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The name is derived from the Arabic "faridat" meaning "gem". Peridot was mined on an island in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt known to the Greeks as Topazios as early as 1500 B.C., and eventually during the Crusades peridot was brought to Europe. The barren little island was one of the best-guarded areas of the ancient world, as the Egyptians so valued peridot that guards stationed on the island were given orders to kill anyone approaching the shore without permission. To the ancient Egyptians, the golden glow of Peridot symbolized "Ra", their sun god. It is believed that peridot was Cleopatra's favorite gemstone, and that biblical references to "crysolite" in the Old Testament actually refer to peridot. In medieval Europe peridot was worn as a talisman, believed to give its wearer foresight and divine inspiration, and that it was capable of dissolving enchantments.
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Antique Peridot Gemstone Round:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Ovals:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Briolette Cut:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Crescent Cut:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Square:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Trillion:
Antique Peridot Gemstone Octagon:
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