The vibrant, lime-to-olive green hues of Peridot have captivated humanity for millennia. As one of the three official birthstones for August—alongside spinel and sardonyx—Peridot holds the distinction of being the primary birthstone for those born on August 2nd. Known historically as the "volcanic gem," this gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine is unique in that it is formed not in the crust of the Earth, but deep within the mantle. Its journey to the surface is often violent, carried by volcanic activity or even found within meteorites that have traveled from outer space. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Peridot, detailing its geological origins, its rich and often misunderstood history, its gemological properties, and its enduring symbolism.
History and Lore
The history of Peridot is as colorful as the gem itself, marked by centuries of confusion with other green stones. The word "peridot" is derived from the Arabic term faridat, which simply means "gem." Despite its simple etymology, the gem’s identity has been complex. Throughout history, Peridot has frequently been mistaken for emerald. This confusion is evident in some of the world's most significant historical collections and religious artifacts.
Perhaps the most famous example of this historical misidentification is the collection of 200 carats of gems decorating the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. For centuries, these stones were believed to be emeralds. However, modern gemological analysis has confirmed them to be Peridot. This case is not an isolated incident; some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s legendary collection of emeralds may have actually been composed of Peridot. The confusion was understandable; before the advent of modern gemology, distinguishing between similar-looking green stones was a difficult task, especially given that Peridot could be found in impressive sizes.
The gem’s association with topaz is another historical curiosity. The Red Sea island of Topazios, which is believed to be the source of the name "topaz," was actually a producer of Peridot. Ancient mariners seeking topaz often found themselves with Peridot instead, further intertwining the histories of these two distinct minerals. The ancient Egyptians held Peridot in particularly high regard, mining it on the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea as early as the 4th century B.C. They called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it possessed protective qualities against nightmares and evil spirits, bringing the wearer happiness and strength.
Peridot’s significance extends beyond the ancient world. In medieval times, it was used to decorate churches and was carried as a talisman for protection. Its lore is consistently tied to light, warmth, and positive energy. As the official August birthstone, Peridot is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and happiness to those born in that month. It is often associated with the sun, reflecting the bright, warm energy of late summer, the time of year it represents.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s origin story is one of the most fascinating in the gemological world. Unlike most gemstones, which are formed in the Earth’s crust, Peridot is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is a gem-quality form of the mineral olivine, a common component of the Earth's upper mantle. The conditions required for its formation are extreme, occurring at depths of 20 to 55 miles below the surface.
The gem is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. This violent process is why Peridot is often referred to as the "volcanic gem." It is commonly found in hardened lava that has carried it from the mantle, as well as in the debris of ancient volcanic eruptions. This unique geological journey makes Peridot one of the few gems that can also be found in meteorites. The Peridot found in these extraterrestrial sources, known as "pallasite," is chemically identical to its terrestrial counterpart, though its formation process is entirely different.
The most significant sources of Peridot today are located in a handful of countries known for their geological activity. The United States is a notable producer, with Peridot being mined in Arizona and New Mexico. Other major sources include Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, and China. These locations provide the world with Peridot in a range of sizes and qualities, from small, faceted gems for commercial jewelry to large, museum-quality specimens.
Gemological Properties
Peridot possesses a unique set of physical and chemical characteristics that distinguish it from other green gems. Its most defining feature is its color, which ranges from yellowish-green to greenish-yellow. The most prized color is a pure, rich olive green without any brownish tints. The gem’s color is derived from its chemical composition, which includes iron. The intensity of the green depends on the amount of iron present in the crystal structure.
From a chemical standpoint, Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, with a chemical formula of (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is between 6.5 and 7. This makes it moderately hard and suitable for most types of jewelry, though it requires more care than harder gems like sapphire or diamond. It is important to note that Peridot has no cleavage, which is a great advantage as it makes the stone less susceptible to chipping or breaking during setting and wear. However, it is brittle and can be prone to cracking if subjected to rough handling.
The gem’s refractive index is relatively low, and it exhibits "double refraction," a property where a single ray of light entering the stone is split into two rays. This characteristic can sometimes be observed with the naked eye, causing the facets of a well-cut Peridot to appear slightly blurred. The luster of Peridot is typically vitreous, or glass-like, giving it a brilliant sparkle when cut and polished.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of Peridot:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 |
| Luster | Vitreous (Glass-like) |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with Peridot is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting its bright color and solar connections. Historically, it has been seen as a stone of light, warmth, and vitality. The ancient Egyptians’ designation of Peridot as the "gem of the sun" encapsulates this association. They believed it could harness the power of the sun to protect the wearer from darkness and evil forces.
In modern metaphysical beliefs, Peridot is often linked to the heart chakra, the energy center associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is believed to be a stone of positivity and joy, capable of releasing negative patterns and opening the heart to new experiences and relationships. Its energy is described as uplifting and confidence-boosting, helping to alleviate feelings of jealousy, resentment, and anger. For those born in August, Peridot is said to bring good fortune, peace, and happiness, aligning with the vibrant, life-affirming energy of summer.
Beyond its emotional benefits, Peridot is also associated with physical healing. Some traditions suggest it can support the health of the heart, thymus, and spleen. It is also believed to help with issues related to the digestive system and to detoxify the body. While these metaphysical properties are not scientifically proven, they remain a significant part of Peridot’s cultural legacy and appeal.
Jewelry and Care
Peridot’s cheerful color and good hardness make it a popular choice for a wide variety of jewelry. It is particularly well-suited for rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Its bright green hue provides a striking contrast when set in yellow gold, which complements its warm tones, though it also looks stunning in white gold or platinum for a more modern aesthetic.
When purchasing Peridot jewelry, it is important to consider the gem’s clarity. Peridot often contains inclusions, which are natural imperfections. Small, scattered inclusions are generally acceptable and do not detract from the stone's beauty. However, large inclusions or those that affect the stone's durability should be avoided. The quality of the cut is also crucial, as a well-proportioned cut will maximize the gem’s brilliance and color.
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of Peridot jewelry. Due to its moderate hardness and brittleness, it is susceptible to scratches and chipping if not handled with care. It should be stored separately from harder gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to prevent damage. When cleaning Peridot, it is best to use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can cause fractures in the stone. With proper care, Peridot jewelry can be enjoyed for generations, serving as a lasting reminder of summer’s vibrant energy.
Conclusion
Peridot stands out as a truly unique gemstone, both in its geological origins and its rich historical narrative. From its formation deep within the Earth’s mantle to its arrival on the surface through volcanic forces, its journey is one of transformation. Its history, filled with mistaken identities and royal admiration, adds layers of intrigue. As the birthstone for August 2nd, Peridot carries a legacy of light, protection, and joy. Its vibrant green color, combined with its symbolic meanings of good fortune and emotional balance, makes it a cherished gem for collectors and jewelry lovers alike. Whether appreciated for its scientific properties, its historical lore, or its metaphysical associations, Peridot remains a gem of compelling beauty and significance.