Peridot, the official birthstone for the month of August, is a gemstone of singular beauty and profound historical significance. For individuals born on August 13th, this vibrant green gem holds a special place, offering a unique color palette that distinguishes it from all other gems. Unlike most colored stones, which derive their hues from trace elements, Peridot’s color is intrinsic to its fundamental chemical composition, resulting in a consistent, luminous green that ranges from fresh lime to deep olive. This article will explore the rich history, geological origins, and distinctive gemological properties of Peridot, delving into the symbolism that has made it a cherished gem for millennia and providing practical guidance for its care and maintenance.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history is as ancient and enduring as the gemstone itself. Evidence suggests that Peridot has been valued for over 3,500 years, with its use documented in ancient civilizations across the globe. The Egyptians were among the earliest and most fervent admirers of this green gem. They referred to it as the “gem of the sun,” believing it possessed powerful protective properties and the ability to ward off evil spirits. This association with solar energy and protection is deeply embedded in the gem’s lore. Egyptian priests drank from vessels made of Peridot, and Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection is now believed by some scholars to have actually contained large, magnificent Peridots, which were often confused with emeralds in historical texts due to their similar color.
The Romans also held Peridot in high esteem, calling it the “Evening Emerald.” This name was born from a remarkable property of the gem: its color does not darken in low light but instead continues to glow under the soft illumination of candlelight. This luminous quality made it a favorite for evening jewelry and religious artifacts. In medieval Europe, Peridot was often set in gold and worn as a talisman to ward off nightmares and evil visions. Its historical journey from ancient Egypt and Rome to medieval Europe underscores its enduring appeal and the universal human fascination with its radiant green hue.
Peridot’s path to becoming a modern birthstone is a story of official recognition. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) have played pivotal roles in standardizing birthstone lists. Peridot was officially designated as the birthstone for the month of August in 1912, a decision that solidified its status for those born in this summer month, including on August 13th. It is important to note that while Peridot is the official August birthstone, the month is also associated with two other gems: Sardonyx (the traditional stone) and Spinel (added in 2016). However, Peridot’s singular green color and its direct link to ancient solar worship make it the most iconic and widely recognized gem for August.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a mineral species known as olivine, specifically the magnesium-rich variety (Mg₂SiO₄). Its formation is a testament to the powerful forces within our planet. Unlike many gemstones that crystallize in the Earth’s crust, Peridot is one of the few gems that can be found in the mantle. It is brought to the surface through volcanic activity, often carried within lavas or found in peridotite xenoliths—fragments of the mantle rock incorporated into magma. This deep-earth origin contributes to its relative scarcity and unique geological story.
The most significant historical source of Peridot is the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea. This location was the primary source of fine Peridot for over 3,500 years, supplying the gemstones used in ancient Egyptian jewelry and artifacts. The stones from Zabargad are renowned for their exceptional clarity and vibrant color. Today, the majority of the world’s Peridot comes from a few key locations. Arizona in the United States, particularly the San Carlos Apache Reservation, is a major producer, yielding large quantities of commercial-quality gem material. Other important sources include Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), and China. The gem is also found in Brazil, Australia, Norway, and South Africa, though these locations typically produce smaller or less gem-quality crystals.
The formation process and sources directly influence the gem’s characteristics. The deep-earth origin means that inclusions are common, often appearing as small, rounded crystals or tiny cavities. The presence of these inclusions can sometimes give the gem a “snowy” or “spotted” appearance, which is considered part of its natural character rather than a flaw. The most prized Peridots are those from Zabargad or similar high-quality sources, known for their rich, deep green color and high degree of transparency.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s appeal is not only in its color but also in its distinct physical and chemical properties. Understanding these characteristics is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors.
Color: The most defining feature of Peridot is its color. It is one of the very few gemstones that occur in only one color family: green. The spectrum ranges from a pale yellow-green (chartreuse) to a deep olive green. This color is not due to trace elements but is an inherent property of the mineral’s chemical composition. The presence of iron (Fe) within the crystal structure is responsible for the green hue. The intensity of the color is directly related to the iron content: higher levels of iron result in a deeper, more intense green, while lower levels produce a lighter, more yellowish-green tone. The most valued Peridots are those with a rich, vibrant green color, free from any brown or yellow overtones. This unique coloration, combined with its ability to exhibit a slight glow or shimmer under light, makes Peridot a gemstone that truly stands out.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a relatively durable gemstone, suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. However, its hardness is lower than that of sapphire or diamond, so it requires some care to avoid scratches and abrasions. It is important to note that Peridot has poor toughness due to its distinct cleavage in two directions. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along specific planes of weakness. This means that Peridot can be chipped or cracked if struck with sufficient force, especially at the corners or edges of a cut stone. Therefore, it is generally recommended for jewelry that is less likely to experience hard impacts, such as earrings or pendants, rather than rings worn daily.
