For individuals born on August 21, the primary birthstone is Peridot, a gemstone celebrated for its captivating yellowish-green to greenish-yellow hue. While August is unique in offering three official birthstones—sardonyx, peridot, and spinel—Peridot stands out for its singular color palette, which ranges from pale olive to a deep, rich green. This gem is not only a symbol of compassion and renewal but also a marvel of geological formation, originating from deep within the Earth's mantle and even from extraterrestrial sources. This article explores the comprehensive history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of Peridot, drawing exclusively from authoritative sources to provide a detailed examination of this August gemstone.
History and Lore: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times
Peridot has been admired for thousands of years, with its history deeply intertwined with ancient civilizations and mistaken identities. The word "peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic faridat, meaning "gem," or possibly from the Medieval Latin peridotus. Its rich history is marked by significant confusion with other precious stones, most notably emeralds and topaz.
One of the most compelling historical narratives involves the Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that contributed to the name "topaz." Contrary to what the name suggests, this island actually produced peridot. For centuries, the gems mined there were often misidentified. This confusion extended to some of history's most famous gem collections. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is adorned with approximately 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds. Modern gemological analysis has confirmed these stones are, in fact, peridot. Furthermore, historians speculate that Cleopatra's renowned emerald collection may have been composed largely of peridot, a common mix-up in antiquity due to the visual similarities between the two green gems.
The ancient Egyptians held peridot in particularly high regard, referring to it as "the gem of the sun." They believed the stone possessed protective qualities against the darkness and nightmares of the night. Peridot was mined on the island of Zabargad (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, a source that supplied the ancient world for centuries. The gem's association with the sun is also reflected in Hawaiian legend, where peridot stones are considered the tears of the goddess Pele, the deity of volcanoes and fire, symbolizing the powerful, transformative forces of nature.
Peridot's journey to becoming a modern birthstone is a story of evolving gemological knowledge and market demand. For much of history, sardonyx was recognized as the sole birthstone for August. This layered chalcedony, with its bands of red sard and black onyx, was treasured for its unique appearance and symbolism. However, as gemology advanced and a greater variety of gems became available and identifiable, the list began to change. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now known as Jewelers of America) officially updated the birthstone list, adding peridot as an additional birthstone for August. This decision acknowledged peridot's long-standing history and its distinctive, vibrant color, offering August-born individuals a choice beyond the traditional sardonyx. Decades later, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America further expanded the options by adding spinel to the August lineup, creating the triad of birthstones available today.
Geological Formation and Sources: A Gem from the Mantle and Beyond
Peridot's geological origin is one of the most remarkable among gemstones. It is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine, a silicate mineral that forms under extreme heat and pressure in the Earth's mantle. Unlike many gemstones that crystallize in the Earth's crust, peridot is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It can be found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within the mantle, providing a direct link to the planet's fiery interior.
The color of peridot is directly tied to its chemical composition, specifically the concentration of iron within its crystal structure. The presence of iron imparts the gem's characteristic green hue, with higher iron content resulting in a deeper, richer green. This relationship between iron content and color intensity is a critical factor in determining the value and desirability of peridot specimens. Peridot is unique in the gem world for its consistent color range; it does not occur in a wide variety of colors. Its green hue is the only one found in nature, setting it apart from other August birthstones like spinel, which boasts a rainbow of colors, or sardonyx, which exhibits banding.
Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of peridot's formation is its occurrence in meteorites. Some peridot crystals are not of terrestrial origin but have traveled from outer space, embedded within pallasite meteorites. This extraterrestrial connection adds a layer of cosmic wonder to the gemstone, making it a literal piece of the cosmos. The dual origins—from deep within the Earth's mantle and from meteorites—underscore the gem's formation under truly extreme conditions.
While peridot is not considered a rare gemstone in general, large stones of pure, vibrant green are scarce and command higher prices. Major sources of peridot include Pakistan, which produces some of the finest gems with exceptional clarity and color; Egypt, particularly from the ancient mines on Zabargad Island; and the United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii). Other notable sources include China, Myanmar, Norway, and South Africa. Each location yields peridot with slightly different characteristics, influencing the gem's market value and appeal.
Gemological Properties: The Science of the Green Gem
Peridot possesses a distinct set of gemological properties that define its durability, appearance, and value. Understanding these characteristics is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike.
Color and Clarity: Peridot's color ranges from yellowish-green to greenish-yellow, with the most valued stones exhibiting a vibrant, pure green hue. The presence of iron is the chromophore responsible for this coloration. In smaller carat sizes (under 10 carats), the best color is often described as green with a slight yellow tint. Larger stones, typically over 10 carats, are more likely to display the deep, pure green color that is highly prized. Peridot is generally transparent, and inclusions can affect its clarity and value. However, unlike emeralds, peridot often has fewer and less visible inclusions, making high-clarity specimens more accessible.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot rates between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a relatively durable gemstone, suitable for a variety of jewelry types, including rings, earrings, and pendants. However, its hardness is lower than that of sapphire (9) or diamond (10), so it requires some care to avoid scratches and impacts. Its cleavage is poor to indistinct, which is a favorable property as it reduces the risk of the stone splitting along internal planes when struck.
