The birthstone for those born on August 12th is peridot, a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant green color and rich historical legacy. Peridot is a unique gem in both its geological formation and its cultural symbolism. As the modern birthstone for August in the United States and the United Kingdom, it has replaced sardonyx as the primary representative of the month. Yet, peridot’s significance extends far beyond its designation as a birthstone. This gemstone has been cherished for centuries across multiple cultures, from ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire, and continues to be valued in modern jewelry and metaphysical practices. In this article, we will explore the history, gemological properties, cultural symbolism, and practical care of peridot, with a specific focus on its role as the birthstone for August 12th.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history is as fascinating as its color. Known for its striking green hue, peridot has been found in various archaeological sites and has been associated with numerous historical and mythological narratives. Its name is derived from the French word "peritot," which itself is a variation of the Arabic word "faridat," meaning "gem." This etymology reflects the gemstone’s long-standing appeal across different cultures.
Peridot has been used in jewelry and adornment for millennia. One of the most notable historical examples is the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral in Germany, which is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were long believed to be emeralds but are now identified as peridots. This misidentification is a recurring theme in peridot's history. Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz,” actually produced peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The gemstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. In ancient Egypt, peridot was mined on the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, a source that supplied the gemstones for centuries. The Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it protected against nightmares and brought the wearer happiness and strength.
Peridot’s journey to becoming a modern birthstone is also noteworthy. Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. However, peridot was designated as the official August birthstone in 1912 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA). More recently, in 2016, spinel was added as a third option, giving August-born individuals a variety of gems to choose from. This evolution reflects a desire to offer customers more options for color, affordability, and availability.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. It is unique among gemstones because it is formed under extreme conditions, found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. This deep-earth origin contributes to its reputation as a gemstone of significant power and energy.
The primary sources of peridot include: - Zabargad Island (St. John's Island), Red Sea, Egypt: Historically the most famous source, producing gem-quality peridot for thousands of years. - United States: Particularly in Arizona, where peridot is found in volcanic rock. - Pakistan: A major source of fine-quality peridot, often found in the Himalayan mountains. - Other locations: Myanmar, Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, and Mexico also produce peridot.
The gemstone’s formation in volcanic environments and its presence in meteorites make it a geological marvel. This unique origin story adds to its allure and is a key part of its identity as a birthstone for August.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is prized for its distinctive lime-green color, which is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. The shade may vary from yellowish-green to olive to brownish-green, depending on the iron content. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot does not require heat treatment to enhance its color; its natural hue is its most valued characteristic.
Key gemological properties of peridot include:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine (a magnesium iron silicate) |
| Color | Lime-green, yellowish-green, olive, brownish-green |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 to 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 to 1.69 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
The hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale makes peridot a relatively durable gemstone, suitable for everyday wear in jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. However, its hardness is lower than that of sapphire or diamond, so it requires some care to avoid scratching.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is rich in symbolism and is believed to possess various metaphysical properties. Across cultures, it has been associated with strength, good fortune, and peace. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a stone of the sun, believed to protect against evil spirits and bring happiness. The Romans also valued peridot for its protective qualities and used it in talismans.
In modern metaphysical practices, peridot is often linked to the heart chakra, the energy center associated with love, healing, and emotional balance. It is believed to: - Promote positivity and joy: Its bright green color is thought to uplift the spirit and boost mood and confidence. - Attract abundance and prosperity: It is known as a stone of good luck and success. - Support emotional healing: Peridot is said to help release negative patterns and open the heart to love.
These beliefs contribute to its popularity as a birthstone gift, as it is thought to bring specific benefits to those born in August. The gemstone’s association with the sun and its vibrant energy make it a symbol of summer, warmth, and vitality.
Care and Cleaning
Given its gemological properties, peridot requires proper care to maintain its beauty and durability. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is moderately resistant to scratching but can be damaged by harder materials like diamond, sapphire, or even quartz. It also has some cleavage, meaning it can break along certain planes if struck with sufficient force.
Practical care tips for peridot jewelry: - Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean peridot. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone or its settings. - Storage: Store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. A soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal. - Handling: Remove peridot jewelry before engaging in activities that could cause impact or exposure to harsh chemicals, such as gardening, cleaning, or sports.
By following these simple guidelines, peridot jewelry can remain a vibrant and cherished piece for years to come.
Conclusion
Peridot stands out as the primary birthstone for August 12th, offering a unique combination of geological rarity, historical significance, and vibrant beauty. Its formation deep within the Earth and in meteorites sets it apart from other gemstones, while its mistaken identity as emerald in ancient treasures adds a layer of intrigue. As the modern birthstone for August, peridot is not only a symbol of summer’s warmth but also a gemstone believed to bring good fortune, peace, and emotional healing. Whether chosen for its rich green hue, its compelling history, or its metaphysical properties, peridot remains a timeless and meaningful gem for those born in August.