Peridot
Though peridot is widely recognized by its brilliant lime green glow, the origin of this gemstone’s name is unclear. Most scholars agree that the word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic faridat, which means “gem;” however, some believe it’s rooted in the Greek word peridona, meaning “giving plenty.” Perhaps that’s why peridot was, according to lore, associated with prosperity and good fortune.
Peridot is the rare gem-quality variety of the common mineral olivine, which forms deep inside the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. In Hawaii, peridot once symbolized the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess of fire who controls the flow of lava. Rarely, peridot is also found inside meteorites.
Peridot’s signature green color comes from the composition of the mineral itself—rather than from trace impurities, as with many gemstones. That’s why this is one of few gemstones that only comes in one color, though shades may vary from yellowish-green to olive to brownish-green, depending on how much iron is present.
Though it is known as “the Evening Emerald” because of its sparkling green hue, peridot looks good any time of day.
Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx combines alternating layers of sard and onyx—two types of the layered mineral chalcedony—to create a reddish zebra-striped gemstone with white bands.
Its name, similarly, combines sard (referencing the ancient Persian city, Sardis—in present-day Turkey—where the red stone was found) with onyx (from the Greek word of the same spelling, which meant “nail or claw.”)
Sard ranges in color from yellowish-red to reddish-brown, depending on how much iron oxide is present. Sard is easily confused with carnelian, another type of chalcedony that is slightly softer and lighter in color.
Sardonyx, like onyx, shows layers of parallel bands—instead of the chaotic, curved bands that compose agate, another type of chalcedony.
Spinel
The spinel is often mistaken for either a ruby or pink sapphire, as it can resemble both. In fact, some of the most famous rubies in history have turned out to be spinel. But its distinguishing features, like its octahedral crystal structure and single refraction, are what sets it apart from other gemstones. Spinel also has a lower Mohs hardness than ruby and sapphire.
Spinel is a stone of hope, revitalization, and feeling the joy of being alive. It comes in a wide range of colors, which means it can be used to revitalize every chakra. Spinel is perfect to to reach for when you’re feeling a lack of energy or enthusiasm, or finding it hard to pull out of negative thoughts. Spinel helps bring fresh energy to your mind, body, heart and spirit.
Mentally, Spinel is helpful for inspiring new ideas and getting you to think differently about any situation where your thoughts feel mired or stuck. It can widen your perspective to get you thinking beyond the limiting confines of old beliefs.
Emotionally, Spinel brings the same fresh energy of renewal, helping to sweep out the old negative thought patterns and beliefs and usher in a new way of looking at yourself. It can deepen your sense of self-acceptance and help you transform into the highest version of yourself.
Spinel is a good stone for stressed out, type-A, go-go-go personalities who need some help to switch into a lower gear and let themselves relax. It makes a great gift for any workaholic friends in your life to help them calm down and see the bigger picture, and receive the abundance they already have all around them.
When you’re hustling and hurrying through life to get to a finish line (that doesn’t actually exist) you can very well miss the view along the way. What’s the point of working so hard if you aren’t enjoying the fruits of your labor? Spinel’s energy helps you sit back, reflect, relax and relish in all that you’ve built along the way, and all that you already have.
The time is now to enjoy the beauty of the world around you, and spinel will help you open up to seeing and receiving it. It’s a great overall energy enhancer to help any dull or down mood. You can increase any chakra’s energy by choosing the relating color of spinel to which one you want to focus on most.
If you feel called to re-align your life to one of joy and inspiration, fully backed by the supportive hands of the Universe, spinel is the stone for you!
