Peridot is a light yellow green to intense green gem that in recent years has often been overlooked, although its popularity has been on the increase. Peridot has, however, a very long and distinguished history. For over 3500 years Peridot has been a prince among gems. Peridot is mentioned in the book of Exodus as one of the gems in the high priest’s breastplate which was set with stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. Known to and coveted by the ancient rulers of Egypt, Peridot was called “the gem of the sun”, because of its intense brightness. It was believed that one could not mine Peridot in the daylight because it was so bright it was invisible. In the dark Peridot was believed to give off its own light so miners could mark its location and come back in the day to collect the gem. The original source for Peridot is the island of Zebargad (the Arabic word for Peridot) which is in the red Sea off the coast of Egypt. Peridot has been mined on Zebargad (also known as St. John’s Island) as early as 1500B.C. The island not only had Peridot but also was populated with so many poisonous snakes that mining was dangerous. Pliny the Elder speaks of Zebargad as the “Serpent Isle” in his natural history. An Egyptian ruler finally had the snakes exterminated and kept the miners in total isolation on the island. Peridot was considered so valuable that the guards of the island where told to kill anyone approaching that was not authorized. The mines where kept secret until the seventeenth century.
The most desirable shade of color for Peridot is an intense brilliant green that can be best described as that of “new spring grass”. Although the light yellow green to olive shades of some Peridot can also be very attractive. Peridot also has a unique way of bending and splitting the light passing though it giving it a rich glow almost as if the gems where giving off its own light. It probably because of this characteristic that it was thought that if Peridot was set in gold it would drive away terrors of the night. Peridot that was strung on a donkey hair and worn on the left arm could ward away evil spirits. Peridot could dissolve enchantments and the wearer would enjoy happiness in marriage and freedom from insecurity.
Peridot in varying amounts can be found all over the world in volcanic regions. The Zebargad mines where very active from around 1906 to the end of WWII. Burma then became a major source. Much of the Peridot available today is mined at the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Only the Apache Indians are allowed to mine this source.
Peridot is not generally treated. Peridot is very sensitive to heat. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided. Peridot should never be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam. Peridot can be cleaned with most commercial jewelry cleaners and mild soap and warm water is also very good along with an old, soft, toothbrush to gently clean the setting as well as the gem. Always rise and dry your jewelry after cleaning.
David West Nytch CGA www.westandcompany.com
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