Peridot Crystal: Meaning, Healing Properties & Uses
APRIL 17, 2024
What is Peridot Crystal?
Few gemstones can rival the enchanting charm of darling peridot crystal, a variety of olivine. With its tangy green hues, this captivating crystal has adorned jewelry for over 3500 years, maintaining its status as the esteemed birthstone for August. Known as the “stone of compassion,” peridot radiates a unique energy that nurtures emotions and facilitates inner growth.
Continue reading to learn about the background and significance of this eccentric healing crystal, as we dive into peridot’s fascinating story.
Peridot Pronunciation
The most common way to pronounce peridot is peh-rih-dot, which is the American way. But as the word is thought to have French origins, it’s also acceptable to pronounce peridot the way the French do, as peh-ree-doh (where the “t” is silent).
navigate this article
Peridot Meaning & Healing Properties
The general peridot meanings are emotional balance, abundance, personal growth, and protection.
Throughout history, this friendly green crystal has earned the reputation of being a “stone of compassion,” revered for its ability to safeguard against fears while fostering mental well-being.
In modern day crystal healing, these reputations remain, along with additional peridot crystal meanings, described below.
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Aids in alleviating anger and negative feelings.
RELAXATION
Soothes the mind, nurturing inner peace and reducing stress.
ABUNDANCE
Attracts wealth and prosperity, enriching one’s life.
PERSONAL GROWTH
Enhanced self-confidence and assertiveness, resulting in more drive and motivation.
CLEANSING
Cleanses and detoxifies the body’s energy field.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Enhances intuition and facilitates connection with the divine.
PROTECTION
A protection crystal that acts as a shield to safeguard the user from negative energies.
LOVE
Believed to attract love, foster harmonious communication, and strengthen existing relationships.
Peridot Properties & Physical Characteristics
Among the remarkable attributes of peridot, its color stands out as the most renowned. These crystals boast a spectrum of captivating green shades, spanning from delicate yellow-green to pale green, and even to deep, moody dark greens.
The mesmerizing green color of peridot originates from its iron content, which influences both the intensity and the hue of the stone.
Peridot often encounters mistaken identity with other green crystals, most notably emeralds. In fact, peridot is occasionally referred to as the enchanting “evening emerald.”
PERIDOT CHEMICAL COMPOSITION – Mg2SiO4
MINERAL CLASS – Nesosilicate (a subclass of silicate minerals, in this case its composition is a magnesium silicate olivine)
PERIDOT COLOR – Various shades of green, from very light to dark
PERIDOT HARDNESS – 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale
TRANSPARENCY – It has a transparent to translucent appearance, allowing light to pass through the stone with varying degrees of clarity
PERIDOT LUSTER – A vitreous (glassy) luster. Its surface is quite shiny and reflective when polished
Where is Peridot Found?
Unlike most earthly crystals, peridot has a celestial counterpart found beyond our planet in the form of extraterrestrial peridot, discovered within meteorites, (particularly in pallasite meteorites) which possess distinct characteristics due to the absence of nickel.
Returning to the peridot found on Earth, a significant source is currently located in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, USA.
Beyond the borders of outer space and the United States, peridot has been sourced from various countries including Australia, China, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt, Myanmar, Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka.
Peridot Colors & Types
Peridot, being inherently green, exhibits a diverse range of green hues influenced by variations in iron content and the presence of impurities within the crystal structure.
PERIDOT FROM METEORITES (EXTRATERRESTRIAL PERIDOT)
“Space peridot” specimens have been found in pallasite meteorites that are believed to originate from the boundary region between the core and mantle of asteroids or planetoids.
LAB GROWN PERIDOT
These peridot stones have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural peridot. As an alternative to mined peridot, they can be more affordable.
GREEN PERIDOT
The most desirable peridot stones possess a vivid, uniform green color, free from any yellow or brown tones.
YELLOW PERIDOT
Although peridot is not found in a pure yellow hue, certain peridot specimens can possess hints of yellow within the yellow-green spectrum.
BROWN PERIDOT
Peridot specimens with higher iron and impurity content can display a mixture of green and brown hues, resulting in a distinct green-brown appearance rather than a pure green color.
