Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, stands as a primary birthstone for the month of August. It is a gem variety of the mineral olivine, celebrated for its consistent coloration under various lighting conditions. While peridot is firmly established as an August birthstone, it is not listed as a birthstone for October. October is instead represented by tourmaline and opal. However, an examination of peridot's unique properties and lore provides valuable context for understanding the diverse palette of birthstones associated with late summer and early autumn months.
The significance of peridot extends beyond its month association. In the jewelry industry, it is often referred to as the "evening emerald" due to its vibrant green color, which adds freshness and vitality to any piece. Historically, its importance is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians held peridot in high esteem, referring to it as the "gem of the sun." This name reflected their belief that the stone was a gift from the sun god Ra, offering protection against evil spirits and bringing peace and harmony to the wearer. This association with light and protection made it a meaningful talisman for those born in August.
The etymology of the name "peridot" is subject to interpretation, with sources suggesting it descends from the Medieval Latin "peridotus." This term may have referred to peridot specifically or to gems of a similar green color. Another potential origin is the Arabic word "faridat," which simply means "gemstone." This linguistic history highlights the stone's long-standing presence in global trade and culture.
Hawaiian legend offers a different origin story, describing peridot stones as the tears of the goddess Pele. This connection to natural forces and volcanic activity aligns with the geological formation of the gem. Peridot is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and can be brought to the surface through volcanic activity, a process that underscores its connection to powerful, elemental forces.
Gemological Properties of Peridot
Understanding peridot requires a look at its specific gemological characteristics. As a member of the silicate mineral group, specifically olivine, peridot possesses a unique set of physical properties that define its appearance and durability.
- Chemical Composition: Peridot is a variety of olivine, a magnesium iron silicate. Its characteristic green color is derived from the presence of iron within its chemical structure.
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot rates between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a moderately durable gemstone, suitable for various types of jewelry, though it requires care to avoid scratches and damage from hard impacts.
- Luster: It exhibits a glassy luster, which contributes to its bright and reflective appearance when cut and polished.
- Refractive Index: Peridot is known for its high double refraction, a property that can be observed with the aid of a loupe and is a key identifying feature for gemologists.
- Color: The color range for peridot includes light green, yellowish-green, and brownish-green. The most favored and valuable color is a vibrant green, though large stones of this quality are rare. Smaller peridot gems often display the best color with a slight yellow tint.
- Rarity: While peridot is not considered a rare gemstone in general, large stones with a pure, vibrant green color are scarce and command higher prices on the market.
The price of peridot can vary significantly based on quality and size. For a 1-carat stone, prices can range from as low as $5 to as high as $600. Good quality specimens typically fall within the $50 to $500 range, while top-quality gems with exceptional color and clarity are more expensive.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot's formation process is distinct from many other gemstones. It is formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure. It is brought to the surface primarily through volcanic activity, which can expose large deposits of the gem. This geological origin explains why peridot is often found in volcanic regions and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth.
Historically, peridot was mined on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, a source that was known to the ancient Egyptians and provided gems for their jewelry and talismans. Today, significant sources of peridot include Pakistan, which is known for producing high-quality crystals, and the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, USA. The Arizona deposits are notable for producing peridot in a range of sizes, including large gem-quality stones.
Symbolism and Lore
Peridot has been imbued with symbolic meaning for centuries. Its association with the sun has made it a symbol of light, warmth, and protection. Ancient beliefs held that peridot could shield the wearer from evil spirits and bring peace and harmony. It was also thought to have healing properties, promoting strength and vitality.
In addition to its protective qualities, peridot is linked to nature deities in various cultures. The Hawaiian legend of the goddess Pele's tears connects the gem to the raw power of creation and the beauty of the natural world. For individuals born in August, peridot symbolizes historical significance, protective energy, and a connection to the earth's fiery heart.
Comparison with October Birthstones
While peridot is a quintessential August birthstone, it is important to distinguish it from the gems associated with October. October boasts two official birthstones: tourmaline and opal. These stones offer a stark contrast to peridot in terms of appearance, properties, and lore.
