Maybe it’s because peridot is my August birthstone that I’ve always had a particular affection for this gemstone.  But I like green.  And I like the clarity of this stone.  It has a soothing, healthful feeling to it.

Of all the mines I have visited I most looked forward to the peridot mine up here in Zhongbei, Hebei, China. 

Like the peridots here, this area resonates with me.  It’s a vast grassland area.  Peaks.  High desert.  The kind of land I’ve always been drawn to.  The peridot mine sat back on a rough dirt road with a panoramic view of the valley.  Something about this kind of place feels wild to me.  There is so much space.  So much sky.  So easy to lose yourself here.