Eos Silver

Peridot

The exact derivation of peridot is unclear. What is clear, is that it is derived from the Greek. In mineralogy today we often come across use of the name olivine which is, obviously, a reference to its olive green appearance.
Peridot only comes in the one colour scheme whereby it can range from the popular apple green to a yellowy green and on to an olive green tone. In contrast to other precious stones its colour does not depend on the source of light allowing it always to retain its striking green.
The first major deposits were found in ancient times around 3,500 years ago on the volcanic island of St.John off the Egyptian coast. Crusaders started bringing peridot to Europe. In the Middle Ages, it was often used for numerous ecclesiastical purposes. Its heyday was, however, during the baroque period when it became a very popular gemstone. Only in recent times, have jewellery designers once again rediscovered this gemstone and its exceedingly favourable characteristics.