Evening Emerald came about during the days when any less expensive gem was given fanciful names based on the major gems such as: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire or Diamonds.  Chrysolite was a popular choice by scholars and jewelers.  The gem Chrysoberyl was called "Oriental-Chrysolite" or "Brazilian Chrysoberyl" and Beryl was called "Aquamarine-Chrysolite".  Topaz was referred to as "Saxony-Chrysolite".

Mineralogist uses the term "Olivine" for this gem, but calls Olivine rich rock "Peridotite".  Forsterite refers to pure magnesium silicate while Fayalite refers to pure iron silicate and the mineralogical terms used by Mineralogist. 

Today, Gemologist prefers the name "Peridot" believing Chrysolite to be confusing with other Chryso-prefixed gems.

The gem quality Peridot comes from the Ancient source of Zagbargad Island of the Red Sea, also called by Egyptians as Zebirget, referred as the "Serpent Isles, and in modern age known as St. John's Island.

NAME:

Peridot comes from the old French word "Peritot" which is of uncertain origin. "Peritot" means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large stones.  In Arabic word "faridat" means gem.  Peridot is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of "pitdah".  Peridot gems along with other gems were probably used in the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priest, artifacts that have never been found.  The Greeks and Romans referred to Peridot as "topazion and topazius", later given to "topaz". Beginning the 13th Century England, it was named Peridota and later was shortened to Peridot.  The older term of "Chrysolite" is from the Greek word golden and stone.

HISTORY:

1500 B.C. - ancient Papyri records mining of these yellow-green stones, highly prized by Egyptian Kings

Crusaders - Peridot gem was presented to the Church Treasuries and called it emeralds.  Today, many of the emeralds held in the church inventories are actually deep colored Peridot.

10th Century - believed Chrysolite is the stone of the Apostle Bartholomew based upon treatise by 10th Century writer Andreas, Bishop of Ceasaria.  He is one of the earliest writers to associate the foundation stones of revelations with the 12 apostles.

De Viritibus Lapidum - Damigron states - perforated, threaded on a stiff hair and worn around the left arm overcomes demon

The Lapidaire of Chevalier - Jen de Mandeville states - Chrysolite is the color of green seawater and glitters like gold; when put in the sun, will sparkle like fire - good for those who dabble in necromancy, found in Ethiopia.  When worn, provides protection from fear, or as a suspect of evil doings, as a talisman to be able to enter wherever one wants to go.  Peridot must be encased in gold and worn on the left side.

De Lapidibus of 1531 - Marbod prescribes the stone to relieve "vague terrors of night".  Full protection is gained if the stone is pierced and strung on the hair of an ass and attached to the left arm.

19th Century - William Jones stated Chrysolite expelled phantoms and rid people of their follies; when bound round with gold and carried in the left hand this stone dispersed night hags

20th Century - the stone continued to enhance healing and spiritual growth, highly recommended stone for healer and psychic counselors. 

Metaphysical healers - prescribe it for the heart, lungs, spleen, stomach ulcers and intestinal tract.  This gem is said to strengthen eyesight, particularly in conditions of astigmatism and nearsightedness.  Midwives used Peridot as a birthing facilitator - they claim it stimulates contractions and causes dilation of the birth canal