Guide to Arizona Peridot
Who doesn’t love the bright green gemstone that represents the sunny month of August? With its beautiful color, amazing history, and unique spiritual properties, peridot is a gemstone loved by many. Here at Sami’s, peridot has a very special place in our hearts, as it is one of the three Arizona gemstones that we specialize in, the other two being Arizona Amethyst and Arizona Anthill Garnet. Continue reading to discover more about peridot and all of the amazing qualities it has to offer!
Gem Knowledge
The first thing that always comes to mind when thinking of a gorgeous peridot gemstone is its vibrant color. Peridot is actually one of the few gemstones in the world that is found in only one color...gorgeous green! The finest peridot gemstones are those that contain the richest, most consistent green hues, while those that are more brown-green in hue are more common. The green intensity and hue of the gem depends on the amount of iron it contains.
The most important source of peridot in the United States is located right here in Arizona! Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions shaped the Earth, and sent rivers of lava flowing across the desert landscape. Today, this area is rich with igneous, or volcanic, rock - which is what the peridot is found within. In what is now the San Carlos Apache Reservation, this vibrant gem is mined by Native families.
Most high-quality peridot gems have no inclusions that are visible to the eye, making them more sought after and rare. Even so, peridot is a gem that rarely has dramatically noticeable inclusions. This gem is generally eye-clean, and if it has inclusions at all, a magnifier is usually needed to see them.
This precious gemstone should be worn with care, as it is rated a 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale and has the potential to scratch or chip if it is subject to hard blows. It makes for gorgeous pendants and earrings, and rings that protect the stone from wear and tear.
History and Lore of Peridot
The discovery of peridot dates back to 1500 BC. Although most gemstones are found on the surface of the Earth’s crust, peridot and diamond are the two exceptions. Peridot is actually found deep within the Earth, in the mantle, and is only brought to the surface of our planet by volcanic activity. That’s right - without volcanoes, this gem would probably still be undiscovered.
Believe it or not, peridot has also been discovered in meteorites that have landed on our planet! That’s right, conditions in outer space also allow this dazzling gemstone to form. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by an extra terrestrial gem? Today, peridot is found in places all around the world such as Burma, China, Vietnam, and of course, Arizona.
Peridot is the National Gemstone of Egypt and many Egyptians would call it “The Gem of the Sun”, as they believed that peridot would keep them safe during the night, even when the sun wasn’t up. Many are aware that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, was known for her love of a slightly different green stone, emerald. While this has been thought of for years, many historians have come to believe that her fine jewelry did not contain emerald, but peridot! This is by far one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the peridot gemstone.
Mystical properties of Peridot
Peridot is known as the stone of compassion. It is said to bring peaceful sleep, good health and longevity, and strong relationships. Peridot strengthens relationships by dispersing love, happiness, and peace into one's life while drawing out any negative emotions that are controlling them. For years, many people have placed peridot gemstones in their homes or have purchased a beautiful piece of peridot jewelry to wear in order to welcome its positive aura into their lives. Whether or not you believe these spiritual properties, it’s hard to deny that the vibrant, invigorating color of peridot brings a smile to your face!
Peridot is a gemstone loved by many around the world. It has so many amazing properties, both physical and healing, that allow its wearer to feel love, positivity, and serenity. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or buy a peridot piece of jewelry for a friend or loved one, it's easy to choose the perfect gift at Sami’s! We have a huge selection of peridot rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, to craft the perfect Arizona Peridot design. We can also hand select your gemstone, and create a custom, one of a kind style, just for you! Go one, embrace the “Gem of the Sun,” mined right here in the Valley of the Sun!
