Gem Facts – Peridot
October 22, 2009 by Carole Shashona
Filed under colors, razzle-dazzle
Peridot: If “peridot” once meant “bright,” it would be a good description for a very cheerful gem. Peridot is a perky lime-yellow color; in tone, it’s the yellow of the summer’s grass-full of daffodils and buttercups.
Its history dates back to Queen Berenice of Egypt in the 3rd century B.C.E., and the Ottoman Empire at one time had the largest collection in the world. From the Middle Ages up till the 17th century, all stones in ancient times were thought to have supernatural powers.
Today in the Victoria and Albert Museum, a Tudor broach consists of three gemstones: a garnet, a sapphire, and a peridot. Each offers different protections to the wearer. The peridot is believed to provide protection against evil spirits.
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