Peridot Benefits & Uses
Peridot is a fabulous addition to one’s lifestyle and wellness routines. It can be admired for its aesthetic value, donned as jewelry, and especially included as part of a healing crystal collection. Below are some of the most common peridot stone benefits and uses.
AFFIRMATIONS
Below are some examples of affirmations that reinforce peridot’s meanings.
- I am ready to attract the love I deserve.
- I have the confidence to get what I want.
- Each day I become stronger and more capable.
- I will let go of any negativity that does not serve me.
MEDITATION
Gently hold onto your peridot crystal during meditation to connect with the stone’s unique metaphysical benefits.
YOGA
Elevate a yoga practice by including a peridot specimen. Place the crystal at the edge of your mat and glance at it during or between poses, allowing yourself to embrace the crystal’s energy.
INTENTION SETTING & MANIFESTATION
Hold your peridot crystal in your hands while closing your eyes and thinking of an intention. When you open your eyes, it is believed that the crystal has now been “charged” with the intention you’ve set.
SLEEPING
Those who keep peridot nearby while they sleep are believed to experience a blissful, rejuvenating slumber.
FENG SHUI
Peridot is believed to have the remarkable power to activate two vital areas in Feng Shui, igniting the energies of the dynamic New Beginnings Area, nestled in the middle left of your home, and the prosperous Wealth Corner, typically found in the back left corner, amplifying the excitement of fresh starts and abundance in your space.
AT WORK
Peridot, the crystal of abundance, empowers inner growth by fueling motivation and determination, vital attributes for career success.
WEAR YOUR PERIDOT
Wearing your peridot crystal offers dual advantages: showcasing its beauty while harnessing its healing properties that accompany you wherever you venture.
ON AN ALTAR
Place your stone on an altar, where it can captivate the eye and reside alongside its crystal companions, readily accessible whenever you seek its charm and company.
ON THE GO
Similar to wearing your peridot mentioned above, reap the same benefits by tucking your crystal into a pocket, purse, or backpack.
BATHTIME
Peridot, a stone of relaxation, makes an excellent bathtime companion, offering the perfect solace to soak away your troubles.
Forms & Shapes
Like most crystals, raw peridot can be shaved, sculpted and polished. The stone is available in many different shapes and forms.
PERIDOT JEWELRY
This crystal has been used in jewelry making for thousands of years. The most popular pieces being peridot rings, necklaces, earrings, and even rosaries.
BEADS & CABOCHONS
Small, round(ish) pieces of peridot that are typically used in jewelry making.
RAW PERIDOT
Raw, or rough peridot is the most natural form of the stone. It’s just as it was found in nature, without having experienced any processing.
TUMBLED PERIDOT
Small pieces of the stone that have been processed in a tumbling machine. The final result is little round pieces of crystal that are shiny and smooth to the touch. Tumbled pieces can be used as is or put into jewelry.
WANDS
Thought to be a power conduit for harnessing the crystal’s energy. These are typically long and thin with a pointed shape, while some have raw edges.
PERIDOT SPHERE
Smooth, heavy, cold, and perfectly round. The spherical shape allows the stone’s energy to be radiated in all directions.
PERIDOT TOWER
These polished, six or eight-sided crystals are perfect for focusing energy, as the point allows for energy to be directed upward.
CUBE
Known for their grounding properties, and having six perfectly smooth surfaces – perfect for displaying peridot’s tangy hues.
PERIDOT HEART
Also known as meditation stones, these pieces are cut and polished into a round or heart shape, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand.
EGGS
Rough peridot can be cut and polished into a smooth, shiny round egg shape. The egg shape is associated with new beginnings, growth and transformation.
PERIDOT PYRAMID
The ancient and sacred shape of a pyramid is known for its grounding properties and ability to transmit energy through its points and apex.
Caring for Your Crystal
Taking care of your peridot healing crystals is essential for ensuring they continue to vibrate at the desired frequency, and shed any negative energy they may have absorbed. Peridot is not an overly fragile crystal, but care is still required when cleansing and charging.
