The vibrant, lime-green allure of peridot has captivated humanity for millennia. As the primary birthstone for the month of August, and specifically for those born on August 31st, peridot stands out not only for its singular color but also for its extraordinary geological history. Unlike many gemstones that form deep within the Earth's crust, peridot is also found in extraterrestrial sources, making it a true gem of the cosmos. This article explores the comprehensive world of peridot, detailing its historical significance, geological formation, gemological properties, and the symbolism that has made it a cherished stone for generations.
For individuals born in August, peridot offers a connection to ancient civilizations and the vastness of space. While spinel and sardonyx also represent the month, peridot is the dominant modern choice, celebrated for its distinctive glow and its reputation for bringing good fortune and peace. Understanding this gemstone requires a journey through its history, an analysis of its physical makeup, and an appreciation for the lore that surrounds it.
History and Lore: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot possesses a lineage that stretches back over 3,000 years, earning a revered status in numerous ancient cultures. Its most prominent historical association is with ancient Egypt, where it was known as the "gem of the sun." The ancient Egyptians prized this bright, sunny green stone, believing it held the power of the sun god, Ra. They mined peridot on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, a location that produced stones highly coveted by pharaohs and nobility.
The allure of peridot extended beyond Egypt. During the Middle Ages, the stone acquired the name "Evening Emerald." This moniker was not merely poetic; it reflected a practical gemological property. Peridot retains its vivid green hue even in low light, appearing just as vibrant by candlelight as it does in sunlight. This quality made it a favorite among miners and travelers who needed reliable light sources.
Throughout history, peridot has frequently been mistaken for other precious green stones. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were long believed to be emeralds but were later identified as peridot. Some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famous collection of emeralds may actually have contained large peridots. This confusion highlights the gem's high quality and its visual similarity to the most prized of green gems.
The name "peridot" itself is believed to derive from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. This etymology underscores the stone's universal appeal and its importance in trade routes that spanned the Middle East and Europe.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique among gemstones due to its formation process and the environments in which it is found. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. While many gems form in the Earth's crust, peridot is formed under extreme conditions deep within the Earth's mantle.
The primary source of peridot reaching the market is often from the hardened lava that carries the stone from deep within the Earth's mantle to the surface during volcanic eruptions. This volcanic origin explains why many historical sources were located on volcanic islands or in regions with significant volcanic activity.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of peridot's geology is its extraterrestrial origin. Peridot has been identified in meteorites that traveled from outer space, specifically pallasite meteorites. These meteorites contain crystals of peridot that are billions of years old, offering a literal connection to the stars. This cosmic origin reinforces the ancient Egyptian belief that the stone was a gift from the sun.
Historically, the most significant source was the island of Zabargad (formerly known as Topazios) in the Red Sea. This island was the source of the "Topaz" mentioned in ancient texts, which was actually peridot. While this mine is less active today, peridot is currently mined in various locations including Pakistan, Arizona (USA), and China. The gem is typically found in mafic and ultramafic rocks, often in areas where the Earth's mantle has been pushed to the surface.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is prized for its distinct color and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications. Its properties are distinct and easily identifiable by gemologists.
Color
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, though the shade may vary. The classic peridot color is a vibrant lime-green to yellowish-green. The color is caused by the presence of iron within the mineral's chemical structure. Unlike emeralds, which often have inclusions, peridot is known for its sparkling clarity. The shade can range from yellowish-green to olive to brownish-green, depending on the specific iron content and trace elements.
Chemical Composition and Hardness
Peridot is a magnesium iron silicate, with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. While this makes it durable enough for everyday wear, it is softer than stones like sapphire or diamond. Consequently, care must be taken to prevent scratching.
Clarity and Cut
High-quality peridot is typically free of visible inclusions. However, like all natural gemstones, it may contain small feathers or crystals. Because of its high refractive index, peridot exhibits a strong "brilliance" when cut properly. It is most often cut into standard shapes like ovals, cushions, and rounds to maximize the return of light.
Summary of Properties
The following table summarizes the key gemological characteristics of peridot:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate) |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow; olive to brownish-green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 – 1.69 |
| Sources | Earth's mantle (volcanic), Meteorites, Pakistan, USA, China |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism attached to peridot is as rich as its history. For those born on August 31st, the stone is said to embody the qualities of strength, good fortune, and peace.
In modern metaphysical beliefs, peridot is associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote emotional balance. It is often cited as a stone of compassion and forgiveness. According to various sources, peridot is believed to ward off nightmares and ensure restful sleep. It is also associated with healing properties, specifically in relieving anger and depression.
The "gem of the sun" heritage lends it an association with vitality and energy. It is believed to bring good luck and success to the wearer. For those born in August, peridot is thought to harness the energy of the sun, providing warmth and a sense of purpose.
Some sources suggest that peridot can help with anger management and promote harmony in relationships. Its connection to the heart chakra implies that it opens the heart to give and receive love. While these metaphysical claims are rooted in tradition and popular belief rather than scientific evidence, they remain a significant part of the stone's cultural identity.
Peridot in Jewelry
Peridot's bright color makes it a versatile choice for jewelry. It pairs well with both gold and silver metals. The contrast between the green gem and yellow gold highlights the warmth of the stone, while silver settings emphasize its cooler tones.
Because of its hardness, it is suitable for rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. However, due to its relative softness compared to diamonds or sapphires, it is often set in protective settings, such as bezel settings, for rings that will be worn daily.
Peridot is also a popular choice for vintage and antique jewelry, particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, where its "Evening Emerald" reputation made it a favorite for evening wear.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of peridot requires attention to its physical properties. As a stone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is durable but can be scratched by harder stones like quartz (hardness 7) or diamonds (hardness 10).
Cleaning Instructions: * Mild Soap and Water: The safest method for cleaning peridot is using warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft brush (such as a toothbrush). Gently scrub the stone and setting, then rinse thoroughly. * Ultrasonic Cleaners: Generally, peridot can be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, but only if the stone is free of fractures or feathers. If the stone has inclusions, the vibrations could potentially damage it. * Steam Cleaners: Avoid steam cleaning, as sudden temperature changes can damage the stone if it has internal fractures. * Chemicals: Peridot should be kept away from harsh chemicals, including acids and household cleaners, which can damage the surface of the stone.
Storage: To prevent scratching, store peridot jewelry separately from other jewelry pieces, ideally in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a remarkable gemstone, bridging the gap between the depths of the Earth and the vastness of outer space. As the primary birthstone for August, and specifically for those born on August 31st, it offers a unique combination of historical prestige, scientific fascination, and aesthetic beauty. From its ancient origins as the "gem of the sun" in Egypt to its modern reputation for bringing peace and good fortune, peridot remains a symbol of light and transformation.
Its distinct lime-green color, born of iron and formed under extreme geological or cosmic conditions, sets it apart in the gemological world. Whether appreciated for its durability in jewelry, its rich lore, or its cosmic connections, peridot is a gemstone that continues to captivate and inspire. For the August-born, wearing peridot is not just an adornment; it is a connection to a lineage of history that spans millennia and reaches into the stars.