Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, stands as the primary birthstone for August, celebrated for its vibrant color and unique geological origins. Unlike many gemstones that derive their color from trace impurities, Peridot’s green is an intrinsic part of its chemical makeup, a result of its formation within the mineral olivine. This gemstone is one of the few in the gem world that appears in a single color family, ranging from yellow-green to olive, making it a unique choice for those born in the summer month.
The significance of August birthstones extends beyond Peridot alone. While Peridot is the most recognized and traditional choice, modern lists also include Spinel and Sardonyx, offering a diverse palette for August-born individuals. Peridot is particularly noted for its historical confusion with emeralds, its volcanic origins, and its association with light and protection. This article will explore the geological formation of Peridot, its storied history from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, its specific gemological properties, and the practical considerations for its care and purchase.
The Historical Journey of Peridot
The history of Peridot is as deep and layered as the earth from which it is mined. Its journey through time is marked by mistaken identity, royal patronage, and spiritual significance.
Ancient Origins and the "Gem of the Sun"
Peridot was known to civilizations as early as the Ancient Egyptians. The gemstone was mined on a volcanic island in the Red Sea, historically known as Topazios, but now called St. John’s Island or Zabargad. Despite the island's name suggesting a source of topaz, it was actually the origin of these luminous green gems. The Egyptians held Peridot in such high regard that they called it the "gem of the sun," believing it possessed the power to protect wearers from the terrors of the night. It was thought to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and success to its owner.
There is historical speculation that some of the gemstones in Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may actually have been Peridot. This confusion between Peridot and emerald persisted for centuries. For instance, the Cathedral of Cologne in Germany houses the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings, which is adorned with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds for centuries but are now identified as Peridot.
Journey Through the Medieval Era
During the medieval period, the distinction between Peridot and other green stones remained blurry. The gemstone continued to be valued, though often misidentified. The confusion with emerald was not limited to casual observers; even historical records often conflated the two. The word "Peridot" itself is believed to originate from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." This etymology underscores the gem's long-standing value in Middle Eastern cultures.
Geological Formation and Mining Locations
Peridot’s formation process is distinct and fascinating, setting it apart from many other gemstones that form in the Earth's crust. It is a product of the intense heat and pressure found deep within the Earth's mantle.
Formation in the Mantle and Meteorites
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. It is unique in that it is formed under extreme conditions, often brought to the surface by volcanic activity. The gem can be found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within the Earth’s mantle. In a truly cosmic twist, Peridot has also been discovered in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, offering proof of its existence in outer space. These extraterrestrial Peridots are extremely rare but confirm the gem's formation outside of standard geological processes.
The color of Peridot, ranging from yellow-green to olive, is determined by the amount of iron present within its chemical structure. Unlike other gems where color is a result of impurities, Peridot’s color is a fundamental characteristic of the mineral olivine, specifically the magnesium iron silicate known as forsterite.
Mining Locations
Historically, the primary source of Peridot was the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. This location supplied the ancient world with the majority of its Peridot. While Zabargad remains historically significant, modern sources of Peridot are more widespread. The gem is mined in various locations around the world, often in areas with recent volcanic activity. However, the specific modern mining locations are not detailed in the provided materials, though the gem's availability in the current market suggests broader sourcing than the ancient Red Sea deposits.
Gemological Properties of Peridot
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of Peridot is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and buyers. These properties dictate the stone's durability, appearance, and value.
Chemical Composition and Color
Peridot belongs to the olivine family of minerals. Its chemical formula is a magnesium iron silicate (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. The presence of iron is the key factor in its coloration; the higher the iron content, the greener the stone. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color family. While the shade can vary from yellow-green to brownish-green or olive, it is always green. This consistency makes it highly recognizable.
Hardness and Durability
On the Mohs scale of hardness, Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. This places it in the moderate range for gemstones. While it is durable enough for everyday wear in items like pendants or earrings, it requires more care when used in rings or bracelets that are susceptible to knocks and scratches. Its hardness is comparable to that of quartz. Because it lacks cleavage (a tendency to break along flat planes), it is less prone to chipping than some other gems, but its toughness is considered only fair to good.
