5 Things You Didn’t Know About Peridot

Peridot, the stone of vitality, protection, and healing. Also known as Chrysolite, it is a variety of Olivine that’s been around since biblical times, when it was considered a holy stone and some would still say it is. Its association with the sun makes it quite the powerful cleanser, transmuting energy from negative to positive and strengthening the chakra system as well as the physical body. Peridot has been known to balance the emotional body by releasing negative feelings like jealousy, anger, spite, resentment, bitterness, irritation, hatred and greed. While it does this, it instills feelings of renewal, purification, comfort, relaxation, and strengthens intuition. Peridot is a great companion for those seeking a new start or wanting to simply hit the reset button. As we formally introduce this gorgeous green gem, let’s take a look at some of its history. Here are five things you didn’t know about Peridot.

1. Peridot Origins 

The origins of peridot are spread quite widely as far as languages are involved. The name itself means “green gemstone” and although it is a femenine word with French roots, it originates from the Arabic word faridat, which holds the same meaning. It also comes from the Greek word peridona, translating to “bestowed wealth”. 

2. Peridot in Ancient Egypt 

This multifaceted green stone holds strong roots in ancient Egypt as it was a favorite for many reasons. Just as a few other brightly colored gemstones in variations of yellow, peridot’s relationship with vitality, joy, and happiness comes from its association with the sun. Cleopatra was known to wear peridot often – among many other crystals – because she believed it to keep darkness, evil, and night terrors at bay. Egyptian priests also believed that this stone harnessed the elements of nature and would often utilize goblets encrusted with peridot from which to drink Soma (a ritualistic beverage) commune with their gods and goddesses, Isis in particular.  

3. Peridot and the Sun 

Many legends have connected peridot with the sun, deepening its association with feelings of positivity like happiness, vitality, and strength (this is also perhaps why it is strongly associated with protection). In ancient times, it was often believed that peridot crystals first came to the earth from the explosion of the Sun, which isn’t too far fetched considering peridot has been found in rare pallasite meteorites dating as far back as 4.5 billion years. This legend extends to German Occult writer Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s theory that if you held a peridot crystal up to the sun, a golden star would shine through it to heal any respiratory ailments. Peridot is known to shine even in moonlight, and because of this, miners would often wait until nightfall to locate the stones and then return in daylight to retrieve them.

4. Peridot, the Tears of a Goddess 

In Hawaiian legends, the volcanic Goddess Pele is the creator of the islands, a woman of fire and land. Pele’s lifetime was tormented with battles and jealousy, and it was believed that peridot originated from her many tears, partly because it can be found at the foot of volcanoes and partly because the gemstone is made of olivine which is found inside volcanic rocks. Legend has it that sometimes when it rains, peridot falls from the sky.

5. Peridot in Healing 

For thousands of years, peridot has been referred to as a protective stone – not only from evil spirits, but also from physical ailments. In the early 1500’s, apothecaries would keep the stone in powdered form to treat insomnia, bleeding, madness, and nightmares. It was also believed to improve memory and ease the pain of childbirth. In ancient Egypt, this stone was often used to ward off anxiety and open the throat chakra for better communication. Peridot’s powers were believed to intensify when paired with gold.  

Birthstone: August 

Anniversary: 16th

Zodiac: Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius

Chakras: Solar Plexus, Heart

Planet: Mercury

Element: Earth

Vibration Number: 6 & 8 

Colors: olive green, bottle green, yellow-green

Peridot and Feng Shui 

Feng shui is the ancient Chinese philosophy of arranging the items in one’s home so as to manipulate the flow of energy throughout spaces in a healthy and harmonious way. This art applies exceptionally well to crystal clusters and their placement in the home, as crystals also exude their own unique energies. According to the feng shui bagua map, the best place to keep  your peridot crystals is in the center of the home, the area responsible for overall health and general well-being.