Peridot is one of the few gemstones that is found in only one colour - green. Although the intensity and tint of the green depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, because of this the individual stones can range from near yellow shade, through lime and olive tints up to a brownish green. The mid tones generally being the most prized.
Peridot throughout the ages;
- Since ancient times the stone has been seen as a symbol of the sun and a gift from Mother Nature.
- The ancient Greeks belived it bestowed royal dignity on its wearer.
- During the Middle Ages, peridot was pierced and strung on the hair from an ass. People attached it to their left arm to ward off evil spirits. They might also place a peridot under the tongue of sick people to reduce a fever.
- The Crusaders confused peridots with emeralds and brought many to Europe, where they were often used to decorate churches.
- Ancient Eygptians considered them a very spirtual gem. Priests would brew a drink made from the crushed stones. They would drink it hot during various ceremonies believing by doing so it brought them closer to nature.
- According to legend peridot was a favourite gemstone of Cleopatra.
- Peridot is thought to have magical powers to protect against nightmares, particularly when set in gold.
- The Romans referred to the stone as 'The Evening Emerald' as it could be seen by lamplight even at night.
- In Hawaii peridots symbolize the tears of the volcanic goddess, Pele.
- Napolean is said to have given Josephine a gift of peridot as a symbol of undying love.
- And today the peridot is also the anniversary stone to represent 16 years of marriage.
The verse from the Gregorian Poem for August is not my favourite as it seems a little harsh to me! But I've included it for anyone who is interested to read.
'Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
Tis said, must live unloved alone."
Finally, if you would like to read a short extract from my 'Birthstone Unicorns' story for this month click on the tap at the top and prepare to meet, Peridot the unicorn!
Happy Birthday to all of you celebrating this month.
Fie on your old verse, I say!
ReplyDeleteI might well live unloved without a peridot - but if I had a whole heap of diamonds and rubies instead, I wouldn't much care!
#diamondsarestillbest
I warned it was a little harsh! Who wouldn't like a few diamonds and rubies #agirlsbestfriend!
DeleteI'd never even heard of peridot before.
ReplyDeleteNo, that's because they're not a very popular stone - because they look like bogies. (Don't tell Suzanne I said so, though!)
DeleteBogies! I always thought more along the lines of a refreshing glass of limeade! But hey, maybe!
DeleteI'd never heard of peridot either. The verse is harsh! LOL. Just read the excerpt and loved it. I want to go hang out with the unicorns now. :)
ReplyDeleteI think hanging out with unicorns would be cool too! Glad you enjoyed it Julie.
DeleteI'm in the not ever hearing of the peridot fan club too, until now
ReplyDelete16 years of marriage, huh? I'll have to remember that!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm not alone in my ignorance, but peridot was not in my knowledge base before today!
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing is I have tons of relatives who were born in August. I'm going to ask them what their birthstone is and see if they know. :-)
I've never heard of this gem either. I have two family members born in August.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, hope some of you have found out some intersting information today. I think peridots are one of the lesser known gemstones.Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI seem to be in the minority here in of actually knowing of that gem. Although the information you so kindly shared, is totally new to me.
Thank you for yet another gem of an article.
Gary
Yay, someone who has heard of this cute little gem! Thanks Gary.
DeleteFascinating subject, my birth stone is now being produced without the veining that makes it so ugly, and in a gold setting. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteHi Carole Anne, I find the subject interesting so I am glad others to do. Your book has arrived, thank you for sending, I am looking forward to reading it properly. The illustrations look gorgeous!
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ReplyDeleteA drink from crushed stones. That sounds...painful.
ReplyDeleteIt does rather doesn't it?!
DeleteHi Suzanne .. I had some peridots as a child .. possibly sparkly bits on a beautiful brush set - long discarded now. Can't remember but I did know of their name as a gemstone ..
ReplyDeleteYou've told us some fascinating information - in fact some amazing facts .. fun ..
Cheers Hilary
Glad you found it interesting, Hilary.
DeleteHe's a great guy!
ReplyDeleteI'm an August baby and have always loved the green of my birthstone. I didn't know about all its myth and meaning. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete