Peridot is a French word derived from the Arabic faridat, which means gem. The stone ranges in colour from light yellow-green to the intense bright green of new grass to olive. Peridot splits and bends the rays of light passing through it. Because of this reason it has a velvety, `sleepy` appearance i.e. a shining rich glow. Chemically peridot is an iron-magnesium-silicate. The intensity of the colour of the stone depends upon the amount of iron contained. The colour comes in variation from yellow-green and olive to brownish green. The rare treasure varieties of Peridot can be mentioned as Peridot-Cat`s Eye and Star-Peridot. Peridot is a stone with a sparkling pale green colour. But it also occurs in lime, yellowish green, olive green or medium dark green hues.
Peridot has been adored since ancient times and has been valued for centuries. People in the middle Ages wore peridot to gain foresight and divine inspiration. Legend has it that pirates favoured peridot to protect them against evil. Peridot was greatly prized by Egyptian Kings. Some of Cleopatra`s emeralds were in fact peridots.
According to astrologers, the wearer of peridot will enjoy happiness in marriage, the power of eloquence in speech and enduring freedom from insecurity-both emotional and physical. Ancient Egyptians called peridot "the gem of the sun", although they believed its seekers might not find it in sunlight. Because of their brightness in the desert sun, the stones were supposedly invisible by daylight.
In darkness, however, they were alleged to give off a light of their own by night, miners were said to mark their locations accordingly and return to recover their treasures by day. Peridot was believed to have the power to dissolve enchantments. To exert its full potential, the stone was to be set in gold. Then it would drive away night`s terrors. If it was to be used to protect the wearer from evil spirits, it had to be pierced, strung on the hair of a donkey, and worn on the left arm. As a medical remedy, it was powdered to cure asthma. Holding a peridot under the tongue was supposed to lessen the thirst of a person suffering from fever. Peridot along with sardonyx is birthstones of Leo that is Lion. The time starts from July 23 to August 22. This is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage. Slightly golden shimmering green variety of it is ideal gemstone colour to complement a light summertime outfit. It is formed of olivine, silicate found in igneous rocks, and a very good constituent of Earth`s upper mantle. As a matter of fact Peridot is called by three names, Peridot, Chrysolith and Olivin. Peridot is derived from Greek word `Peridona,` which mean `giving plenty.` The word `Chrysolith` means `goldstone` in Greek. It is one of the few stone that exist only in one colour.
Healing properties of Peridot
This beautiful stone is worn or carried for general healing purposes. Peridot increases strength & physical vitality. Peridot protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Peridot is also thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury.
Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green shade of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot calms a raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.
Peridot helps to move past the hurt, and understand the relationships. It adds intelligence to the romantic situations, giving a bit of common sense in affairs of the heart, and protecting someone from unnecessary heartache. This is a visionary stone; it brings understanding of destiny and purpose. It usually releases negative vibrations, and promotes clarity and well being. A Peridot can be put in a cash box along with Citrine. Peridot will help to draw money to the person, and Citrine will help to keep it once one gets it. Peridot is the money stone. These stones are particular good in helping to deal with jealousy, a very dark destructive emotion. These were worn by the ancient Egyptian high priest to guard against jealousy of the Pharaoh`s power.
Peridot is a `Sun` energy stone due to its yellow-green colour. This trait makes Peridot a warm, friendly, and happy stone. This is a great stress or anxiety reliever. These are more powerful when set in yellow gold and more effective when pierced in a bead form. In ancient times, the Romans wore Peridot to relieve depression. This stone strengthens, and regenerates all organs, stimulating new and healthy growth. It usually acts as if one had just taken a Health Tonic. 
These promote sleep. The stones can be used to bring results to a search - seeking and of lost or mislaid items, but applies to the spiritual realm as well, as in feeling despair, spiritually lost , or emotionally isolated. It has also been used to facilitate the birth process, stimulating contractions and opening the birth canal. A piece can be slipped into the `birth room` to enhance the process.
Peridot is used in rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and accent stones. Its hardness is 6.5 - 7 in Moh`s scale. As with all gems, peridot should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Drastic temperature changes should be avoided. Peridot should not be cleaned in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Peridot is a beautiful stone that wears well and looks beautiful with a lot of your wardrobe. Peridot is readily available in most sizes and a variety of shapes. Peridot should be priced about the same as a garnet or tourmaline. The buyer should be knowledgeable so that he or she can get the difference between the original and a very good imitation of peridot that is actually a type of synthetic peridot.
