The birthstone for August is a gem of singular character and captivating color: Peridot. Celebrated for its distinctive lime-green to olive hues, Peridot stands out in the gemological world for its unique formation, rich history, and singular color profile. As the primary modern birthstone for August, it symbolizes strength, good fortune, and peace, making it a cherished gem for those born in the late summer month. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of Peridot, exploring its geological origins, its journey through history, its specific gemological properties, and the symbolic meanings that have been ascribed to it across cultures. We will also consider its traditional and alternative birthstone counterparts, Spinel and Sardonyx, to provide a complete picture of August's gemstone heritage.
History and Lore: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot possesses one of the most intriguing histories of any gemstone, often characterized by mistaken identity and ancient reverence. The name "Peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. This etymology points to its long-standing value in Middle Eastern cultures. Its history, however, extends much further back, to the ancient Egyptians. The Egyptians mined Peridot on a large scale from the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island or Topazios) in the Red Sea. This island was the source of so much Peridot that the ancient Egyptians famously called the gem the "gem of the sun." They believed it held protective powers, especially when set in gold, and warded off evil spirits. Legend even suggests that Cleopatra’s legendary collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been Peridots, a testament to the gem's deep green allure and the historical confusion between the two.
This confusion was not limited to antiquity. Throughout the medieval period and into the Renaissance, Peridot was frequently mistaken for other green gemstones, most notably emerald. Many treasures held in European cathedrals and royal collections that were long thought to be emeralds have been re-identified as Peridot. A prime example is the collection of 200 carats of gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. For centuries, these were believed to be emeralds, but modern analysis has confirmed them to be the August birthstone, Peridot. This enduring misidentification underscores the gem's exceptional beauty and its ability to rival the most prized of green stones.
Beyond its use in royal and religious artifacts, Peridot was also valued by priests and religious leaders. Its bright, life-affirming green color made it a symbol of renewal and spiritual significance. It was often incorporated into ceremonial jewelry and seals, believed to hold special protective powers for the wearer. The gem's journey to becoming a modern birthstone is rooted in this deep and varied history, a legacy that imbues it with a sense of ancient wisdom and solar energy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s origin story is as unique as its color. Unlike many gemstones that form in the Earth's crust, Peridot is formed under extreme conditions deep within the Earth's mantle. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a common iron magnesium silicate. The conditions required for its formation are so intense that it is one of the few gems brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Peridot can be found embedded in the hardened lava that erupts from volcanoes, carrying it from the deep mantle to the Earth's surface.
Adding to its mystique, Peridot is also found in pallasite meteorites—stony-iron meteorites that formed in the early solar system. This extraterrestrial source makes Peridot one of the very few gems known to have originated from outer space. The discovery of Peridot in these meteorites provides a tangible link to the cosmos and confirms its formation in an environment far removed from typical gemstone deposits.
The primary historical source for Peridot was the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. This island remained the dominant source for centuries, providing the gems that adorned ancient Egyptian artifacts and later made their way to Europe. Today, however, significant deposits are found in other parts of the world. Modern sources for Peridot include Pakistan, which is renowned for producing large, high-quality crystals with a vibrant, saturated green color. The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, USA, is another notable source, producing Peridot in a range of sizes, though often with a more yellowish-green hue. Other sources include Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, Australia, and Norway. The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam, while more famous for its Spinel deposits, has also produced Peridot.
The origin of the gem can influence its color and quality. For instance, Peridot from Pakistan is often prized for its rich, deep green, while Arizona Peridot tends to be lighter. The unique conditions of each deposit contribute to the variations seen in this singularly green gem.
Gemological Properties: The Science of a Single-Color Gem
Peridot’s appeal is rooted in its distinct and consistent gemological properties. It is a gem of remarkable simplicity and beauty, defined by a specific chemical composition and physical characteristics.
Color: The most defining characteristic of Peridot is its color. It is one of the very few gemstones that occurs in only one color family: green. The shade can vary, however, from a bright, lime-green to a more subdued olive or even a yellowish-green to brownish-green. This variation is not due to impurities as in many other gems, but to its fundamental chemical composition. The color of Peridot is determined by the amount of iron (Fe) present within its olivine crystal structure. A higher concentration of ferric iron (Fe2O3) can result in more yellowish tones, while ferrous iron (FeO) is responsible for the classic green hue. A unique and highly valued feature of Peridot is its color consistency. It does not change under different light sources; its vibrant green looks the same in natural daylight, incandescent light, or fluorescent light. This reliable color has earned it the nickname "Evening Emerald," as it maintains its shining hue even after dusk.
Chemical Composition and Hardness: Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, with a chemical formula of (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. It is an iron magnesium silicate. On the Mohs scale of hardness, Peridot rates between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a moderately durable gemstone, suitable for a variety of jewelry types, including rings, earrings, and pendants. However, its hardness is not as high as that of sapphire or diamond, so it requires some care to avoid scratching or chipping. It has no cleavage, which is a benefit, but it can be brittle due to some inclusions.
Clarity and Cut: Peridot is typically found with inclusions. High-quality Peridot is characterized by a deep, vivid green hue with minimal inclusions. The presence of "lily pad" inclusions (small, disc-like fluid inclusions) is common and can be used to identify the gem. The cut of a Peridot is crucial in maximizing its visual appeal. A well-cut stone will display excellent brilliance and fire, showcasing the gem's luster and color to its fullest potential. Gem cutters must carefully orient the crystal to present the most saturated color and to avoid any window (a washed-out area in the center of the stone).
Alternative August Birthstones: Spinel and Sardonyx While Peridot is the primary modern birthstone for August, the month is also associated with two traditional alternatives: Spinel and Sardonyx.
Spinel: For centuries, red Spinel was 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 Spinel crystals. Only recently has Spinel been appreciated in its own right as a beautiful and durable gem available in a wide range of colors, including vivid reds, deep oranges, vibrant pinks, and rich blues. The spinel birthstone is 8 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than Peridot. It is found in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Tanzania, among other locations.
Sardonyx: Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. It is a form of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz. Sardonyx consists of alternating layers of sard (a brownish-red to orange variety of chalcedony) and onyx (typically black or white chalcedony). This banding creates a striking, contrasting pattern. In ancient Rome, Sardonyx was a popular stone for signet rings and seals because hot wax would not adhere to its surface.
| August Birthstone Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Hardness (Mohs) | Key Characteristics |
| Peridot | Olivine | 6.5 - 7 | Lime-green to olive; only one color; formed in mantle/meteorites. |
| Spinel | Spinel | 8 | Wide range of colors; often mistaken for ruby; durable. |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | 7 | Banded layers of sard and onyx; ancient gem for seals. |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across millennia and cultures, Peridot has been imbued with profound symbolic meaning. Its connection to the sun, established by the ancient Egyptians, is a recurring theme. It is seen as a stone of light, warmth, and positive energy. The Egyptians believed it could dispel darkness and fear, protecting the wearer from evil spirits and nightmares. This association with light has made Peridot a symbol of clarity, truth, and forgiveness.
As the August birthstone, it is believed to bring good luck, peace, and success to those born in the month. Its vibrant green color connects it to nature, growth, and renewal, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Some believe that Peridot can heal the heart and open the wearer to new relationships and opportunities. It is also associated with the heart chakra, promoting emotional balance and compassion.
The alternative August birthstones also carry their own symbolism. Spinel is often associated with revitalizing energy and is believed to help overcome lethargy and inspire a renewed sense of passion and purpose. Sardonyx, with its ancient history as a stone of protection and strength, was worn by warriors and orators in ancient times. It is believed to promote courage, stability, and a virtuous life. Together, these three gems offer a spectrum of meanings, from Peridot's sunny optimism to Sardonyx's steadfast strength.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of Peridot and other August birthstones. Given its moderate hardness of 6.5 to 7, Peridot should be protected from harder gems and rough wear. It is suitable for everyday jewelry but may be better suited for earrings or pendants rather than rings that receive frequent impact.
To clean Peridot, warm soapy water and a soft brush are the safest methods. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Ultrasonic cleaners can generally be used if the stone is not heavily included, but it is best to avoid them to prevent any risk of fracture. Steam cleaning is not recommended for Peridot. It is also important to protect Peridot from sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals, which could damage the stone.
Spinel, being harder at 8 on the Mohs scale, is more durable. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and is generally safe for ultrasonic and steam cleaners, though caution is advised if the stone has fractures.
Sardonyx, at 7 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are typically safe for Sardonyx, but steam cleaning should be avoided.
Conclusion
Peridot is a gemstone of remarkable character, defined by its singular green color and extraordinary origins. From its ancient status as the "gem of the sun" in Egypt to its modern role as the primary birthstone for August, it has consistently captivated humanity with its vibrant hue and positive symbolism. Its formation deep within the Earth's mantle and in meteorites sets it apart, while its consistent color under any light source makes it a truly unique gem. Supported by the traditional alternatives of the durable, multi-colored Spinel and the ancient, banded Sardonyx, the August birthstone collection offers a rich heritage for those born in this month. Whether chosen for its historical allure, its scientific intrigue, or its believed properties of good fortune and peace, Peridot remains a brilliant and meaningful gem, perfectly capturing the lush, energetic essence of late summer.