Often called
the “volcanic gem,” peridot usually forms
in the rocks created by violent volcanic activity. On
rare occasions, peridot also has been found in meteorites
that have fallen to earth. No matter the source, whether
from Mother Nature’s fiery depths or rocks that
are truly out of this world, peridot has caught the attention
of humans for thousands of years.
Ranging from a light
yellowish green to darker, richer shades of olive, peridot
conjures images of young spring grass or the greens of
a rich, dark forest at twilight.
Peridot has a history dating back well over 3,500 years.
It was
first mined on the Isle of Serpents in the Red
Sea. Later renamed St. John’s Island, this
historically important source of peridot supplied gems to the royal rulers of
ancient Egypt, including Cleopatra.
In
recent years the popularity of peridot has steadily increased.
This can be attributed to its availability, affordability
and the growing use of shades of chartreuse by some of
the world’s leading fashion designers.
Birthstone
Peridot is the birthstone for August.
Origins
Peridot in limited quantities has been found in many volcanic regions all over
the world, including parts of Italy and the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the world’s
finest quality peridots are mined in Myanmar. The world’s most prolific
source of peridot is the San Carlos Native American Reservation in Arizona. Other
sources include China, Brazil and Pakistan.
Treatments
There are no treatments commonly used to enhance peridot.
Care
Peridot does not react well to heat. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Peridot
should never be cleaned with a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaning machine.
Peridot can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap
and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry your jewelry thoroughly
after cleaning.
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