For individuals born on August 7th, the vibrant green Peridot stands as their designated birthstone. This gemstone, a variety of the mineral olivine, has captivated humanity for centuries with its distinct color and fascinating origins. Unlike many gemstones that display a spectrum of colors, Peridot is renowned for occurring primarily in shades of green, ranging from yellowish-green to olive, caused by the presence of iron within its crystal structure. Its significance extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a stone steeped in ancient lore, geological wonder, and metaphysical symbolism. As the primary modern birthstone for August, Peridot shares the month with Spinel and Sardonyx, offering a rich palette of choices for those born in the height of summer. This article explores the multifaceted nature of Peridot, covering its historical journey from ancient Egypt to modern jewelry boxes, its unique geological formation, its specific gemological properties, and the care required to maintain its brilliance.
History and Lore
The history of Peridot is as luminous as the stone itself. One of the oldest known gemstones, references to Peridot date back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians held this gem in particularly high esteem, mining it on the Red Sea island of Topazios. This island, whose name likely contributed to the confusion between Peridot and the gemstone topaz, was actually a prolific source of Peridot. The Egyptians revered the stone for its radiant green hue, believing it was a gift from the sun. Consequently, they referred to it as the "gem of the sun."
This moniker was not merely poetic; it was rooted in deep spiritual belief. Egyptian priests utilized Peridot in their rituals, believing the stone possessed divine energy. They thought that Peridot could shield the wearer from nightmares and ward off evil spirits, particularly those that emerged after dark. It was considered a talisman of protection and strength, bringing happiness and good fortune to its owner.
Throughout history, Peridot has frequently been mistaken for other precious green stones. Its similarity to emerald led to significant misidentifications. In medieval Europe, many gems set in cathedral treasures and ecclesiastical jewelry were believed to be emeralds. However, modern analysis has revealed that these stones were, in fact, Peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, for example, is decorated with 200 carats of gems originally thought to be emeralds but now identified as Peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous collection of emeralds may have actually consisted of large Peridots.
The name "Peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. This etymology highlights the stone's long-standing value in Middle Eastern cultures. Beyond its presence on Earth, Peridot possesses a truly cosmic distinction. It is one of the very few gemstones known to exist in extraterrestrial environments. Peridot has been discovered within meteorites that have fallen to Earth, offering physical proof of its formation in outer space. This rare occurrence adds a layer of mystique to the stone, connecting the wearer to the vastness of the cosmos.
In the context of birthstones, Peridot became the official modern birthstone for August in 1912, a designation established by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA). While Sardonyx is the traditional August birthstone with a history dating back over 4,000 years, and Spinel was added as an official alternative in 2016, Peridot remains the most recognized and celebrated gem of the month.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique in its geological origin. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium iron silicate. The formation of Peridot occurs under extreme conditions, distinguishing it from gemstones that crystallize in the cooler, upper crust of the Earth. The gem is typically formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, the layer beneath the crust. It is brought to the surface through tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. The hardened lava that carries it from these immense depths serves as a vehicle for the gem, embedding it in igneous rocks.
In addition to its terrestrial origins, Peridot is also found in space. As mentioned, it has been identified in meteorites, specifically pallasite meteorites, which are stony-iron meteorites composed of olivine and metallic iron. This extraterrestrial source confirms that the chemical processes that create Peridot are not exclusive to Earth, occurring naturally in other planetary bodies.
While Peridot deposits are found in various parts of the world, the Red Sea island of Topazios (modern-day Zabargad) holds historical significance as the primary source for ancient Egyptians. Today, significant sources of Peridot include Pakistan, which produces high-quality crystals with exceptional clarity and color; Arizona in the United States; Myanmar (Burma); and Australia. China and Vietnam also contribute to the global supply. The color of Peridot can vary slightly depending on the specific iron content and the geological conditions of its formation, ranging from lime green to olive to brownish-green.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of Peridot is essential for appreciating its durability and visual appeal. As a gemstone, it possesses a specific set of physical characteristics that define its quality and value.
