Peridot
Symbol: Wisdom & Clarity
Peridot is the gem-quality form of olivine, one of the few gemstones that doesn't form in the earth's crust but deep in the upper mantle. It sometimes reaches the surface through volcanic activity, and in rare cases, peridot has even been found in fragments of meteorites.
Where It Comes From
Zabargad Island in the Red Sea was mined for peridot for over 3,500 years under famously difficult and closely guarded conditions. Today, most peridot comes from Arizona in the United States, along with Pakistan and Myanmar.
What Different Peoples Believed
| People | What It Symbolized |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Called the "gem of the sun," mined on Zabargad Island under royal control. |
| Ancient Rome | Nicknamed "evening emerald" since its green glow was said to remain visible by lamplight. |
| Hawaiian tradition | Peridot found in volcanic sand is linked to Pele, goddess of volcanoes. |
Birth Month
Peridot is the official birthstone for August.