In this guide, we’ll share the geological origins of peridot along with the rich cultural lore, magical symbolism, and spiritual associations that have accumulated around it through the ages.
How Peridot Morphs In The Earth’s Molten Depths
Scientifically speaking, peridot belongs to the olivine family of silicate minerals.
It crystallizes 20-55 miles beneath the Earth’s crust in the upper mantle layer, where extreme temperatures up to 2200°F and immense pressures forge its atomic structure over eons.
Slow but powerful tectonic plate movements and violent volcanic eruptions eventually force the vibrant peridot gems closer to the surface.
Much of the world’s supply comes from Arizona’s San Carlos Volcanic Field. Other sources include China, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, and some rare extraterrestrial peridot found in fallen meteorites that originated from deep space.
Intriguingly, the word “peridot” stems from the ancient Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem.
Peridot’s Reverence And Intrigue In Ancient Civilizations
Ancient Egyptians were among the first to unearth peridot, mining it as early as 1500 BC on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Their pharaohs and priests wore ornate peridot jewelry, believing its luminous glow possessed the sun’s divine protection.
They fittingly deemed peridot the “gem of the sun.”
The ancient Romans esteemed peridot too, dubbing it the “evening emerald” since its verdant gleam remained visible by the flickering light of oil lamps at night.
During the Middle Ages, peridot studded treasured church relics and robes across Europe as a symbol of virtue for its vibrant green color. And Hawaiian myth declared that peridot could placate Pele, the volatile goddess of volcanoes.
Layered Legend, Lore, And Symbolism
Beyond ancient civilizations, peridot has accrued layered symbolic meanings and lore. Its lively green invokes renewal, growth, and summer’s vitality.
Astrologically, peridot aligns with the fiery Leo zodiac sign and carries attributes of dignity, success, and strength. For these uplifting associations, many cultures have viewed it as a good luck charm.
Equally fascinating myths surround peridot, like its powers to break spells, soothe anger, and confer healing. These beliefs reveal the universal human impulse to imbue gems with supernatural qualities.
Psychologically, too, peridot’s cheerful green uplifts moods and promotes harmony. Together, these facets enrich peridot’s aura of enchantment.
The Healing Potential Of Peridot
In some alternative healing practices today, practitioners prescribe peridot for an array of uses. Shamans, for example, utilize its green glow during meditations to stimulate positive energy flows.
Let’s take a look at some of the healing uses in more detail below:
Practical Uses Of Peridot In Healing
Meditation with Peridot: During meditative practices, a peridot stone might be held or placed in a room to foster an environment of balance and peace. The belief here is that peridot’s natural energy can help in releasing negative emotions and fostering a clearer, more positive mindset.
Peridot Over the Heart Chakra: In chakra-based therapies, placing peridot over the heart chakra is done with the intention of soothing emotional distress. The calming color and perceived gentle vibrations of the stone are said to help in alleviating feelings of jealousy, resentment, or spite, making way for more compassionate and understanding emotional responses.
Peridot Elixirs: Some alternative health practitioners create elixirs with peridot by allowing the stone to soak in water, which is then ingested or used topically. These elixirs are thought to carry the stone’s vibrational energies and, when consumed, are believed to support digestive health and reduce stress. It’s important to note, however, that creating and consuming such elixirs should be done with caution, as some crystals can release harmful substances into water.
Peridot and Stress Relief: The soothing color of peridot is believed by some to help alleviate stress and reduce the strain of emotional burdens. It’s not uncommon for people to carry peridot stones or wear peridot jewelry with the intention of harnessing this stress-relief property throughout the day.
Peridot and Spiritual Reinvigoration: For those feeling spiritually depleted, peridot is sometimes used in the hope of reenergizing the spirit. Its bright, lively color is seen as a symbol of nature’s regrowth and is thought to inspire a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.
Spiritual Peridot Jewelry And Rituals
Beyond healing, peridot holds importance in spiritual jewelry and rituals across multiple faiths.
Shamans and healers wear it to amplify their own energetic vibrations.
Those seeking its luck or divine inspiration place peridot on their dominant hand, and followers of astrology don it to deepen their connection with Leo’s dynamic qualities, believed to govern individuality and self-expression.
Peridot has also been crafted into prayer beads, protective amulets, and regal treasures to convey various meanings.
In Egyptian hieroglyphs, the word for peridot is translated to “bringer of light.” In the Bible’s Old Testament, peridot adorns the city walls of the New Jerusalem.
Sacred ceremonies likewise incorporate peridot. Ancient Egyptian priests carefully adorned their deceased pharaohs with peridot jewelry to invoke renewal in the afterlife journey.
In Medieval Europe, clergy wore peridot to conduct exorcisms on individuals believed to be possessed by dark spirits. And Hawaiian practitioners traditionally offered up peridot sacrifices to venerate Pele in hopes of pacifying her volcanoes.
Why Peridot’s Allure Persists Through the Ages
What best explains peridot’s enduring allure through the millennia? Partly, its vivid green color, which is inherently unique and scarce in nature.
Peridot forms under specific geological conditions, making quality gems relatively rare. Its lively hue also elicits positive psychological responses in people.
But more profoundly, peridot’s rich cultural history resonates deeply.
Ancient legends ascribing it supernatural powers satisfy the intrinsic human appetite for belief in something greater than oneself. Peridot bridges the physical and metaphysical realms, evoking a sense of magic, wonder, and connection to the divine.
Ultimately, peridot remains special because it intertwines Earth’s fiery origins with human imagination and spirituality.
Its green springs from the fertile Earth, while its layered symbolism springs from the infinite creative capacity of the human mind and soul.
Together, these facets create an intriguing gemstone embedded with cultural insights that continue to captivate and fascinate.
In Summary
Peridot embodies a spectrum of meanings, from the concrete to the mystical, that resonates deeply with the human psyche.
To some, it is a talisman of nature’s renewal, echoing the vibrant life force of early spring. Others cherish it as a symbol of clarity and emotional insight, a gem that reflects the promise of personal growth and inner balance.
Whether seen through the lens of geology as a marvel of the Earth’s creation or through the heart as a stone of compassion and restoration, peridot’s true significance is a tapestry woven from the threads of collective human experience.
It stands not just as a gemstone but as a symbol that mirrors our own complex narratives, representing the multifaceted journey of life itself.
Hi, my name is Andrea Daehma and I have been collecting and using crystals in my everyday life for just over six years now.
I have my own collection of crystals gracing my house, several for every scenario I could think of.
Learning about crystals has truly changed my life, and I want to help others turn their life around too. Please enjoy my website and find your own small stone to begin your crystal journey with!