Tourmaline is a complex borosilicate mineral known for its incredible variety of colors. It is often called the "rainbow gemstone" because it can be found in virtually every hue. This versatility makes tourmaline a favorite among jewelers and consumers. In terms of symbolism, tourmaline is associated with creativity, inspiration, and healing properties. It embodies love and prosperity. With a Mohs hardness ranging from 7 to 7.5, tourmaline is quite durable and suitable for everyday wear, making it a practical choice for jewelry.
Opal, the other October birthstone, is celebrated for its unique play-of-color, an optical phenomenon that displays a shifting spectrum of colors as the stone is moved. This mesmerizing effect gives opal its otherworldly appearance. Symbolically, opal is linked to faithfulness, confidence, and luck. Historically, opal necklaces were believed to repel evil and protect the wearer's eyesight, adding to its mystical allure. Opal is significantly softer than tourmaline or peridot, with a Mohs hardness of only 5.5 to 6.5. This lower hardness makes it more susceptible to scratches and requires careful handling. It is not recommended for rings that will be worn daily but is well-suited for pendants and earrings.
The choice of tourmaline and opal for October provides a wide range of colors and styles for those born in that month, from the vibrant, varied hues of tourmaline to the ethereal play-of-color in opal. This diversity is a hallmark of the modern approach to birthstones, which often includes multiple options to offer variety in price, color, and style.
The August Trio: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
Peridot is not the only birthstone for August. The month is uniquely represented by a trio of gems: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This multiplicity stems from historical tradition and evolving preferences within the jewelry industry. Originally, sardonyx was the sole birthstone for August. Peridot later gained prominence and was added as a modern choice. Most recently, in 2016, spinel was officially included, further expanding the options for August-born individuals.
Among these three, peridot is generally considered the primary and most widely recognized birthstone for the month. Each stone in the August trio offers a distinct color and set of properties:
- Spinel: Spinel is an oxide mineral with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it the most durable of the August birthstones. It has a vitreous luster and can be opaque or transparent. Spinel comes in a vast array of colors, including red, blue, pink, and black. Historically, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, and some of the most famous "rubies" in history, such as the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are actually spinel. This historical confusion has given spinel a symbolism associated with passion and vitality, inherited from the ruby.
- Sardonyx: Sardonyx is a variety of onyx, characterized by its alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a black or white chalcedony). It has a Mohs hardness of around 7. This banded gemstone has been used for cameos and intaglios since ancient times due to its distinct layers, which allow for the carving of contrasting figures. Symbolically, sardonyx was associated with courage, victory, and protection in battle. Roman soldiers would often wear sardonyx rings or amulets for good fortune.
This trio provides August-born individuals with a choice between the vibrant green of peridot, the rich reds and pinks of spinel, and the banded, classical look of sardonyx.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of all gemstones. The specific cleaning and maintenance requirements for peridot and the October birthstones are dictated by their physical properties.
Peridot, with its hardness of 6.5-7, requires gentle cleaning. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, as they can potentially damage the stone or its settings. The same gentle cleaning method is recommended for spinel and sardonyx.
Tourmaline, being slightly harder, is also suitable for everyday wear and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. However, like the other stones, it should be kept away from harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Opal requires the most care due to its lower hardness (5.5-6.5) and high water content. It is susceptible to cracking if exposed to rapid temperature changes or if it dries out. Cleaning should be done with a soft, damp cloth. It is crucial to protect opal from scratches and impacts, making it a better choice for pieces that are not subjected to daily wear and tear.
Conclusion
Peridot is a gemstone of significant historical and gemological importance, firmly established as the primary birthstone for August. Its unique olive-green color, consistent under all light sources, and its formation deep within the Earth's mantle give it a special place among colored gemstones. Its lore, rooted in ancient Egyptian and Hawaiian culture, speaks of protection, light, and a connection to powerful deities.
While peridot is not an October birthstone, its examination alongside the October gems of tourmaline and opal highlights the diversity and richness of the birthstone tradition. October offers a choice between the kaleidoscopic colors of tourmaline and the ethereal play-of-color of opal, both of which contrast sharply with peridot's singular, verdant glow. Furthermore, peridot's position within the August trio—alongside the durable spinel and the banded sardonyx—demonstrates how a single month can be represented by a collection of gems with vastly different appearances and histories. For gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology, understanding the distinct properties, origins, and symbolism of each stone provides a deeper appreciation for these natural treasures and their enduring cultural significance.