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CRYSTALS
AND THEIR PROPERTIES
PERIDOT
-
Olivine - Chrysolite
Chemical
Composition: (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Habit:
Good crystals are rare; occurs usually as isolated grains in
igneous rocks, or as granular aggregates
Colour:
Various shades of green; olivine is olive green colour; sometimes
yellowish or brownish to black; reddish when oxidized
KEYWORD: SPRINGTIME
Peridot is the volcanic gem. Small crystals of peridot are often found in the rocks
created by volcanoes and also can be found in meteors that fall to earth. A few samples of extraterrestrial peridot have even been faceted into
gems. Because the iron which
creates the colour is an integral part of its structure, it is found only in green, ranging from a summery light yellowish green to
bottle green.
Peridot was mined in ancient
Egypt on an island called Zeberget. Mining
was done at night because legend said that peridot could not be easily seen
during the day. The island was
infested with serpents that made peridot mining a very dangerous occupation
until one Pharaoh finally had them all driven into the sea.
The Romans called peridot
‘evening emerald,’ since its green colour did not darken at night but was
still visible by lamplight. Peridot
later was also often used to decorate medieval churches. The ancients believed peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits
and the power was considered to be even more intense when the stone was set in
gold. Peridot was also said to
strengthen the power of any medicine drunk from goblets carved from the
gemstone.
Although peridot is treasured
in Hawaii as the goddess Pele’s tears, almost all of the peridot sold in
Hawaii today is from Arizona, even though Hawaii’s volcanoes produce peridot.
The island of Oahu even has beaches made out of olivine grains, but
unfortunately they are much too small to cut into peridot!
It is mentioned in the Bible
under the name of chrysolite. Peridot
is considered a secondary ‘Vedic’ gemstone ‘remedy’ after emerald for a
badly aspected mercury. Although in
Vedic Astrology its potency is somewhat reduced, dedication and commitment will
bring positive results. In fact the
ancient gemological teachings of the East place prime importance on the colour
and the quality of the gem crystal.
Peridot is considered in the
West the birthstone of those born in August. The springtime energy of peridot is very refreshing to the whole body.
It contains vitality and gives the encouragement of renewal - a fresh
start. Peridot is helpful for
manic-depressives. It is also the best crystal for anyone who truly believes
that everything wrong in their lives is due to outside circumstances that
someone else is always at fault. It
also heals the negative energy of the green ray - jealousy, resentment,
selfishness, hypochondria, scarcity, hatred, greed, envy and spite. It is a good crystal for people who are surrounded by disastrous
relationships and refuse to acknowledge their part in the problem.
On a physical level it balances the thymus and
alleviates problems of the heart, chest, shoulders and lower lungs. Peridot helps dispel negative emotions and can be used when you are
trying to make up your mind. It gives direction and wisdom to make the right choice.
Peridot can act as a tonic; it eases biliousness, soothes headaches. It is a good detoxifier of the liver.
Peridot can purge the system of that which must go for emotional growth
and mental stability to manifest.
Rejuvenation, growth and the
enthusiasm of youth are the fruits of using peridot. It has also been used for auric protection and to strengthen
the energy field of those people who have very little or no green in their aura.
Peridot is a very fiery
active crystal to work with, as the crystal therapists who live in Hawaii will
vouch for. It does contain the
refined energy of the manipura chakra and will help you overcome the fear of
fire. It is said she/he who
concentrates on this chakra has no fear of fire and is free from disease.
Affirmation:
I now release all anger and resentment, so that the fresh new energies of
springtime can manifest in my life.
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