Cut and Clarity
Jewellers cut Peridot into a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Because the rough material is often available in larger crystals, well-cut Peridots of substantial carat weight are relatively common compared to other gemstones. The gem's vitreous luster allows it to sparkle brightly when cut properly. Inclusions are common in Peridot, but high-quality stones with good clarity are prized. The contrast between the green Peridot and white diamonds is often highlighted in jewellery design, creating a striking visual effect.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, Peridot has been attributed with various powers and meanings, making it a stone of both protection and prosperity.
Protection and Light
The ancient Egyptians’ belief in Peridot as the "gem of the sun" was rooted in its protective qualities. It was worn to ward off evil spirits and nighttime fears. This association with light has persisted, with Peridot often symbolizing the sun’s warmth and energy. It is a fitting birthstone for August, a month synonymous with long days and bright sunshine.
Prosperity and Good Fortune
In more modern interpretations, Peridot is associated with prosperity and good fortune. Its vibrant green color, reminiscent of new growth and nature, connects it to themes of abundance and success. This makes it a popular choice for gifts intended to wish the recipient well in their future endeavors.
Anniversary Stone
Peridot holds a specific place in traditional anniversary gift lists. It is the designated gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary, signifying the enduring light and warmth of a long-term partnership.
The Trio of August Birthstones
While Peridot is the most famous, August is unique in having three official birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. This provides those born in August with a variety of choices in terms of color, durability, and history.
Spinel: The Royal Impostor
Spinel was added to the list of August birthstones in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). Historically, Spinel was often mistaken for ruby, with some of the world's most famous "rubies," such as the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, actually being large red Spinels. Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, purple, orange, grey, and black. It ranks 8 on the Mohs scale, making it harder and more durable than Peridot. Spinel is associated with revitalization and hope and is the traditional stone for the 22nd anniversary.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Signet
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. It is a form of onyx, characterized by its bands of reddish-brown and white or black layers. Sardonyx was highly prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for making signet rings and cameos, as its banded appearance made it ideal for carving. It is associated with courage and stability. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, similar to Peridot, it is best used in protective settings for daily wear.
Comparison of Properties
The three stones offer distinct advantages. Spinel is the hardest and most durable, making it excellent for rings. Peridot offers the unique olive-green color and is the most affordable of the three, providing a look similar to emerald at a lower price point. Sardonyx offers a unique banded pattern and deep historical significance.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of Peridot requires attention to its specific physical properties. Due to its moderate hardness, it is susceptible to scratches if not handled with care.
Cleaning Methods
Peridot can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning, as these can damage the stone or loosen any settings. After cleaning, the stone should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any soap residue and dried with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Storage and Wear
To prevent scratching, Peridot jewellery should be stored separately from other gems and harder metals. It is advisable to remove Peridot rings or bracelets before engaging in activities that could subject the stone to physical impact, such as gardening, sports, or heavy manual work. When cared for properly, Peridot can remain a brilliant and vibrant gem for generations.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a testament to the beauty found in the Earth's deep geological processes. From its origins in the molten mantle and even outer space to its place in ancient Egyptian lore, this gemstone carries a rich legacy. Its consistent olive-green color, caused by its iron-rich composition, makes it a unique and recognizable member of the gem family. While it requires moderate care due to its 6.5 to 7 Mohs hardness, its affordability and vibrant appearance make it a popular choice for jewellery, particularly in contrast with diamonds.
The expansion of August's birthstones to include Spinel and Sardonyx offers additional options, but Peridot remains the quintessential gem of the month. Its historical journey from the "gem of the sun" in ancient Egypt to the 16th-anniversary stone in modern times highlights its enduring appeal. For those born in August, Peridot offers a connection to the warmth of the sun, the promise of prosperity, and a piece of gemological history that is both scientifically fascinating and culturally profound.