The Twelve Stones Collection: Chrysolite (Peridot) – The Second Stone, The Stone of Simeon
Share
"You shall set in it four rows of stones; a row of sardius, chrysolite and emerald shall be the first row" — Exodus 28:17 NRSVue
Among the twelve radiant stones adorning the High Priest's breastplate, the second stone is traditionally identified as Pitdah, often translated as Topaz in many English Bibles. However, numerous scholars and modern gemologists believe the ancient Pitdah was actually what we know today as Chrysolite, a golden-green gemstone that includes the beautiful variety known as Peridot.
Within the Twelve Stones tradition, this luminous yellow-green stone is associated with the Tribe of Simeon, whose name means "hearing" or "one who hears."
Just as Simeon's name speaks of attentive listening, Chrysolite seems to whisper of hearts that are awakened to hear the voice of God, responding with renewed life, growth, and transformation.
The Meaning of Simeon: A Heart That Hears
When Leah gave birth to Simeon she declared:
"Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also."
— Genesis 29:33
The Hebrew root of Simeon's name comes from shama — "to hear."
Throughout Scripture, hearing is far more than receiving sound. It carries the idea of listening with the intention to obey.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord."
— Deuteronomy 6:4
To truly hear God is to allow His voice to reshape our lives.
The vibrant green of Chrysolite beautifully reflects this spiritual reality. Wherever God's voice is received, life begins to flourish. What was once dormant starts to awaken. What was barren begins to bear fruit.
Chrysolite in Scripture
The stone appears in several significant biblical passages.
Aaron's Breastplate
Chrysolite (Pitdah) was among the sacred stones worn over the heart of the High Priest.
Exodus 28:17
Exodus 39:10
The breastplate represented the twelve tribes continually carried before God's presence.
The Covering of Lucifer
Before his fall, the anointed cherub was described as being adorned with precious stones:
"The carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald..."
— Ezekiel 28:13 NIV
The topaz listed here is believed by many scholars to refer to the same Pitdah stone found in the breastplate tradition.
The Foundations of the New Jerusalem
In Revelation, John sees the heavenly city adorned with precious foundation stones.
"The seventh, chrysolite..."
— Revelation 21:20
Though appearing in a different position than the breastplate, Chrysolite's inclusion reveals its enduring significance within God's redemptive story.
A Stone of Renewal and New Life
One of the most striking characteristics of Peridot is its living green colour.
Unlike many gemstones that appear dark or muted, Peridot seems illuminated from within, radiating shades of fresh leaves, spring growth, and new beginnings.
Its colour evokes scriptures such as:
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
and
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
— Psalm 23:2
Green throughout Scripture often speaks of life, restoration, fruitfulness, and divine provision.
In this way Chrysolite becomes a beautiful symbol of spiritual renewal—of lives transformed through hearing and responding to God's voice.
Chrysolite Through History
Few gemstones possess a history as fascinating as Peridot.
Mistaken Identity
For centuries in the ancient world, chrysolite was often confused with topaz because both gemstones displayed similar golden-green hues. Many historical references to "topaz" are now believed to have actually described chrysolite (peridot). This confusion was strengthened by the fact that some of the finest chrysolite was mined on Zarbagad (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, known in ancient times as Topazios. The island's name eventually gave rise to the word "topaz," causing the identities of the two gemstones to become intertwined for many centuries before modern gemology distinguished them as separate stones.
The Gem of Ancient Egypt
Peridot was treasured by the Egyptians over 3,500 years ago.
Ancient Egyptians called it:
"The Gem of the Sun."
Because Peridot can glow brilliantly even in low light, miners often collected it at night when its green brilliance was easier to spot against dark rock.
A Stone of Royalty
Peridot adorned the treasures of pharaohs, kings, and priests throughout the ancient world.
Some historians believe certain "emeralds" in royal collections were actually Peridot, mistaken because of their rich green colour.
A Gem from the Stars
Perhaps most remarkably, Peridot is one of the few gemstones found not only on Earth but also in meteorites.
Tiny Peridot crystals have been discovered in pallasite meteorites, making it literally a gemstone that can originate beyond our planet.
Geological Origins: Born of Fire
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral Olivine.
Chemical Composition
Magnesium Iron Silicate - (Mg,Fe)2SiO4
This mineral forms deep within Earth's mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic activity.
Mineral Family
- Family: Olivine
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale
- Colour Range: Yellow-green, olive green, golden green and lime green
Its colour comes from iron contained within the crystal structure itself rather than from impurities, making Peridot one of the few gemstones whose colour is intrinsic to its composition.
Light, Colour and Sound Frequency
Every visible colour corresponds to a specific range of light frequencies.
The light frequency of the yellow-green colour of Chrysolite falls approximately between 526-545 terahertz.
This places Peridot within the vibrant region of the visible spectrum most associated with growth, vitality, and life in nature.
Many people are familiar with 528 Hz, a prominent Solfeggio sound frequency, often called the "Love Frequency", the "Miracle Tone or the "Green Frequency" in sound-healing traditions. Some even say that 528 Hz is the natural resonant frequency of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green!
While 528 Hz is a sound frequency and green light exists at vastly higher electromagnetic frequencies, both have become symbolically linked with themes of:
- Restoration
- Harmony
- Renewal
- Transformation
There is no established scientific evidence that Peridot emits 528 Hz specifically, but the symbolic connection between green light, growth, and restoration has made the stone popular among those drawn to contemplative and metaphysical traditions.
Traditional Metaphysical Associations
Throughout history Peridot has been associated with:
- Renewal and fresh beginnings
- Emotional healing
- Joy and optimism
- Releasing old burdens
- Spiritual growth
- Abundance and flourishing
- Clarity of purpose
Many traditions viewed the stone as one that dispelled darkness and brought illumination.
While these beliefs arise from cultural and historical traditions rather than biblical doctrine, they reveal how consistently humanity has connected this remarkable stone with life, hope, and transformation.
Could this be why chrysolite was chosen by Yahweh as one of the twelve stones on the High Priest's breastplate?
The Spiritual Invitation of Chrysolite
The story of Simeon reminds us that God is not silent.
He is the God who hears.
And He is the God who speaks.
The green brilliance of Chrysolite serves as a beautiful reminder that when we truly hear His voice, transformation follows. What was once dry becomes fertile. What was hidden begins to emerge. What was dormant awakens into life.
Like fresh shoots bursting through winter soil, God's word carries within it the power of renewal.
Perhaps this is why the stone of Simeon shines with the colour of living things.
It calls us back to a posture of listening.
To hear.
To receive.
To respond.
And in responding, to flourish.
Reflection
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
— John 10:27
May the stone of Simeon remind us that every season of renewal begins with hearing the voice of the Shepherd.