Peridot is a variety of Forsterite, and the lime green crystal form of Olivine, and is one of the earliest recorded gemstones to be mined, dating back to 1500BC. This beautiful green crystal is the birthstone for August, and the Zodiac sign Libra. It is a crystal that has been historically associated with light, and the Egyptians knew it as the Gem of the Sun. It was often confused with Emerald, and it is thought that perhaps Cleopatras famous collection of Emeralds was actually mostly, if not entirely, Peridot. In Hawaii, the green gem was believed to be the tears of the goddess Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning and volcanoes.
| Alternative Names | Olivine |
| Colour | Green |
| Hardness | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Streak |
White |
| Lustre | Vitreous, Greasy |
| Main Locations | Australia, Pakistan, China, Egypt, Sri Lanka |
| Chakra | Heart |
| Zodiac | Virgo, Leo, Scorpio |
| Numerology | 5, 6 |
| Planetary | Venus |
| Element | Earth |
