Peridot Beads
Peridot is the name used for all the gem varieties of the mineral olivine, which also known as forsterite. Pure forsterite has no color. Iron atoms replacing some of thee magnesium atoms, give the stone its green color. The more iron, the darker the peridot. The most valuable peridot has a velvety gold-green color.
Although most gems form in the Earth’s crust, there are two that crystallize in the high temperatures of the liquid mantle: diamond and peridot. Studies of a peridot deposit in Arizona revealed that the green crystals were formed on rocks that floated in the mantle somewhere between 20 and 55 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. A volcanic eruption forced these stones up into the crust, near the surface, and weathering and erosion finally allowed them to be close enough to the surface to be found. Interestingly, peridot has also fallen from the sky. In 1749 a meteorite crashed into Siberia and was found to contain the beautiful olivine.

Peridot Beads Astrology: August birthstone, connected with Leo, and also the sun
Chakra: 3rd (solar plexus) and 4th (heart)
During the Renaissance, peridot was worn to protect against evil spirits, nightmares, madness, illusions, and anything connected with the powers of darkness. It was held under the tongue to reduce favors, strengthen powers of prophecy, and lend eloquence and inspiration.
Metaphysically, peridot is said to purify the heart and mind and to protect the aura. Used to dissolve jealousy, anger, and resentment, it also helps sharpen awareness. Melody describes its energy and “warm and friendly,” a description that goes well with much earlier beliefs that peridot “gladdens the heart.”

Peridot beads and amethyst beads strung together can make you feel as if you’re wearing the essence of a spring garden. Peridot also works beautifully with pearls, citrine, pink tourmaline, rubellite, iolite, blue topaz, and for contrast, carnelian.

Peridot beads Color: Yellow-green, bottle to olive green, brownish
Chemical composition: (Mg, Fe)2 SiO4, magnesium iron silicate
Moh’s hardness: 6 ½ - 7
Transparency: Transparent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy
Fracture: Brittle, small, conchoidal
Crystal system: Orthorhombic; short compact prisms. vertically striated
Cleavage: Imperfect
Specific gravity: 3.27-3.37
Refractive index: 1.654-1.690
Dispersion: 0.020
Pleochroism Very weak; colorless to pale green, lively green, olive green
Fluorescence: None
Occurrence: The Island of St. John (in the Red Sea); Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Myanmar, Norway South Africa; United States, Zaire