Peridot is the gem variety of the more common mineral olivine. It is green in color and ranges from a yellow green to a brighter lime green and olive green. It is formed deep in the earth, found in lava flows and also has come to earth in meteorites.
Peridot has been mined for many thousands of years. Historically the gems mined on St John’s (also known as Zabargard or Topazios) Island in the Red Sea supplied Egypt. The main sources at the present time are the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation in Arizona and from China and Pakistan.
Peridot is the birthstone for August. It is also used as a secondary gemstone in Vedic astrology in place of the more expensive emerald to strengthen Mercury. Among other things Mercury represents the mind, commerce, communication and youth.
