About
Peridot is one of the few gems that can only be found in one color: green. It was called the “evening emerald” by the ancient Romans. Where the deep green of emerald is hard to make out in poor lighting, peridot’s luminous green can be seen even on a dark night. Peridot is the birthstone of August, and can be given as gift on 16th anniversaries.
This ancient stone has been referenced in papyrus texts from Egypt dating from the 2nd millennium BCE. In fact, it was known to be Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone. The brilliant green of peridot has been associated with the sun and new plant growth. Ancient Egyptian priests would drink from cups of peridot, believing they would be brought closer to their goddess Isis, who ruled nature. Often called “gem of the sun” in ancient times, some believed that peridot would protect against evil spirits.
Whatever you believe - that peridot is a confession of your true love, like the gem Napoleon sent to Empress Josephine, or that it will nurture growth like the sun - peridot will surely shine brightly for generations.
