Peridot comes form the Arabic word “faridat”, which means gem. In the 18th century the French were the first to call this yellowish-green stone peridot. Peridot was called topaz until the 18th century. As early as 1500B.C. the Egyptians used peridot as a gem, and it was considered the “gem of the sun”. It was believed, to develop its full strength as a talisman., it had to be set in gold. Legend tells us that miners searched for peridot crystals at night, as moonlight made them easier to see. They would mark the location and come back in the daylight to dig them up. Peridot is the birthstone for August and is designated for the 3rd wedding anniversary.
HARDNESS: 6.5-7
R.I.: 1.654-1.690
TOUGHNESS: Poor
S.G.: 3.31-3.48