Luster and Refraction: Peridot exhibits a vitreous (glassy) luster, giving it a bright, reflective surface when properly cut. One of its most notable optical properties is its high double refraction. This means that light passing through the gem splits into two rays, a characteristic that can sometimes be observed without magnification by looking through the stone's table facet. This property, combined with its strong pleochroism (showing different shades of green from different angles), presents unique challenges and opportunities for gem cutters, who must orient the crystal to maximize its color and minimize the visibility of doubling.
Chemical Composition and Structure: Peridot is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. It belongs to the olivine group, which includes a solid solution series between forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) and fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄). The specific shade of green in a peridot gem is determined by the ratio of magnesium to iron in its composition. This consistent chemical structure contributes to its stability, though it can be susceptible to rapid temperature changes.
Market Value and Pricing: The price of peridot varies widely based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. For a 1-carat stone, prices can range from approximately $5 to $600 per carat. Good quality specimens typically fall within the $50 to $500 per carat range, while top-quality gems with exceptional color and clarity can be more expensive. Large, fine-quality peridots over 5 carats are rare and can command significant premiums. The value is heavily influenced by the intensity and purity of the green color, with stones leaning towards a pure, vibrant green being the most desirable.
| Gemological Property | Peridot |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 (high double refraction) |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 - 3.37 |
| Sources | Pakistan, Egypt, USA, China, Myanmar, etc. |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs: The Gem of the Sun and Renewal
Throughout history, peridot has been imbued with a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, often linked to light, protection, and healing. Its most ancient and enduring association is with the sun, earning it the epithet "the gem of the sun" in Ancient Egypt. This solar connection was believed to provide the wearer with protection against the darkness and malevolent spirits, particularly during the night. Egyptians wore peridot amulets and talismans, believing the stone could ward off evil and bring about peace and happiness.
In Hawaiian folklore, peridot stones are revered as the tears of the goddess Pele, the deity of volcanoes and fire. This legend connects the gem to the powerful, transformative, and sometimes destructive forces of nature, as well as to rebirth and renewal. The volcanic origin of many peridot deposits lends a literal foundation to this myth, tying the gem's creation to the heart of the Earth's fire.
Beyond its solar and volcanic symbolism, peridot has long been associated with compassion, positive energy, and emotional healing. It is often referred to as a stone of renewal, believed to help individuals let go of past burdens and embrace new beginnings. Its vibrant green color, reminiscent of spring and new growth, reinforces its symbolic ties to vitality, prosperity, and well-being. In some traditions, peridot is said to attract wealth and abundance, making it a popular stone for those seeking to improve their financial prospects.
The stone's connection to the heart chakra in modern metaphysical practices underscores its association with emotional balance and compassion. It is believed to open the heart to joy and gratitude, fostering positive relationships and easing stress and anger. While these beliefs fall outside the realm of scientific gemology, they form a significant part of the cultural and historical identity of peridot, contributing to its enduring appeal as a meaningful gemstone for jewelry and personal adornment.
Care and Cleaning: Preserving the Green Brilliance
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of peridot jewelry. Given its moderate hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is durable enough for everyday wear but requires mindful handling to prevent damage from scratches, chips, or sudden temperature changes.
Cleaning Methods: The safest way to clean peridot is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Use a mild dish soap and gently scrub the stone and its setting with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This method effectively removes accumulated oils, dirt, and residue without damaging the gem. After scrubbing, rinse the jewelry thoroughly under lukewarm running water to remove any soap residue. It is crucial to avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as these can damage the gemstone and its setting.
Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally not recommended for peridot. The vibrations from an ultrasonic cleaner can potentially cause fractures in stones with existing inclusions or internal stress. Steam cleaners, which use high heat and pressure, pose a risk of thermal shock, which can crack or damage the gem. Therefore, manual cleaning is the preferred and safest method for peridot.
Storage and Handling: When not in use, store peridot jewelry separately from other gems and metals to prevent scratches. Harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can easily scratch peridot. A soft-lined jewelry box or individual pouches are ideal for storage. Avoid exposing peridot to extreme temperature changes, such as placing it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods or moving it rapidly from a cold to a hot environment, as this can cause internal stress and potential cracking.
Professional Inspection: It is advisable to have peridot jewelry inspected periodically by a professional jeweler. A jeweler can check the security of the setting, ensuring that prongs are tight and the stone is secure. They can also perform a more thorough cleaning and identify any potential issues, such as loose stones or worn settings, before they lead to damage or loss. Regular professional care, combined with proper at-home cleaning, will help preserve the vibrant brilliance of peridot for generations.
Conclusion
Peridot, the vibrant green birthstone for those born on August 21, is a gemstone of remarkable depth and distinction. Its history is a testament to its enduring allure, from its mistaken identity as emeralds in ancient collections to its revered status as "the gem of the sun" in Egyptian culture. Geologically, it is a marvel, formed in the fiery depths of the Earth's mantle and even delivered to us from outer space via meteorites. Its consistent, captivating green color, derived from its iron-rich olivine composition, sets it apart in the gem world.
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is a durable choice for jewelry, though it requires careful cleaning and storage to maintain its luster. Symbolically, it represents compassion, renewal, and positive energy, connecting the wearer to themes of light, nature, and new beginnings. As one of three official birthstones for August, peridot offers a unique and meaningful choice, embodying a blend of scientific intrigue, historical significance, and timeless beauty. For the August-born individual, peridot is more than a gemstone; it is a piece of the Earth's—and the cosmos's—fiery heart.