Cleansing
There are several options for cleansing your peridot crystal. Some options are provided below, simply choose the one that feels right to you.
WATER – Hold your peridot crystal under flowing water, to help wash away any unpleasant energy the stone is holding onto.
SMUDGING – Use the smoke from burning sage to cleanse. Hold the stone in one hand and waft the smoke over it. It’s believed that this will cleanse and purify the stone. Substitutions for sage include cedar, lavender, or even sweetgrass.
MOONLIGHT – Place your stone under the light of a full moon for a few hours to invite the moon’s energy to cleanse and purify.
SOUND THERAPY – Bells and singing bowls are a unique way to cleanse peridot.
Charging
Some of the methods of charging your peridot overlap with those of cleansing it. Here are some easy ways to charge your crystal.
SUNLIGHT – Let your crystal soak up the sun’s rays for just a few hours, to help recharge and rejuvenate it.
MOONLIGHT – Place your crystal outside to invite the moon’s energy to recharge and energize the stone.
UNDERGROUND – Allow your crystal to soak up the energy of the earth by burying it for 24 hours, recharging and realigning its natural vibrations and energy.
SOUND THERAPY – Bells and singing bowls are a unique way to activate the crystal.
OTHER STONES – Should you have some clear quartz or selenite stones available, use their energy to charge your crystal. Simply place the stones near each other.
Peridot Chakra Placements
Peridot is associated with the heart, and solar plexus chakras.
The body can be thought of as an energetic temple, with seven unique chakras that dance along the spine. These chakras are the body’s energy hubs – absorbing, transforming and radiating energy throughout the body. By keeping them in balance, we can tap into our inner wisdom, ignite our passions and elevate our wellbeing.
HEART CHAKRA – Located in the middle of the breastbone, the heart chakra can have a profound impact when blocked. It is believed to cause low energy and emotional distress, affecting one’s personal life and interactions with others. Green crystals, like peridot, are thought to help open and unblock this chakra.
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA – Located between the ribs and belly button, the solar plexus chakra serves as the vital energy hub for personal power. When this chakra is imbalanced, it can trigger unsettling emotions like fear and distress. Unblocking the chakra facilitates the release of these undesirable feelings and encourages a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Peridot Birthstone Month & Zodiac
Peridot is one of the birthstones for August, along with the red crystals sardonyx and spinel. Peridot is the birthstone most commonly associated with this month.
It’s no coincidence that peridot is an exceptional companion for individuals born under the Leo zodiac sign, which aligns with the month of August. Peridot’s inherent qualities of fostering abundance, personal growth, and love tend to complement the typical traits of Leos, who are known for their ambition, big-heartedness, and natural attraction to the spotlight.
Peridot Crystal Pairings
Crystals possess individual magic, yet their power can be magnified when combined with another crystal. While personal preference and intuition play a role in crystal pairings, if you seek inspiration, consider these complementary peridot crystal combinations.
1. LAPIS LAZULI & PERIDOT
Combine the abundance properties of peridot with the manifestation energy of lapis lazuli for powerful results.
2. PERIDOT AND AMETHYST
Unleash personal growth with the transformative energy of peridot and the inner peace support of amethyst.
3. PERIDOT & EMERALD
Maximize prosperity and professional growth by combining these beautiful green crystals.
4. GARNET & PERIDOT
Boost personal growth with the revitalizing qualities of garnet combined with peridot’s support.
5. PEARL & PERIDOT
Amplify inner peace with the harmonious combination of pearl and peridot.
6. PERIDOT & SAPPHIRE
Merge personal growth and wisdom as peridot’s focus aligns with sapphire’s ability to stimulate inner insights.
A Final Note
Peridot is an extraordinary crystal that can truly be described as “out of this world.” With its unique varieties originating from space, peridot carries a captivating charm that sets it apart. Beyond its celestial origins, peridot gemstones hold metaphysical meanings of emotional balance, abundance, personal growth, and protection, making it a cherished addition to any crystal collection. Its ability to unblock chakras and synergize with other crystals further amplifies its value in the realm of crystal healing.
