is not just fascinating info; it is an important part of what enables peridot to feel special. Ancient Egyptians referred to it as ‘gem of the sun’, asserting that it shined with its own light. Their assertion was false, but peridot’s vivid green color that is often mixed with gold does indeed seem to glow. Some miners in the Red Sea island of Zabargad also believed that the stone glowed so powerfully that working at night would help them find it without trouble, which is why they worked at night. Apart from whether that story is true or not, it is evident that peridot possess a hint of magic. 

The History of Peridot

Peridot has a history of more than a thousand years and spans across continents and cultures. The Egyptians adored peridot and used it in everything from amulets, to dagger hilts, to royal adornments. Cleopatra, the queen of drama and dazzling fashion, was said to favor peridot over her emeraldas, though some historians argue that her “emeralds” might have actually been peridots all along. The Peridot Romans used to call it “evening emerald” since its color stayed true in dim lamplight, unlike other green stones that faded into shadows.

During the Middle Ages, peridot was used in Europe’s cathedrals, sparkling in reliquaries and chalices. The crusaders brought it back from their travels, and soon it became a staple in ecclesiastical adornment. One phenomenal example is the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral which gets adorned with Peridots the size of your thumbnail. Not very shabby for a gem that often goes overlooked today.

In the 19th century, peridot faced some difficult challenges that slowed its progress. First, it became overshadowed by the Victorian craze towards diamonds and sapphires. Then it turned into the emerald of the gemstone world – pretty, but not very popular. Now, during modern times, its underappreciated nature is part of its allure. In contrast to the society that always seems to want the next new thing, peridot serves as a calm act of defiance, a promise of something authentic instead of extravagant. 

The Allure of Peridot: A Vow of Promise

Peridot has a unique allure to it as it feels like a promise. Perhaps it is the way its beauty captivates attention effortlessly and naturally. With a color that lies between lime and olive, its appeal is much more subtle than strikingly eye-catching, however, once noticed, it’s hard to ignore. Peridot is favored among jewelers as it is easy to work with. Unlike many other gems, it does not overshadow gold or silver in jewelry pieces. Almost like a friendly person who enjoys telling entertaining anecdotes, it is friendly, quirky, and easy to wear.

This specific stone suggests healing on deeper levels. Vivid cultures distant and parallel through time regarded peridot and its striking olive hues as a beacon of renewal and reverie. Mythos of old claimed its power held unto protection against nightmares and malign spirits – a handy gift to negate worries that plague us in our slumbers. Nowadays, modern holistic therapists call it a gemstone of balance and abundance. Whether one agrees to that narrative or claims to dislike the energy completely, there’s comfort in turn’s in its shape. A form of peridot says: “Apply trust, and be certain of positive results.” Surely we could use a little of that in the year 2025. The world is moving faster than it ever; this stone counteracts divine; anywhere which might be an excuse for news cycles, climate issues or whatever circus show tomorrow might unveil will always be there. Peridot’s majestic light stands like a beacon symbolizing the need of a new direction. It won’t make any promises to fix everything but stands at the very heart claiming that beauty exists even in suffering. A statement worth believing. 

Peridot’s Evolution Over Time

Recently, peridot has begun to be more popular than in the past. Jewelry designers are transforming its charm into more pieces like modern day earrings and statement necklaces. Being the birthstone of August gives it a seasonal boost, but its appeal is present throughout the year. Another part of it’s draw that’s appealing is its affordability—peridot rings cost significantly less than emeralds or diamonds, making gorgeous pieces easily attainable without going into severe debt.

Sourcing peridot has also become more interesting. While most of the world’s supply comes from Arizona, Pakistan, and Myanmar, Hawaii is known for being ‘The Big Island’ with beaches full of peridot crystals, ready to be collected. Ethical buyers looking to limit their carbon footprint will appreciate the fact that it’s source is rarely tied to emerging conflict issues that plague other gems. It’s not perfect – mines are rarely pristine – but it’s a cleaner choice than most. 

A Personal Touch

I’ll acknowledge that I did not pay much attention to peridot until last summer when a friend of mine appeared wearing a pair of peridot earrings. While we sat on her porch drinking iced tea, the small drop earrings reflected the sunlight throughout the conversation. I inquired about her choice, and to my surprise, she did not give a woo-woo answer about chakras. Instead, she said, “It just feels like me, simple but not boring.” That has stayed with me ever since. And in this present day, we all wish to be different from others, claiming that standing out is all that is left to be done in a world that pays so much attention toward individuality. Choosing a quiet, humble gem does take a lot of boldness.

As previously mentioned, what is the promise of peridot? Peridot is not about impressing vast crowds of people with grand gestures. It is the promise of a warm welcome with a touch of sparkle and a beating heart. Peridot will surely extend its soothing arms to everyone because whether gift or self-indulged, it always conveys the message of ‘I am present and that my dear is enough’. What has left many to ponder is, doesn’t all of us need some form of this stone?

The next time you are scrolling through Etsy or happen to visit a jewelry shop, take a closer look at peridot. Consider this, what if that stunning gem is waiting for you to actually seek it? A steady glowing green stone filled with limitless opportunities is bound to be loved by many. What has much of the world not fallen in love with that?

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