chrysolite

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a yellow-green or golden-green gem variety of olivine, now generally called peridot

   The jeweler set a pale green chrysolite beside the darker emerald.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: any of several yellow or green gemstones whose modern mineral identity was uncertain

   The medieval inventory lists chrysolite among stones believed to possess protective powers.

From Middle English and Old French forms derived from Latin chrysolithus and Greek khrysolithos, literally 'gold stone,' from khrysos, 'gold,' + lithos, 'stone.' Older writers applied the name to several golden or green gems; modern mineralogy associates it chiefly with peridot.

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