Peridot

Peridot (pronounced PEAR-ih-doe or PEAR-ih-dot) is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, coloured by iron to produce its distinctive lime-to-olive green. It is geologically unique among gemstones in that it is exclusively of deep-earth or extraterrestrial origin — found in volcanic basalt flows, in pallasite meteorites, and occasionally in comet dust. The ancient source on Zabargad island (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea was mined by the Egyptians for over 3,500 years; Cleopatra's famous 'emerald' collection is now believed by many historians to have been peridot.

The ancient Egyptians called peridot 'the gem of the sun' and believed it repelled the forces of darkness and evil. Roman legionaries who served in Egypt brought the stone back to Rome, and it appears throughout medieval European church treasuries — the 'emeralds' in the shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral are peridot. Hawaii has its own peridot: Green Sand Beach (Papakolea) on the Big Island is one of only four green sand beaches in the world, its colour coming from olivine/peridot crystals erupted from the nearby volcano.

In crystal healing, peridot is associated with releasing old guilt, releasing patterns that no longer serve, and opening freshly to joy and abundance. Its lime-green colour and volcanic origin make it a stone of renewal — the fresh green of new leaves after a forest fire, the life that returns after complete destruction. It is particularly helpful for those carrying unresolved guilt or self-criticism, who need permission to begin again with genuine lightness.