When it comes to Peridot, it is one of the few gems that has a natural olive green color. We can find it in some engagement rings. Because of its transparency, it is particularly full in color and can capture light even in the darkest environments, hence the name“Evening emerald.”
Overview of Peridot
It was discovered on St. John’s Island in the ancient Egyptian territory about 3,500 years ago. Peridot is one of only two gems observed to be formed not in the Earth’s crust but the molten rock of the upper mantle. Gem-quality peridot is rare to find on Earth’s surface. Due to its susceptibility to weathering during transportation from deep within the mantle to the surface.
Origin
The world-famous origins of high-quality peridot are St. John’s Island and Zabargad Island in Egypt. Peridot existed everywhere on the whole of Zabargad. Other famous origins include Vesuvius in Italy, Snarum in Norway, and Eifel in Germany, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States.
In Sebut on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, people find the largest gem-quality peridot in the world. It weighs 319 carats and is now in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington. In addition, there is a 146-carat square emerald-cut dark green peridot in the Geological Museum of London, which comes from Zeberget.
History
The history of this gem dates back to the ancient Egyptians. They believed that it trapped the sun’s rays in it and called it the “jewel of the sun.” In Hawaiian legends, peridot is the tears shed by the volcanic goddess Pele. The Bible also records that the 12 gems dotted on the breastplates of the high priests represent the 12 tribes of Israel, one of which is peridot.
Before 1500, when Europeans had not yet been exposed to emeralds. Peridot was an essential green gemstone in the world. Many jewels unearthed in ancient tombs in Egypt and Rome were inlaid with it. It was used as jewelry for sacrifices at that time. And when wars broke out between some tribes, they often exchanged peridots to express their wishes for peace. In the Middle Ages, The holy grail and churches in Europe use this kind of gemstone as a material for decoration.
Care instructions of Peridot
It is easy to crack when exposed to heat. So try not to wear it to high-temperature places, such as bathrooms or saunas. When using a facial cleanser and shower gel, remember to take it off. The reason why doing things like this is it can prevent water vapor from rusting, especially complicated jewelry. Besides, it should avoid contact with acidic substances. The acid will damage the surface of the peridot. Attention, when cleaning this gem, it is best to use a soft-bristle brush dipped in soapy water to clean it, and then rinse it off with clean water.
