peridot

American  

[per-i-doh, -dot] / ˈpɛr ɪˌdoʊ, -ˌdɒt /

noun

Mineralogy.

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

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peridot British  

/ ˈpɛrɪˌdɒt /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• peridotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of peridot

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

Explanation

Peridot is a beautifully translucent, green gemstone. If you were born in August, peridot is one of your birthstones. The origin of peridot is unclear, but it may derive either from an Arabic word meaning "gem" or the Latin pæderot, a kind of opal. Peridot is a type of mineral known as olivine; it can be used as a gemstone, cut into shapes for jewelry, and polished to a clear shine. Peridot is almost olive green, with a yellowish tint — the more iron that's present in the stone, the darker green it appears.

Example Sentences

The crown glitters with stones including tourmalines, white and yellow topazes, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, peridot, zircons, spinel and aquamarines.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2023

One of the more curious features is that, since you only take care of one peridot at a time, breeding also means saying goodbye — although not permanently.

From The Verge • Jun. 17, 2022

The new offerings come in semiprecious stones such as aquamarine, pink tourmaline, citrine, amethyst and peridot as well as precious gems such as rubies and sapphires.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2019

His penultimate dress was a lavish ballgown — regal in its sweep — in a combination of navy, bordeaux and peridot.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2015

Some fine gems of peridot, garnet and turquoise have been found.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 5 "Arculf" to "Armour, Philip" by Various