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How ironic that a gem as lively a green as budding mimosas or new grass is mined on a small desolate island where nothing grows, there is no fresh water and the temperature is scorching for the majority of the year. Since antiquity, this island in the Red Sea named Zabargad in Arabic has been mined for peridot. Some of its geologic fissures are lined with gem crystals, and tiny peridot crystals give some of its beaches a greenish hue. Peridot is rooted in the Greek word peridona meaning plentiful.
Among the oldest known gemstones, for thousands of years it was regarded as the symbol of the sun. From around 1580 B.C. to 1350 B.C., Egyptians created peridot beads, and it was popular among the Romans for signet rings and intaglio designs. The "topaz" on the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest in the Old Testament was believed to actually be peridot.
With a green as tart as the bite of a Granny Smith apple, peridot's signature "lily pad" inclusion adds to its uniqueness among gemstones.
No gemstone personifies personal self confidence as does the peridot. Your Hyde Park Jewelers professional will assist you in selecting the peridot that perfectly expresses your joie de vivre.
World Sources
Arizona & Myanmar (Burma)
Enrichments
Not subject to any known enhancements
Care
Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and never steam clean; avoid heat, acids & jeweler's pickling solution
Repair
Remove from settings before repairs involving direct heat
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