The gemstone designated for those born on August 14th is Peridot, a mineral variety of olivine renowned for its distinctive and vibrant green hue. As a member of the August birthstone trio—which also includes spinel and sardonyx—Peridot stands out for its singular color range, historical intrigue, and geological origins. Unlike many gemstones that appear in multiple shades, Peridot is celebrated for occurring almost exclusively in shades of green, from yellowish-green to olive, with its color primarily determined by its iron content. This article explores the multifaceted nature of Peridot, detailing its historical journey, geological formation, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism, drawing from authoritative sources in gemology and cultural history.
Historical Significance and Cultural Lore
Peridot possesses a rich and often misunderstood history, frequently confused with other green gemstones throughout antiquity. Its name is believed to be derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem," a testament to its long-standing value in various cultures. One of the most enduring misconceptions surrounding Peridot is its historical identity as an emerald. For centuries, gemologists and historians have noted that many ancient and medieval green gems once cataloged as emeralds have been re-identified as Peridot. A prominent example is the collection of gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. These 200 carats of green stones were long believed to be emeralds but are now confirmed to be Peridot, highlighting the gem’s ability to mimic the prized green of emerald under certain lighting conditions. This confusion extends to legendary collections; some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have, in fact, been composed of Peridot, sourced from the Red Sea island of Topazios (a purported source of the name "topaz" that actually produced Peridot).
In ancient Egypt, Peridot was held in particularly high esteem, often referred to as the "gem of the sun." It was believed to offer protection from nightmares and negative energies, and was frequently used in jewelry and amulets. Some sources suggest that Peridot was even incorporated into the Uraeus, the cobra-shaped ornament worn by Egyptian pharaohs, symbolizing their power and divine authority. The Egyptians mined Peridot on the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, a source that was exploited for thousands of years. The gem’s luminous quality, which allows it to glow even under moonlight, earned it the nickname "evening emerald," further cementing its association with light and positivity.
Beyond Egypt, Peridot was valued in medieval Europe for its perceived healing properties and its ability to foster emotional clarity. Its journey to becoming a modern birthstone is part of a broader tradition. The concept of birthstones has ancient roots, but the modern list of birthstones was largely standardized by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in 1912. Peridot was designated as the primary modern birthstone for August, with spinel and sardonyx recognized as traditional alternatives. Sardonyx, in particular, holds the distinction of being the original August birthstone, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. However, Peridot’s unique color and compelling lore have secured its place as the most celebrated gem for the month.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s formation is as unique as its color, occurring under extreme geological conditions that few other gemstones experience. As the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, Peridot is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is brought to the surface in two primary ways: through volcanic activity and via extraterrestrial sources. Many Peridot crystals are found in hardened lava, carried from the mantle by volcanic eruptions. This process can result in large, high-quality crystals suitable for gem cutting. Remarkably, Peridot is also found in meteorites that have traveled from outer space to Earth. These extraterrestrial Peridots, sometimes called "pallasite Peridot," are rare and often contain inclusions that provide clues about the formation of our solar system.
The primary sources of gem-quality Peridot are limited but significant. Historically, the Red Sea island of Zabargad was the most important source, providing gems for ancient Egyptian and later Mediterranean markets. While this source is still active, its production is not as prolific as in ancient times. Today, the most significant commercial sources of Peridot include:
- Pakistan: The Kashmir region, particularly the area around Kohistan and the Hunza Valley, is known for producing large, high-quality Peridot crystals with a vibrant green color.
- United States: Arizona is a notable source, with Peridot found in volcanic rock. The San Carlos Apache Reservation is a significant area for Peridot mining, producing gems that are often used in Native American jewelry.
- Myanmar (Burma): The Mogok region, famous for its gemstones, also yields Peridot, though it is less common than other gems like ruby and sapphire from the area.
- Australia: Peridot is found in various locations, including New South Wales and Queensland.
- Brazil, China, and Sri Lanka: These countries also have deposits of Peridot, contributing to the global supply.
The formation in mantle-derived magma and meteorites makes Peridot one of the few gemstones that can be found in both igneous and extraterrestrial environments. Its occurrence in lava flows is particularly interesting, as the gem can sometimes be found in cavities within the rock, often associated with basalt formations.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s gemological properties are defined by its unique chemical composition and physical characteristics. As a variety of olivine, its chemical formula is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄, where magnesium and iron can substitute for each other in the crystal structure. The proportion of iron to magnesium is the key factor determining the stone’s color; higher iron content results in a deeper, more olive-green hue, while lower iron content yields a lighter, yellowish-green shade.
Color: Peridot is celebrated for occurring in only one color family: green. Its color range spans from a bright, lime-like green to a deep olive. The most valued color is a rich, pure green without brown or yellow overtones, often described as "grassy green" or "chartreuse." The color is caused by the presence of trace amounts of iron within the crystal lattice.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, Peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7. This makes it a moderately durable gemstone, suitable for various types of jewelry. However, its hardness is lower than that of sapphire (9) or diamond (10), so it requires some care to avoid scratches from harder materials. Peridot has a conchoidal fracture and lacks distinct cleavage, which means it can break in a curved, shell-like pattern if struck with sufficient force, but it is not prone to splitting along flat planes like some other minerals.
Clarity and Inclusions: Peridot is typically found with some inclusions, which are natural characteristics of the gem. Common inclusions include small, disc-shaped "lily pad" inclusions, needle-like crystals, and gas bubbles. Unlike emeralds, which often have prominent and visible inclusions (jardin), Peridot is generally cleaner and more transparent. Eye-clean Peridot, which shows no visible inclusions to the naked eye, is highly valued and sought after for jewelry.
Cut and Carat Weight: Peridot is cut into a variety of shapes to maximize its color and brilliance. Popular cuts include oval, round, pear, and cushion cuts. