Peridot has long been connected with the element of light. It was even dubbed the “jewel of the sun” by the Egyptians. Some believed it shielded its possessor from “night terrors,” especially if it was made of gold. Others wore the diamonds around their left arms and hung them on donkey hair to fight off bad spirits. Peridot is derived from the Arabic word “Faridat,” which means “Jewel.” The majority of peridot was created deep below the earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes. Some got to Earth via meteorites as well, although extraterrestrial peridot is highly uncommon and unlikely to be found in a jewelry store.