peridot

American  

[per-i-doh, -dot] / ˈpɛr ɪˌdoʊ, -ˌdɒt /

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a green transparent variety of olivine, used as a gem.

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peridot British  

/ ˈpɛrɪˌdɒt /

noun

1. a pale green transparent variety of the olivine chrysolite, used as a gemstone

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Usage

What does peridot mean? Peridot (pronounced PAIR-i-doh or PAIR-i-dot) is a transparent gemstone that ranges in color from light green to bright green to dark green.Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine and is sometimes called precious olivine. It’s considered a semiprecious gem, which is a label applied to a class of gems that have a commercial value that’s less than that of stones labeled precious, such as diamonds.Peridot is one of the birthstones for the month of August. It is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo.Example: Since I was born in August, I sometimes get peridot jewelry as a birthday gift.

Other Word Forms

• peridotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of peridot

1300–50; < French péridot; replacing Middle English peritot < Middle French

Example Sentences

The crown glitters with stones including tourmalines, white and yellow topazes, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, peridot, zircons, spinel and aquamarines.

From Seattle Times

When you first start up the game, you’re presented with a baby creature — each peridot is unique — and tasked with giving it a name.

From The Verge

Less than a year later, in February 2020, Mr. Parker offered her another gold band, an engagement ring topped with an antique jubilee cut diamond and peridot gemstones, at his home in Los Angeles.

From New York Times

The new offerings come in semiprecious stones such as aquamarine, pink tourmaline, citrine, amethyst and peridot as well as precious gems such as rubies and sapphires.

From Los Angeles Times

Slice off the tough top leaves, cutting just at the point where dark emerald turns to pale peridot.

From Washington Post