This San Carlos Apache Reservation Peridot in the Matrix
(Basalt) is absolutely
beautiful. These mineral specimens weigh
approximately 1/2 pound. Sizes and shapes may
very per specimen. Peridot is the modern birthstone for
August. It has been mined for at least four thousand years and is called "pitdah"
in the Bible. Peridot
is perhaps derived from the French word "peritot"
which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large
stones. It could also be named from the Arabic word "faridat"
which means gem. In either case, peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an
estimated four thousand years or better, and is mentioned in the Bible under the
Hebrew name of pitdah. Peridot gems along with other gems were probably used in
the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priest, artifacts that have never
been found. Historical legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of
Cleopatra. Pliny wrote about the green stone from Zagbargad Island in 1500 B.C.Now, an estimated 80-95% of all
world production comes from the Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache
Reservation in Arizona. Peridot is thought to bring success, peace, and good
luck.
