The Beauty, History and Metaphysics of Peridot

Peridot has a warm green glow about it, and has been a popular gemstone for many centuries now. It has been credited with having numerous metaphysical benefits, the chief among them being that it is considered to be a healer’s stone in that it helps those who heal others by cleansing their auras and releasing the toxins that bind them. It is a strong stone and recommended only for those who have a strong and calm personality.

Non-spiritual persons are unlikely to benefit from its powers. In fact, this stone neutralizes negativity by bringing it to the surface. So if this stone is used by a weak person who is unable to control his or her negative emotions, it will likely cause more problems that provide help! It is believed that peridot can heal the body, spirit, and mind. Some claim that it enhances patience, confidence and the ability to assert oneself. It is also believed to be a metaphysical aid to slowing down the aging process. The stone is believed to radiate and positive and joyful energy that helps nurture friendships and relationships – both romantic and platonic.

One important aspect of this stone is that it keeps the ego in check, which in turn helps control jealousy, anger, resentment, and other emotional instabilities. It is the stone of visionaries, helping us connect with deeper issues in life such as our spiritual destiny, broadening our understanding of the purpose of our existence, and leading a life of physical and spiritual optima. Since visualization is the key to achievement, peridot helps us visualize our peak physical, spiritual, and mental prowess. It is an inspirational gem. By helping the wearer release negative emotions such as anger and jealousy, it promotes healing, purification and growth. Its warm energy soothes over hurt feelings thereby helping to repair frayed relationships.

The stone is also believed to possess powers of physical recuperation. Many claim that it is a stress reducer, stimulates the mental processes in our mind, and makes us more aware of ourselves, the environment, and those around us. It is said to heal the endocrinal system, help tissue regeneration, aid in digestion, and ameliorate fevers from various causes.

The history of peridot goes back many centuries. Historical records show that peridot was mined on St. John’s Island in the Red Sea some time during the second millennium BC. They used large chunks of this stone to carve cups from which they drank soma. Both soma as well as peridot cups were in great demand at the time. According to folklore, King Solomon got his wisdom from drinking soma from peridot cups. In fact, it is believed that he traded several cedar trees with the Egyptians in exchange for twelve peridot cups and some soma.

During the days of the Roman Empire, peridot was referred to as olivine. That confusion between these two members of the beryl group continues to this day. Peridot was also a favorite of Cleopatra, although unbeknownst to her, some of her emeralds were actually peridots! Today, the best quality peridot comes from the Afghan-Pakistan border region, and it is quite likely that the stone in your sterling pendant came from this stone. This source was identified in the mid 1990s and can easily meet the world demand for peridot over the next several decades.

The terrain is quite inhospitable and accessible only during the summer months. During the winter, heavy snowfall usually blocks the mountain passes leading to the mines. During the spring, the hazards are from rock slides when snowmelt causes instability in the rugged passes. When it comes to jewelry, flawless specimens are more valuable than those with inclusions and fractures. The stone is known for its deep green color although shades of yellow are also known to occur. The green specimens are more expensive than ones that contain shades of yellow.