HIS is a very ancient stone, and is said to have
been, at one time, considered of more value
than the Diamond, but the author cannot
believe this statement.
In the Wardrobe Book of Edward I., the Peridot is
mentioned among the jewels of the deceased Bishop of
Bath and Wells, which were escheated to the Crown.
The
Peridot has a very pleasing yellowish-green colour, and is susceptible
of a fine polish, but it is so soft as to be easily scratched. It is a
stone that requires considerable skill and care in polishing, the final
lustre being imparted to it by means of sulphuric acid. It usually
occurs in fragments much worn by the action of water, but well-defined
crystals have been found, which prove that its native form is that of
the rhombic prism.
Although
the Peridot has not retained its pristine repute, it is still in
demand. The gem looks well if judiciously set in gold, and the deeper
the green the more valuable the stone, but it requires Diamonds to set
off its beauty.
It
has been pointed out in treating of Chrysoberyl, that, owing to
lapidaries calling that stone the " Oriental Chrysolite," considerable
confusion has arisen between the two gems. A comparison of their
chemical composition