Crystal System and Refractive Index: Peridot crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Its refractive index ranges from 1.654 to 1.690, with a birefringence of 0.036. These optical properties contribute to its brilliance and are key identifiers for gemologists. The gem is typically faceted to maximize its light return, and its vitreous luster gives it a glass-like shine. Peridot is also pleochroic, meaning it can show slightly different shades of green when viewed from different crystal directions. This property is often used as a diagnostic feature in gem identification.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of Peridot ranges from 3.34 to 3.45, which is relatively high for a silicate gemstone. This density helps distinguish it from other green gems like emerald or tourmaline.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot’s symbolism is as vibrant as its color, drawing from its historical associations with the sun and its natural green hue. Throughout history, it has been linked to concepts of strength, protection, healing, and prosperity.
In ancient Egypt, as the “gem of the sun,” Peridot was believed to bring the wearer the power and protection of the sun god, Ra. It was thought to ward off evil spirits and protect against nightmares. This protective quality extended to the Romans, who used it in amulets and talismans. The belief in its ability to glow in the dark further enhanced its mystical reputation, suggesting an inner light that could guide and protect the wearer through darkness.
Metaphysically, Peridot is often associated with the heart chakra, the energy center related to love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is believed to promote emotional clarity, release negative patterns, and open the heart to love and forgiveness. Its green color is intrinsically linked to nature, growth, and renewal, symbolizing the cycle of life and the rejuvenating power of the natural world. This makes Peridot a stone of abundance and prosperity, both in material and spiritual terms.
Modern crystal healing practices attribute to Peridot the power to boost mood, confidence, and vitality. It is considered a stone of joy and positivity, helping to alleviate stress and bring a sense of calm and balance. For those born on August 13th, wearing Peridot is thought to enhance these qualities, aligning the wearer with the gem’s uplifting and harmonizing energy. While these beliefs are not scientifically proven, they form a rich part of the gem’s cultural and personal significance for many.
Care and Cleaning
Given its specific gemological properties, proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of Peridot jewelry. Understanding its hardness and cleavage is the foundation for its maintenance.
Cleaning: Peridot is relatively resistant to chemicals but can be damaged by acids and harsh detergents. The safest method for cleaning Peridot is to use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Gently scrub the gemstone, paying attention to the areas underneath the setting where dirt can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can cause existing fractures or inclusions to worsen, potentially leading to cracking. Steam cleaning is also not recommended due to the risk of thermal shock. For routine maintenance, a soft, lint-free cloth can be used to wipe the gemstone and restore its luster.
Storage: When storing Peridot jewelry, it is crucial to keep it separate from other gemstones and metals to prevent scratching. Since Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it can be scratched by harder gems like sapphire, ruby, or diamond. It is advisable to store Peridot pieces in individual soft cloth pouches or in a lined jewelry box with compartments.
Durability Considerations: Due to its cleavage, Peridot should be handled with care. Avoid wearing Peridot rings during activities that could subject the stone to hard knocks or pressure, such as gardening, sports, or heavy manual work. When having jewelry reset or repaired, it is important to work with a skilled jeweler who is familiar with the properties of Peridot, as improper handling can lead to damage.
By following these care guidelines, owners of Peridot jewelry can ensure that their gemstone remains a vibrant and cherished piece for years to come, preserving both its physical beauty and its symbolic significance.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a gemstone of remarkable distinction, from its singular green hue to its deep-rooted history and symbolic power. As the official birthstone for August 13th, it offers a connection to ancient civilizations that revered it as a gem of the sun, a protector, and a source of light. Its formation deep within the Earth and its journey to the surface via volcanic activity tell a story of planetary forces, while its gemological properties—its unique color, moderate hardness, and distinct cleavage—define its character and care requirements. Whether appreciated for its scientific uniqueness, its historical lore, or its metaphysical associations with joy, abundance, and emotional clarity, Peridot remains a timeless and captivating gem. For those born on August 13th, it is not merely a birthstone but a personal emblem of strength, growth, and the enduring beauty of the natural world.