Peridot - the beautiful summer green gemstone

Peridot is a stunning, typically lime green gemstone, which can be yellowish or brownish in tone too. Known by two other names, Chrysolite and Olivine - due to its colour. It has been prized for thousands of years, especially by the Ancient Egyptians, who mined for the gem on a volcanic island in the Red Sea, called Zabargad (St John). This mine was lost for many years and only rediscovered at the turn of the last century! It is from this mine that the largest cut specimen at 319 carats was sourced. It is now in the Smithsonian Museum, Washington D C. The stone is now also mined in Myanmar, Brazil, Australia, China, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and also in Arizona. The gem can also be found in Norway. Some peridot stones are taken from meteorites that fell in Siberia. It is one of the few gems that can truly be classed as 'out of this world'! The gem is cut in all shapes, both faceted and en cabochon. The stone sometimes features a star or cats eye properties, due to fine inclusions of other minerals. These are quite rare in Peridot. There are few other gems that feature the juicy lime green colour of peridot, although very occasionally, confusion can be made with demantoid garnet, pale diopsides, prasiolite, chrysoberyls, emeralds and tourmalines. The gem was introduced to Europe by the Crusaders on their return from battle. It is often mentioned in the bible and is still considered a special stone by many Christians today. Bishops often wear rings of Peridot and of Amethyst as symbols of purity and morality. Spiritualists believe the stone has powers to help with gall bladder and liver ailments. It is said to help protect against negativity. A birthstone for Libra, Capricorn, and for the month of August/September. It is also associated with the 16th wedding anniversary and the planet Saturn............................................................................................ Well, I think it is time to see some gorgeous hand made and hand crafted items that feature this stunning gem. Please click on the pictures to be taken to the item in the artisans shop................................................................................................... .................Designed by Alison Reid ............................................................... .................Designed by Deborah Jones..................................................... ........Designed by Fiona Hutchison-Barr............................................... ................Designed by Kym Bigwood........................................................ ................Designed by Carol Tapley......................................................... .............Designed by Geraldine Paton...................................................... .....Designed by Jacqueline Austen.................................................... I do hope you like this small selection of peridot jewellery items from Folksy. Please do drop by again soon! Jacqueline x