The designation of a birthstone for a specific day often carries with it a rich tapestry of geological history, ancient lore, and evolving cultural significance. For individuals born on August 9th, the primary birthstone is Peridot, a gemstone distinguished by its singular, vibrant green hue. Unlike many gemstones that occur in a spectrum of colors, Peridot is prized for its unique coloration, which stems directly from its chemical composition. While Peridot holds the modern designation, historical and traditional lists for August also include stones such as Sardonyx, Carnelian, and others, reflecting a complex history of birthstone assignment.
Peridot, a member of the olivine mineral group, is one of the few gemstones that exists in a single color family, ranging from yellow-green to olive-green, with the depth of green dictated by the iron content within its crystal structure. Its history is as old as civilization itself, with records indicating its use as far back as the second millennium BCE. Ancient Egyptians revered it so highly that they called it the "gem of the sun," believing it offered protection against the terrors of the night.
This article will explore the multifaceted nature of Peridot, the August birthstone. We will examine its geological origins and the specific locations where it is mined, providing a detailed look at its gemological properties. Furthermore, we will trace its historical journey from ancient amulets to modern jewelry, and delve into the symbolism and metaphysical beliefs that have been attributed to this striking green gem over centuries. Finally, practical guidance on the care and cleaning of Peridot will be provided, ensuring that its beauty can be preserved for generations.
The August Birthstone: A Historical Overview
The concept of birthstones has evolved significantly over millennia, with different cultures and calendars assigning specific gems to specific months or days. For the month of August, and by extension for those born on August 9th, the lineage of birthstones is particularly diverse. While Peridot is the recognized modern birthstone, its position is the result of a long historical progression that included other prominent gems.
The Modern Choice: Peridot
Peridot is the designated modern birthstone for August in both the United States and Britain. Its selection is based on its beauty, durability, and historical significance. The gemstone, formerly known as chrysolite, is a transparent olive-green stone that can sometimes appear to lean towards yellow. Its appeal lies in this consistent, cheerful color which has made it a favorite in jewelry for centuries. The establishment of Peridot as the primary August stone solidified its status as the go-to gem for those born in this month, a position it has held since official birthstone lists were standardized in the early 20th century.
The Traditional Precursor: Sardonyx
Before Peridot became the dominant August stone, Sardonyx held that distinction for a much longer period. Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, characterized by parallel layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of onyx) and onyx (white or black). This ancient gemstone has a recorded history spanning over 4,000 years and was particularly favored in Roman times for carvings and amulets.
In fact, Sardonyx was the traditional birthstone for August in the old Polish and Arabic calendars and was the sole modern August birthstone in the U.S. until 1912. It was only in that year that Peridot was officially added, and eventually Sardonyx was removed from the primary list in the U.S., though it remains an alternate birthstone in Britain. The historical reverence for Sardonyx is captured in the old Gregorian birthstone poem: "Wear a sardonyx or for thee, / No conjugal felicity; / The August-born without this stone, / `Tis said, must live unloved and lone."
A Multitude of Historical Gems
The historical record for August birthstones is extensive. Beyond Sardonyx, traditional lists include Carnelian (another banded chalcedony, prized for its red-orange hue), Moonstone (known for its adularescence, or glowing light effect), and Topaz (historically associated with yellow crystals).
Ancient calendars offer even more variety. In the old Russian calendar, Alexandrite, the color-changing variety of chrysoberyl, was the designated August stone. The Hindu calendar assigned Ruby (the red variety of corundum) to August, while the even older Ayurvedic calendar listed Sapphire (corundum in any color other than red). The old Tibetan calendar named Diamond as the August birthstone, and some Indian systems listed Ruby. This proliferation of gems associated with the month underscores the cultural importance placed on this time of year across the globe.
Geological Formation and Global Sources
Peridot’s formation process is unique among gemstones, contributing to its distinct character and occasional presence in extraterrestrial materials. As a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, its genesis requires specific geological conditions found deep within the Earth.
Formation of Peridot
Peridot is formed under extreme conditions in the Earth's mantle. It is one of the few gemstones that are created in this molten layer, rather than in the Earth's crust. The process involves the crystallization of magma deep within the Earth. This magma must be rich in magnesium and silica, and low in silica relative to other gem-forming melts. As this magma cools, olivine crystals, including Peridot, begin to form.
