Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, stands as the primary modern birthstone for August. Its captivating color, ranging from yellowish-green to deep olive, has fascinated civilizations for millennia. The gem is unique among gemstones for its formation under extreme conditions, often originating deep within Earth's mantle and sometimes found in meteorites. Historically, it has been frequently mistaken for other precious green gems like emerald, adding layers of intrigue to its story. As the official birthstone for August in the United States and Britain, peridot symbolizes renewal, happiness, and protective light. This article explores the multifaceted nature of peridot, detailing its historical journey, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism, while also addressing the broader context of August's birthstones, which include spinel and sardonyx.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is rich and often intertwined with misidentification. The word “peridot” derives from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. One of the most famous historical confusions involves the Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz.” This island actually produced peridot, not topaz. For centuries, the gems mined there were often mislabeled. Another significant example is found in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings is adorned with 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds; modern analysis confirms they are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot, further highlighting the gem’s historical misidentification and enduring allure.
Ancient cultures attributed powerful protective qualities to peridot. The ancient Egyptians, who mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, dubbed it the “Gem of the Sun.” They believed it could ward off night terrors and bring the wearer happiness and strength. This association with solar energy and protection made it a prized talisman. Medieval clergy also valued peridot, inlaying it into reliquaries to ward off envy and negative influences. The journey of peridot from an ancient protective amulet to a modern symbol of joy is a testament to its lasting cultural significance.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its formation process is extraordinary. Unlike many gems that crystallize in pegmatites or metamorphic environments, peridot is often brought to the surface by volcanic activity. It can be found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within Earth’s mantle. This unique origin story is further expanded by the discovery of peridot in some meteorites, which suggests it can also be formed in outer space and travel to Earth from the cosmos. This dual origin—from the depths of the Earth and from the stars—adds a layer of cosmic wonder to the gem.
The primary sources of peridot are geographically diverse. Major mining locations include the San Carlos Apache Reservation in the United States, Zabargad Island in Egypt, Myanmar, and Pakistan’s Kashmir region. Each source can produce peridot with slightly different characteristics, but all share the gem’s signature green color. The gem’s formation under extreme conditions, whether in volcanic rock or extraterrestrial meteorites, makes it a subject of great interest for gemologists and geologists alike.
Gemological Properties
Peridot possesses a distinct set of gemological properties that define its appearance and durability. Its most notable characteristic is its color, which ranges from bright lime green to a deeper olive green. This color is caused by the presence of iron within its chemical structure.
Key Gemological Properties of Peridot:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 – 1.69 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.27 – 4.37 |
| Common Treatments | Virtually none; typically not heat-treated. |
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is suitable for daily wear in jewelry, though it should be protected from rough abrasion to prevent scratching. Its refractive index of 1.65 to 1.69 gives it a honeyed glow rather than the diamond-like fire of higher refractive index gems. This unique luster contributes to its warm, inviting appearance. Notably, peridot is one of the few gems that is found in only one color, though the intensity and hue can vary based on its iron content. The gem is typically not treated, meaning its vibrant color is entirely natural, a quality highly prized by collectors and designers.
Designers often favor cuts that maximize peridot’s color and light performance. Popular cuts include checkerboard cushions, pear drops, and fantasy step cuts, which can highlight any subtle color zoning and enhance the gem’s natural glow.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical beauty, peridot is steeped in symbolism and metaphysical lore. It is widely regarded as a stone of renewal, happiness, and protective light. Its association with the sun in ancient Egypt translates to modern interpretations as a gem that can lift moods and relieve stress. In crystal-healing circles, peridot is often cited for its ability to balance the heart chakra, fostering forgiveness and opening the heart to nurturing energy.
The gem is also believed to support physical well-being, with some traditions linking it to improved metabolism and digestive health. While these metaphysical beliefs are not part of formal gemological science, they form a significant part of the gem’s cultural identity. For those who subscribe to these beliefs, peridot is a powerful tool for releasing negative patterns and manifesting dreams, aligning with its historical role as a protective and uplifting talisman.
Care and Cleaning
Given its moderate hardness, peridot requires careful handling to maintain its brilliance. While it is durable enough for everyday jewelry, it is susceptible to scratching and should be stored separately from harder gems like diamonds or sapphires. Cleaning peridot is straightforward; it can be washed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as sudden temperature changes can potentially damage the stone. Due to its lack of common treatments, peridot’s care is primarily about protecting it from physical impact and harsh chemicals.
The Broader Context: Other August Birthstones
While peridot is the most recognized modern birthstone for August, it is important to acknowledge the historical and official context of the month’s gems. The search for an August birthstone has led to a unique situation where the month is associated with three official stones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.
Spinel has a long history of being mistaken for ruby. It was underappreciated for centuries until recently, when consumers began seeking alternatives to ruby. In 2016, spinel was officially added as a birthstone for August, earning its place alongside peridot and sardonyx. Spinel occurs in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, and black. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it quite durable. Major sources include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Tanzania. Spinel is often associated with renewal, inspiration, and vitality.
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. It is a banded variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz, combining layers of reddish-brown sard and white or black onyx. Its distinctive banding makes it a visually striking gem. Sardonyx has been used since ancient times in protective amulets and talismans. Roman soldiers, for example, would wear sardonyx engraved with images of heroes or gods to boost courage in battle. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is suitable for various jewelry applications. Common sources include India, Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, and the United States. Sardonyx is symbolically linked to strength, courage, and stable relationships.
The trio of peridot, spinel, and sardonyx offers August-born individuals a choice of gems that reflect different aspects of summer’s energy: peridot’s vibrant green, spinel’s versatile spectrum, and sardonyx’s earthy grounding.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a gem of remarkable duality: born of fire and ice, from the Earth’s depths and the void of space. Its journey from the ancient mines of Egypt to modern jewelry boxes is marked by consistent beauty and a legacy of protection and joy. As the primary modern birthstone for August, it captures the essence of summer with its luminous green hue. While spinel and sardonyx share August’s birthstone designation, peridot’s unique geological story and historical significance give it a central place in the gemological world. For those born in August, peridot offers a connection to a rich past and a symbol of renewal and happiness for the future.