Color: Peridot is celebrated for its single-color spectrum, which is exclusively green. The hue is caused by the presence of iron within its chemical composition. The most prized color is a rich, vibrant olive green or lime green, free from brownish or yellowish tints. Unlike many gemstones, the color of Peridot does not change under different lighting sources; it appears consistently green in both natural and artificial light.
Chemical Composition: Peridot is a magnesium iron silicate, chemically represented as (Mg, Fe)2SiO4. The ratio of magnesium to iron determines the exact shade of green.
Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. While this makes it a reasonably durable gemstone suitable for everyday jewelry, it is softer than sapphire or diamond. Consequently, it requires some care to prevent scratching or abrasion.
Clarity: Peridot typically contains inclusions. Unique to this gem are "lily pad" inclusions, which are disc-like fluid inclusions. While high-clarity Peridot is valued, some inclusions are accepted and do not significantly detract from the stone's beauty if they do not affect its brilliance.
Crystal System: Peridot crystallizes in the orthorhombic system.
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of Peridot:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow; olive green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 – 1.69 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot carries a wealth of symbolic meaning and metaphysical associations that have evolved over millennia. Historically linked to the sun, it is universally regarded as a stone of light, positivity, and warmth. The ancient Egyptian belief in its protective powers against the terrors of the night has translated into modern interpretations of Peridot as a shield against negative energy and emotional manipulation.
In contemporary crystal healing practices, Peridot is strongly associated with the heart chakra. The heart chakra is the center of love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is believed that wearing or meditating with Peridot can help open this energy center, promoting forgiveness, relieving stress, and fostering a sense of inner peace. The green color of the stone naturally aligns with these themes of growth, renewal, and harmony.
Beyond emotional healing, Peridot is also considered a stone of prosperity and good fortune. It is believed to attract wealth and success, making it a popular talisman for those seeking to improve their financial standing or career prospects. For those born in August, Peridot is said to bring the specific qualities of strength, good luck, and peace, aligning with the vibrant energy of the summer month. It is viewed as a gem that connects the wearer to the life-giving energy of the sun, encouraging positivity and dispelling lethargy or depression.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of Peridot jewelry requires attention to its physical properties, particularly its moderate hardness and lack of cleavage. While Peridot does not have perfect cleavage, meaning it is not prone to splitting along flat planes, its hardness of 6.5 to 7 makes it susceptible to scratching if not handled with care.
Cleaning: To clean Peridot, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Gently scrub the gemstone to remove dirt and oils that can accumulate on the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone or dull its luster. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally not recommended for Peridot, especially if the stone has fractures or inclusions, as the vibrations could cause damage. Steam cleaning is also discouraged due to the potential for thermal shock. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Storage: When storing Peridot jewelry, keep it separate from other gemstones and metals to prevent scratching. A soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal. Avoid exposing Peridot to sudden temperature changes, which could potentially cause fracturing. Because Peridot is sensitive to heat, it should be kept away from extreme temperatures.
Durability in Jewelry: Given its hardness, Peridot is suitable for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings. For rings intended for daily wear, such as engagement rings or wedding bands, extra caution is advised due to the risk of impact and abrasion. Setting the stone in a protective bezel setting can help shield it from damage.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a gemstone of remarkable distinction, bridging the gap between the terrestrial and the cosmic. As the primary birthstone for August 7th, it offers a vibrant green hue that is instantly recognizable and deeply symbolic. Its history, rooted in the reverence of ancient Egyptians and the mistaken identities in medieval treasures, speaks to its enduring allure and value. Geologically, it is a product of the Earth's fiery mantle and the silent depths of space, a testament to the powerful forces that create beauty. Its gemological properties, while requiring moderate care, make it a durable and brilliant choice for jewelry. Symbolically, Peridot is a conduit for light, positivity, and emotional balance, offering its wearer a connection to the heart and the sun. Whether chosen for its historical significance, its aesthetic beauty, or its metaphysical properties, Peridot remains a cherished gemstone that captures the essence of summer.