What is an "evening emerald" gemstone? Is it a type of emerald?

An "evening emerald" is nickname given to the Peridot gemstone. This specific gemstone is the birthstone of those born during the month of August. Throughout history Peridot has been used as a way of reaching a connection with nature. For example, ancient Egyptian priests used to drink out of cups sculptured from the Peridot gemstone in the belief that by doing so it brought them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature. Also, the ancient native population of Hawaii used to regard the Peridot gemstone as tears shed by Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire. When Peridot is given as a gift, it symbolizes vitality and the force of nature, and thus Peridot is believed to bestow onto its wearer promise of new growth for years to come.

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Although its name suggests otherwise, an "evening emerald" is not even an emerald at all, so don't be confused! It is in fact the name sometimes given to refer to the Peridot gemstone. The Peridot is a yellow / green colored gemstone formed as a result of volcanic activity. It was believed that the Peridot gemstone had a glowing effect after nightfall, making it easier for miners to find the whereabouts of this gemstone. This legendary mining method is the reason why Peridot is sometimes referred to as an "evening emerald". Maybe this also explains the fact that ancient Egyptians used to call Peridot as the "gem of the sun", radiating brilliance even after the sun set.

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No, it is actually not a type of emerald, but a Peridot instead. Peridot has acquired many names over the years, such as the "evening emerald" you described in your question, but it is merely a gem-quality of the olivine mineral. Peridot could be found at a variety of different colors, ranging from bright yellow to dark olive, but mostly it is found as a lime-green color. Peridot actually derives its name from ancient Egyptians who used to call the stone "faridat", which is simply Arab for "gem". The earliest accounts of Peridot mining were as far back as 1500 BC on Saint John's Island, near the coasts of Egypt. Today, Peridot could be found throughout the globe, spreading over almost all six continents of the world including Europe (Norway), America (Brazil, Hawaii, Arizona), Africa (Congo), Asia (Burma) and finally Australia.

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