Where are peridots found in the world? How long have they been a popular gem? What are some of the powers and properties attributed to the peridot?
Description of Gem
Peridot is a magnesium iron silicate. It forms deep in the Earth's mantle, far below where most gems crystallize. Volcanic activity brings it to the surface in basalt.
Peridot is a green gemstone and one of only a few gems that occurs naturally in essentially one main color. Its color is caused by iron in its crystal structure.
Peridot, along with diamonds, are the only two gems not formed in the earth's crust but in the molten rock of the upper mantle (Peridot crystals: Formation & locations).
Sources
The modern primary sources of peridot are Myanmar (Mogok), the Kasmir region of Pakistan, Egypt and China. The U.S. state of Arizona is also a major source of this gemstone.
How Hard Is it?
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It shares the same hardness as other Bible gemstones such as jasper, onyx, chrysolite, chalcedony, chrysoprase, agate and carnelian.
Biblical Occurrences
Peridot is one of at least seven other stones in the Bible that is hidden due to being mislabeled.
In the King James Bible the second stone in the High Priest's breastplate is called a topaz.
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it . . .
And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz (Hebrew pitdah, Strong's Concordance #H6357), and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. (Exodus 28:15, 17, see also 39:10, KJV).
Evidence suggests, however, that the Hebrew pitdah is best translated as a peridot.
"The Septuagint, the Vulgate and Josephus give as the equivalent of the Hebrew "pitdah" (as being) "topazios." . . .
"There are authorities who believe that the Greek "topazios" was a green stone, and that it was the modern peridot. " (Gemstones in the Breastplate, pages 14 - 15).
At least one Bible states pitdah should be translated as a peridot.
Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale green peridot, and an emerald. (Exodus 27:17, New Living Translation, second edition).
The Holman Bible Dictionary, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, and the KJV Master Study Bible also believe that the breastplate's second stone is likely a peridot.
Facts and Folklore
Peridots are occasionally found in meteorites and even lunar rock samples although they are not gem-grade. This makes them one of the few gems known to have an extraterrestrial occurrence.
Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," and some historians believe Cleopatra's famous "emeralds" may actually have been peridots.
Peridot is sometimes called the "evening emerald" because its green glows nicely under artificial light.
Traditionally, this gem is associated with prosperity, happiness, compassion, protection, and renewal.
Peridot, if worn in a setting of gold, was believed to dispel "the terrors" of the night. It could be used as protection against evil spirits and even chase them away (Curious Lore of Precious Stones, page 67).