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Peridot meaning and properties

Peridot is tied to the sun in tradition: a golden green said to be able to drive away the terrors of the night.

  • Sun
  • Renewal
  • Light
The essentials

Peridot at a glance

For you, a luminous green to keep on you as a reminder that a new day begins.

A question to ask yourself

What small fresh start could you give yourself tomorrow morning?

Something to watch

A sudden change in temperature can crack it: no direct heat source.

Color
green
Associated intentions
renewal
Birthstone
August (1912 list)
Type
mineral
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What it evokes

In tradition, peridot is linked to the sun: its light, almost golden green evokes the return of light, and modern crystal practice reads in it a fresh start.

This reading extends a very old association with the sun. Kunz reports that chrysolite, the old name of the stone, required a gold setting to show its full strength, and that mounted this way it dispelled the vague terrors of the night; he sees in this the probable trace of its link with the sun, before which darkness flees.

Today it is chosen mostly as a marker: a vivid green in view to remember that it is always possible to start again.

The traditions

  1. Rome, 1st century

    Pliny describes transparent chrysolites with a golden glow: those of Ethiopia, India and Arabia, the least esteemed because they are cloudy. The best, set next to gold, give it a silvery tint. He notes that they are no longer used as gemstones. Kunz classes olivine under the name chrysolite, but the identification of Pliny’s stones remains debated.

    Pliny, Nat. Hist., XXXVII, 42 (Littré translation, remacle.org, from the Latin); Kunz (1913)
  2. Tradition reported by Kunz

    Kunz writes that chrysolite (olivine, peridot) had to be set in gold to exert its full strength: worn this way, it dispelled the vague terrors of the night. Against evil spirits, it had to be pierced and strung on a hair from a donkey’s mane, tied to the left arm. He sees in this a probable link with the sun, which drives out darkness.

    Kunz (1913), chap. “Chrysolite,” Gutenberg 57978
  3. The Bible and Revelation

    Kunz reports that chrysolite is among the stones of Revelation: the seventh foundation of the heavenly city. He points out, however, that ancient names shift: the “topaz” of the high priest’s breastplate was probably a peridot, and “chrysolite” sometimes referred to our topaz. These lists must therefore be read with caution.

    Kunz (1913), commentary on Exodus 28 and Revelation 21
  4. The 1912 list

    The 1912 table makes peridot the alternative stone for August, with sardonyx remaining the main stone. Kunz regretted this change: he recalls that chrysolite, that is, peridot, was in the old lists the usual stone for September.

    Kunz (1913), Kansas City list (1912) reproduced in his work

A gestureWear it as a ring or pendant, or set it on a piece of furniture in the morning sun, as a reminder to start off on the right foot.

No stone has a proven effect on health: if you have a health concern, see a health professional.

Its profile

Type
Gem-quality olivine (forsterite)
Family
Mineral
Composition
(Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Mohs hardness
6.5–7 out of 10
Crystal system
orthorhombique
Colors
green

Caring for it without damaging it

  • WaterYesA quick rinse in warm soapy water, then drying, does not damage it.
  • SaltYesMohs hardness 6.5–7: harder than salt (2.5), it can handle brief contact; rinse afterward.
  • SunYesNo known fading in daylight.
  • HeatAvoidA sudden change in temperature can crack it: no direct heat source.
  • Scratches and knocksResistantMohs hardness 6.5–7: it resists everyday scratches, but not sharp knocks.

Cleansing and charging without damage
Cleansing a crystal: the reported methods
Charging a crystal: moon, flower of life

Nuances and sources

The names have changed meaning a great deal: “chrysolite” and “topaz” referred, depending on the era, to our peridot, our topaz or other stones, as Kunz recalls. The signs and chakras given by modern books differ from author to author, with no shared ancient source.

Peridot: your questions

Which month is peridot the birthstone for?

In the American jewelers’ table of 1912, peridot optionally replaces sardonyx, the main stone for August. Kunz regretted this choice, since the old lists gave chrysolite, hence peridot, to September. Depending on which list you follow, it therefore belongs to August or to September.

Does peridot tolerate water and sun?

Yes: lukewarm soapy water, salt and full daylight are harmless to it, and its hardness, 6.5 to 7, resists everyday scratches. Versana does advise avoiding strong heat, and storing it apart from stones harder than it is, which could scratch it.

How can I tell peridot from another green stone?

By eye alone it is difficult: several green stones, such as certain tourmalines, aventurines or tinted glass, look like it. Ask the seller for the exact designation (peridot, olivine or other), and a gemological laboratory opinion for an important purchase.

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