What does chrysolite mean?
Chrysolite is a noun denoting a yellow-green gemstone belonging to the olivine mineral family — a stone known in the modern gem trade as peridot. The name derives from Greek roots meaning 'golden stone', reflecting the warm, gold-to-green glow that has made the gem prized since antiquity. Historically, however, the term was applied inconsistently: medieval lapidaries and early Bible translations used it for a range of golden or greenish stones, so its precise referent in old texts is often uncertain. Today chrysolite survives mainly in literary, historical, and biblical discussion rather than in everyday speech or commerce, where 'peridot' and 'olivine' dominate. It should not be confused with chrysotile, an asbestos mineral with a deceptively similar name. For readers of older literature, knowing that chrysolite generally means peridot resolves one of gemology's most common naming confusions.
nounA yellow-green gemstone of the olivine group, known today chiefly by the name peridot; in older texts the term was applied somewhat loosely to various golden or greenish stones.
- A yellow-green gemstone of the olivine group; the stone now usually called peridot.
- In historical and biblical contexts, any of various gold-colored or greenish precious stones to which the name was loosely applied.
"The antique brooch was set with a glowing chrysolite that shifted from gold to green in the light."
"Her ring held a warm chrysolite that glowed like green gold in the afternoon sun."
"Translators have long argued over whether the chrysolite of ancient texts refers to the peridot we know today."
Standard regular plural; used when referring to multiple stones.
"The jeweller's case glittered with polished chrysolites."
For centuries, 'chrysolite' meant 'golden stone' — but the gem it names is treasured for being green.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chrysolite
Chrysolite comes via Latin chrysolithus from Greek khrusolithos, literally 'golden stone', formed from khrysos ('gold') and lithos ('stone'). The name entered English through Latin in the medieval period and was long used for various yellowish or greenish gems before settling mainly on what gemologists now call peridot. The same Greek root khrysos appears in words such as chrysalis and chrysanthemum, all sharing the idea of gold or golden color.
How chrysolite is actually used
The word is largely historical and literary today; gem trade and scientific usage prefers 'peridot' for the gem and 'olivine' for the mineral. In older lapidaries and Bible translations, 'chrysolite' was used inconsistently, so its exact referent often requires context.
Easily confused with chrysolite
Chrysotile is a fibrous form of serpentine mined as asbestos, whereas chrysolite is a yellow-green gemstone.
Peridot is the modern gemological name for the same stone that older sources called chrysolite.