Peridot: The Gem of the Sun – INSIDE THE VAULT

The peridot gemstone is a green beauty that is not as widely well-known as an emerald or sapphire but that has an equally fascinating story. This gemstone comes in only a variety of greens. The peridot is the birthstone of August. With my own birthday falling in August I was always disappointed I didn’t have something as exotic as an opal or prestigious as a ruby as my birthstone; that is until I really learned more about peridot.

Peridot is the only gemstone that can be found in meteorites, which are called pallasites. The largest pallasite that was ever found was in 1882 called the Brenham Meteorite. A fragment of that meteorite was discovered in 2005 and weighed 1,430 pounds!

This green wonder is also created during volcanic action, which is why green crystals can be found in the black sands of Hawaii.

This gemstone was highly coveted and regarded as far back as 1500 B.C. The ancient Egyptians used to use peridot for carving out talismans and the “emeralds” that Cleopatra wore were actually dark green peridot. The Egyptians also considered peridot to be the gem of the sun. Egypt’s love affair with peridot is still present to this day; it is their national gemstone.

The largest peridot that was ever found was found on the island of Zabargad which is located in Southern Egypt on the Red Sea. This gemstone was 310 carats and now resides at the Smithsonian.

This incredible gemstone enriched in history is said to bring the wearer good luck, peace and success. I am now not only excited to have such an amazing gemstone for my birthstone but proud.

Here are a few of my favorite piece of peridot jewelry: