peridot

[ per-i-doh, -dot ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. a green transparent variety of olivine, used as a gem.

peridot

/ ˈpɛrɪˌdɒt /

noun

1. a pale green transparent variety of the olivine chrysolite, used as a gemstone

Other Words From

• per·i·dot·ic [per-i-, dot, -ik, -, doh, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peridot¹

1300–50; < French péridot; replacing Middle English peritot < Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of peridot¹

C14: from Old French peritot, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The emerald rainstorm contains a bright green mineral of a class called olivine—also known as peridot to us Earth-dwellers.

From The Daily Beast

In the heart of it lies, like a dewdrop, a pale-green jewel called peridot.

From Project Gutenberg

Chrysolite (peridot, or olivine) was regarded in Shakespeare's time and earlier as of exceptional rarity.

From Project Gutenberg

It is appropriate to call the lighter coloured stones inclining to yellow chrysolite, and the darker green stones peridot.

From Project Gutenberg

Technically, chrysolite is synonymous with the precious stone peridot, or olivine—its tint is a yellowish green.

From Project Gutenberg

Both these mountains are composed of basalt, containing numerous crystals of peridot.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Peridot

What does peridot mean?

Peridot (pronounced PAIR-i-doh or PAIR-i-dot) is a transparent gemstone that ranges in color from light green to bright green to dark green.

Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine and is sometimes called precious olivine. It’s considered a semiprecious gem, which is a label applied to a class of gems that have a commercial value that’s less than that of stones labeled precious, such as diamonds.

Peridot is one of the birthstones for the month of August. It is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo.

Example: Since I was born in August, I sometimes get peridot jewelry as a birthday gift.

Where does peridot come from?

The first records of the word peridot come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin pæderot-. It may also come from the Arabic faridat, which means “gem.”

Peridot is a variety of olivine, a magnesium-rich, rock-forming mineral that occurs in Earth’s upper mantel and in metamorphic rock. Olivine is named for its green coloring (like an olive), which can naturally vary from a yellow-tinted green to deep green. Peridot was prized by the ancient Egyptians.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to peridot?

• peridotic (adjective)

What are some synonyms for peridot?

• precious olivine

What are some words that often get used in discussing peridot?

• green
• gem
• gemstone
• mineral
• stone
• semiprecious
• birthstone
• August
• jewelry

How is peridot used in real life?

Peridot is perhaps best known as one of the birthstones for the month of August.

constantly evolving! check out this moldavite and peridot pendant i made for the Kensington Art Fair! It will be available online the week after the fair ends! but customs are always available 🍀🍀 pic.twitter.com/kbtSY9mAqd

— trin 🤎 / HUGE update coming August 10th at 12pm! (@trinswirellc) May 17, 2021

To celebrate over a week of healthy eating, I treated myself… to genuine peridot earrings & a necklace, a new book, refrigerator magnet poetry & some bath bombs 💣 💣💣

— classic criss cross (@raineyhdaze) February 28, 2021

What do you think of these beautiful Peridot Earrings?
These light green Peridot gemstones surrounded by diamonds are show stoppers!
Peridot is the August Birthstone symbolizing strength!
If you need something special to wear or need Christmas gift ideas, #easttexas #shoplocal

— Murray Jewelry (@MurrayJewelry) November 7, 2018

Try using peridot!

True or False? 

Peridot is a variety of the mineral quartz.