These crystals are then brought to the surface through volcanic activity. The gemstone is often found in "peridotite," a type of intrusive igneous rock, or in lava from volcanoes that have carried the crystals up from the mantle. This method of formation explains why Peridot can be found in volcanic regions and why it is sometimes discovered in meteorites—pallasite meteorites, which are remnants of the early solar system's planetary cores, often contain gem-quality Peridot crystals. This cosmic origin is a fascinating footnote to its terrestrial geology, though the vast majority of commercial Peridot comes from Earth-based mines.
Mining Locations
The sources of Peridot are geographically diverse, with significant deposits found in several key locations around the world. Each source region often produces Peridot with slightly different characteristics, such as color saturation or crystal size.
- Egypt: The island of Zabargad (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea is historically the most famous source of Peridot. It was the source of the gems used in the ancient Egyptian jewelry that has been excavated from tombs. Mining here dates back to at least 1500 B.C., and the Peridot from this region is renowned for its rich, deep green color.
- United States: The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona is a major modern producer of Peridot. The gemstones mined here are known for their large sizes, though their color can sometimes be a lighter, more yellowish-green compared to the Egyptian specimens. Other U.S. sources include New Mexico and Hawaii.
- Pakistan: The Kohistan region of Pakistan has emerged as a significant source of high-quality Peridot in recent decades. The gems from this area, often found in igneous rocks, are prized for their exceptional clarity and vibrant, olive-green to brownish-green hues.
- Other Sources: Significant deposits are also found in China, Myanmar, Brazil, Australia, and Norway. Each location contributes to the global supply of this beloved gemstone, offering a range of qualities and colors to the market.
Gemological Properties of Peridot
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of Peridot is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike. These properties define its durability, appearance, and value.
Chemical Composition and Crystal Structure
Peridot is the gemological name for the mineral Forsterite, which is the magnesium-rich end member of the olivine series (the other end member is Fayalite, the iron-rich variety). Its chemical formula is (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. The signature green color of Peridot is directly attributable to the presence of iron (Fe) within its crystal lattice. The amount of iron dictates the shade of green; lower iron content results in a lighter, yellowish-green, while higher iron content produces a deeper, more intense olive-green.
Hardness, Durability, and Cleavage
On the Mohs scale of hardness, Peridot rates between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a relatively durable gemstone, suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. However, its hardness must be put into context. While it is hard enough to resist scratching from everyday materials, it is softer than stones like sapphire, ruby, and diamond.
A critical aspect of Peridot's durability is its poor toughness. The mineral olivine has two directions of cleavage, which means it can break along flat planes if struck with sufficient force at the right angle. This makes Peridot more susceptible to chipping or breaking than other gems of similar hardness, such as tourmaline. Therefore, when setting Peridot in jewelry, particularly rings, protective settings like bezels are often recommended to guard against impact.
Color, Clarity, and Cut
- Color: As noted, Peridot's color is its most defining feature. The ideal color is a rich, pure green without any brownish or yellowish overtones. The gem's single-color nature makes it easily identifiable.
- Clarity: Peridot is typically "eye-clean," meaning it lacks visible inclusions to the naked eye. However, like most natural gemstones, it is rarely flawless. Common inclusions include small, lily-pad-shaped inclusions, tiny black spots of iron oxide, and needle-like inclusions. The presence of these inclusions can affect transparency and value, but most Peridot is valued for its excellent clarity.
- Cut: Peridot is cut into a wide variety of shapes to maximize its brilliance and color. Due to its strong pleochroism (exhibiting different colors when viewed from different angles), cutters must orient the stone carefully to display the best color. It is commonly faceted in rounds, ovals, cushions, and emerald cuts, and is also popular in cabochon form for beads and carvings.
Summary of Key Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Forsterite (Olivine Group) |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Green (yellow-green to olive-green) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7 |
| Toughness | Poor (prone to chipping) |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.654 – 1.690 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
| Sources | Egypt, USA (Arizona), Pakistan, China, Brazil |
Symbolism, Lore, and Metaphysical Beliefs
The allure of Peridot extends beyond its physical beauty into the realm of symbolism and metaphysical belief. Across cultures and through the ages, this green gem has been imbued with a variety of powerful meanings.
Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
The ancient Egyptians held Peridot in the highest regard, calling it the "gem of the sun." They believed the stone possessed immense protective power, capable of warding off evil spirits and the terrors of the night. It was often set in gold and worn as an amulet to ensure safety and divine favor. The association with the sun god Ra gave Peridot a celestial significance, linking it to light, power, and life. Cleopatra, famously, is believed to have worn Peridot, though many of the gems she wore were historically mistaken for emeralds.
Symbolism of Protection and Healing
In general lore, Peridot is strongly associated with protection and healing. It is believed to create a protective shield around the wearer, deflecting negative energies and harmful influences. This protective quality is not just spiritual; some traditions suggest it can protect against physical harm and illness.
Healing properties are also widely attributed to Peridot. It is considered a stone of physical healing, believed to strengthen the body's immune system, detoxify the blood, and aid in the treatment of ailments related to the heart, thymus, and lungs. It is also thought to be beneficial for the spleen and digestive tract.
Emotional and Spiritual Significance
Beyond physical protection, Peridot is seen as a gem that fosters emotional well-being. It is believed to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and banish feelings of jealousy, resentment, and anger. By promoting a sense of calm and inner peace, it is thought to open the heart to joy and new relationships.
In contemporary wellness and self-care practices, Peridot is often used in meditation and crystal healing for its purported ability to balance energies and promote personal growth. It is also associated with prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular choice for those seeking to attract abundance and success.
Connections to Zodiac and Other Traditions
While Peridot is the birthstone for August, it has also been associated with the zodiac sign of Libra, which follows August. In Chinese and Leo zodiac traditions, the stone is linked to characteristics like happiness, prosperity, and creativity. Its vibrant energy is seen as a catalyst for positive change and creative expression, making it a talisman for artists and innovators.
Care and Cleaning of Peridot Jewelry
Given its unique combination of hardness and poor toughness, Peridot requires specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity over time. Owners of Peridot jewelry should follow these guidelines to ensure their gems remain in excellent condition.
Understanding the Risks
The primary risk to Peridot is physical impact. Its cleavage properties mean that a sharp blow against a hard surface can cause it to chip or even fracture. It is more susceptible to damage than a hardness of 6.5-7 might suggest. For this reason, it is not an ideal choice for rings that will be worn daily in environments where they might be knocked against hard surfaces, such as during manual labor. Protective settings, such as bezels or halo settings, are highly recommended for rings.
Cleaning Methods
Peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and harsh chemicals, which can cause damage or discoloration. Therefore, the safest cleaning methods are gentle.
- Recommended Method: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush (such as a baby toothbrush or a soft makeup brush). Gently scrub the gemstone and its setting, paying attention to the areas underneath where dirt can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- What to Avoid:
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can exacerbate existing fractures or cause the stone to chip.
- Steam Cleaners: Do not use steam cleaners, as the high heat and moisture can damage the stone.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid contact with household chemicals, including bleach, ammonia, and strong detergents, as they can erode the stone's surface and damage any surrounding metals. Acids can also cause damage to the gem.
Storage
When storing Peridot jewelry, keep it in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box to prevent it from scratching softer gems or being scratched by harder ones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Its relative softness and cleavage make it vulnerable to damage from contact with other jewelry pieces.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as the primary and most cherished birthstone for those born on August 9th. Its vibrant green color, a direct result of its iron-rich olivine composition, makes it instantly recognizable and highly prized. Its journey from the volcanic depths of the Earth's mantle to the hands of gem cutters and jewelers is a testament to its unique geological origins, with significant deposits found in Egypt, the United States, Pakistan, and other regions.
The historical significance of Peridot is profound, stretching back to ancient Egypt where it was revered as the "gem of the sun" and used for powerful protective amulets. While it shares the month of August with other stones like the banded Sardonyx, Carnelian, and the color-changing Alexandrite, Peridot has emerged as the most prominent symbol of the month due to its enduring appeal and consistent beauty.
Its gemological profile, characterized by a hardness of 6.5-7 but with a tendency towards cleavage, dictates that it requires careful handling and setting. Symbolically, it continues to be a powerful talisman, associated with protection, healing, and emotional balance. Whether viewed through the lens of science, history, or personal belief, Peridot remains a gemstone of remarkable character and timeless significance, a true jewel of the August sun.