Peridot, the primary birthstone for August, is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Its striking green color, ranging from a bright lime hue to a deep olive tone, has captivated cultures for centuries. As one of the few gemstones that occur naturally in only one color, peridot is both unique and versatile, making it a treasured stone for jewelry and symbolic purposes. Celebrated for its natural vibrancy and the positive energy it is believed to bring, peridot holds a distinguished place among the world’s most cherished gems. Alongside peridot, spinel and sardonyx are also considered alternative August birthstones, each offering a distinct character and charm to the month.
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its formation under extreme conditions makes it a geological marvel, found not only deep within the Earth’s mantle but also in meteorites that have journeyed from outer space. This article explores the geological origins, gemological properties, historical and cultural significance, and modern relevance of peridot, drawing upon authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive overview for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is as rich and colorful as the stone itself. The word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures, often for its perceived protective and healing powers. Throughout history, peridot has frequently been confused with other gems, including topaz and emerald, due to its alluring green hue.
One of the most notable instances of this confusion involves the Red Sea island of Topazios, a location whose name is purported to be the origin of the gemstone topaz. In reality, this island was a source of peridot. 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 are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot, a theory that underscores the gem’s long-standing allure.
Known as the "gem of the sun" by the ancient Egyptians, peridot was believed to harness the power of the sun and bring warmth, vitality, and protection to the wearer. The Egyptians used it extensively in jewelry and as amulets, placing it in tombs to ward off evil spirits. Its use was not limited to ancient Egypt; the Romans also prized peridot for protection, to release envious thoughts, and to attract lovers.
The gem’s significance continued into the medieval and modern eras. Judeo-Christians used this beautiful olive-green gemstone to decorate their church treasures, and it remains in use within the Catholic church today. Bishops wear a ring of peridot and amethyst, which together symbolize purity and morality. In a more recent historical context, peridot was adored by Napoleon Bonaparte, who offered a gift of the gem to his beloved Josephine as a symbol of his eternal love.
In Hawaiian culture, peridot holds a special tradition, symbolizing the Goddess of fire and volcanoes. It is treasured as “Pele’s tears,” named for the goddess Pele, who is believed to have created the Hawaiian Islands. This connection highlights the gem’s deep ties to volcanic origins and its powerful, natural energy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique among gemstones for its distinct geological origins. It is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, which is formed under extreme conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. This gemstone is brought to the surface by volcanic activity, often occurring in hardened lava that carries it from its subterranean origins. Most of the world’s peridot supply comes from the USA (specifically Arizona), China, Pakistan, and Myanmar.
Beyond its terrestrial sources, peridot has also been discovered in meteorites, making it one of the few gems known to have an extraterrestrial origin. These "space peridots" provide scientists with valuable insights into the formation of other celestial bodies. The fact that peridot can be found both in the Earth’s mantle and in meteorites from outer space makes it a truly unique and mysterious birthstone.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is prized for its distinct and consistent color, which is its most defining characteristic. Unlike many other gemstones that display a range of colors due to various trace elements, peridot occurs naturally in only one color family: green. Its hue can range from a bright, lime green to a deeper, more muted olive tone, depending on its iron content.
As a member of the olivine family, peridot has a specific chemical composition and set of physical properties that define it in the world of gemology. While the provided sources do not detail specific metrics such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical formula, they emphasize that peridot is a durable and versatile gem suitable for a wide variety of jewelry applications. It can be cut into numerous creative shapes, including rounds, ovals, pears, heart shapes, triangles, cushion cuts, marquise, and tumble beads, offering immense versatility for designers and consumers.
In terms of value, peridot is accessible across a range of budgets. A 1-2 carat peridot stone can begin at $25-50, making it an affordable option for many. Larger stones, particularly those over 5 carats, are considered rather rare, and their cost per carat increases significantly as a result. Consumers can choose between commercial quality olive-green peridot for a more budget-friendly option or seek out top-quality peridot for a more exclusive and valuable piece.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is deeply intertwined with a rich tapestry of symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, many of which have persisted from ancient times to the modern day. It is widely regarded as a stone of love, happiness, and prosperity. Its association with eternal love is exemplified by Napoleon’s gift to Josephine, and its reputation for bringing good luck and happiness makes it a popular choice for both personal adornment and celebratory gifts.
The gem is also believed to offer powerful protection. Ancient cultures used it to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, and it was thought to shield the wearer from dark influences. In addition to these protective qualities, peridot is associated with success, fame, growth, truth, and dignity.
In the realm of crystal healing, peridot is said to possess a variety of therapeutic properties. It is believed to be particularly effective in healing ailments related to the lymph, breast, lungs, and sinus problems. It is also thought to benefit the eyes, liver, spleen, and stomach. Peridot is said to be useful for detoxifying the blood and for slowing down the aging process. Furthermore, it can be beneficial for individuals suffering from nightmares, bipolar disorder, and emotional imbalances.
To harness these healing properties, it is recommended to wear peridot as a pendant to cover the specific body area that requires healing. It is also considered very beneficial for the heart chakra and the solar plexus chakra. For those who use peridot in healing rituals or for protection, it is crucial to cleanse the stone regularly to clear it of absorbed negative energies. This can be done simply by holding the peridot under lukewarm running water for a few seconds, while visualizing a golden or white light surrounding the crystal.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and integrity of any gemstone. While the provided sources do not specify the hardness or cleavage of peridot, the recommendation for cleansing it under lukewarm running water suggests a degree of durability. However, as with all gemstones, it is wise to handle peridot jewelry with care to avoid scratches, chips, or other damage from hard impacts.
When cleaning peridot, the method described for clearing negative energies—rinsing under lukewarm water—is likely suitable for general cleaning as well. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and ultrasonic cleaners unless one is certain of the stone’s durability and the security of its setting. For more specific care instructions, consulting a professional jeweler is always recommended.
Conclusion
Peridot stands out as a gemstone of remarkable character and history. From its origins deep within the Earth’s mantle and in the vastness of outer space to its cherished status as the primary August birthstone, it tells a story of natural wonder and cultural significance. Its vibrant green color, consistent and unique, has made it a favorite of civilizations for millennia, from ancient Egypt to modern times.
Its journey through history is marked by confusion with more famous gems like emerald and topaz, yet it has carved out its own identity as the “gem of the sun” and a symbol of eternal love. Its geological formation and diverse sources, from Arizona to Pakistan to meteorites, add to its mystique. For those born in August, peridot offers not only a beautiful and versatile option for jewelry but also a connection to a rich heritage of symbolism, believed to bring luck, love, prosperity, and protection.
Whether chosen for its aesthetic appeal, its historical depth, or its metaphysical properties, peridot remains a timeless and captivating gem. Its accessibility in terms of price and its wide range of creative cuts make it a beloved choice for jewelry buyers worldwide, ensuring its legacy as a treasured birthstone for generations to come.