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Peridot and Olivine
Chrysolite as a name for gems is unique, in that it seems to have been used for several gems in ancient biblical times, but now appears to have disappeared and given place to several other names for the mineral, of which Peridot is used for designating the deep olive-green variety, Olivine when the mineral is yellowish green, and Chrysolite only when the gem is of a lighter or golden-yellow color. The name chrysolite means "gold stone." Aside from the beauty of the colors afforded by the three gems, Peridot, Olivine, and Chrysolite, the origin of the mineral is perhaps its most interesting property. Although many of the gems are now known, it is very hard to determine exactly where they have been found. They are reported to come from Burmah, Ceylon, Egypt, and from Brazil, but it is impossible to ascertain the exact locality. Because of this obscurity, Kunz states that nearly all the chrysolite used in modern times has been taken out of old jewelry, and it is, therefore, probable that the old localities are either forgotten or exhausted. There is, however, one very striking source for the gem. The mineral is known to be an essential constituent of meteorites, and crystals are often found in these masses large enough to be of value as gems. It is thus an interesting fact that chrysolite is the only gem which comes to us from spaces of which we know nothing, actually beyond the earth.
Mention in the Bible
Chrysolite has, as I have stated, long been known, and is frequently mentioned in the Bible and in ancient literature, but much of the mineral then known as chrysolite was in reality topaz. An interesting fable of its discovery in those early times is related. Diodones Siculus says of the stone, "That it was not discernible by day, but was bright at night, so it could be seen by the patrol. The latter would cover the luminous spot with a vase, and the next day come and cut out the rock at the place indicated. After being polished a beautiful chrysolite would appear." |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 3
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