Peridot: A Little Green Stone with an Old Story

The Grimoire | Crystals & Gemstones

By Mare

Peridot is a natural green gemstone with a history stretching back thousands of years. Long before modern crystal shops existed, our ancestors carried stones for protection, good fortune, and spiritual purposes. Peridot was among those believed to offer protection from harmful spirits and troubles of the night.

Close-up of a translucent green peridot crystal against a black background.

A Little History and Mineral Knowledge

Peridot belongs to the olivine mineral family and forms deep within the Earth, sometimes reaching the surface through volcanic activity. Its distinctive green color comes from iron, with shades ranging from yellow-green to deep olive.

The ancient Egyptians treasured peridot from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, calling it the Gem of the Sun. In older traditions, wearing peridot set in gold was believed to offer additional protection against evil spirits.

Interestingly, peridot was sometimes mistaken for emerald. Even some famous gemstones in European religious treasures were incorrectly identified for centuries.

Peridot is also one of August's birthstones, and rare specimens have even been discovered in meteorites.

Pointed natural green peridot specimen resting on dark-blue fabric. — Elade53, collection of Lech Darski, Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

Spiritual Uses and Spellcraft

Some noteworthy spiritual associations of peridot include:

Protection against unwanted energies and influences
Prosperity, abundance, and good fortune
Personal growth and new beginnings
Emotional balance and matters of the heart
Connection to the Earth and Sun

You can incorporate peridot into your craft by wearing it, carrying it in a pouch, placing it on your altar, or including it in protection and prosperity workings.

In my own practice, I hold the stone, focus on my intention, and speak it aloud three times with my breath falling on the stone before placing it in a natural fiber pouch. There's no need to make every working complicated.

These associations come from a mixture of older folklore and contemporary spiritual practices, so not every tradition will use peridot in the same way.

Upright green peridot crystal from Pakistan against a dark background. — Géry Parent, Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

Caring for Your Peridot

Peridot measures 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It's suitable for jewelry but can scratch or chip, so handle it with care.

Clean it gently with warm, mild soapy water, avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, and store it separately from harder gemstones.

For spiritual cleansing, a spoken blessing or intention is a simple option that won't damage the stone.

Before You Go

When researching the old ways, I believe it's important to know which traditions have been passed down and which have developed more recently. Both have a place in our craft, but understanding their origins helps keep that knowledge alive.

If you work with peridot, share how you use it on our socials. I'd be interested in hearing about the traditions and practices you've learned along the way.

Mare