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Peridot

Peridot, transparent gem quality olivine, was mined on St. John’s Island (also called Zebriget), 188 miles east of Aswan, Egypt, as early as 1300 BC. At the time the island was called Topazios, and the peridot were called "topaz".  Its location lost for centuries, the peridot mines were rediscovered about 1900.  St. John's Island remains an important producer of fine peridot today.

Lore

During the Middle Ages peridot was brought to Central Europe by the crusaders.  It was believed to help divine the future and used to prevent nightmare.  It was also thought to be capable of breaking evil spells and said to cure sinus infections. 

Peridot is one of the birthstones for July.

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