Peridot, semiprecious stone

Did you know that Peridot was Cleopatra's favorite stone?

Peridot is a gem (semi-precious stone) that the Egyptians extracted from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. They knew her as "The Jewel of the Sun"

Napoleon declared his love to Josefina by giving her Peridot (before he called off the marriage, of course).

During history, and even today, it is easy to confuse this gem with an emerald, especially when it is polished, which looks completely different from the image. In fact many of the emeralds of the great treasures of history have turned out to be Peridot.

It is also one of the few minerals that only occurs in a single color, although there are many shades that range from yellowish green, through olive green and reaching a brownish green, almost brown.

Today this gem is equally appreciated raw and polished.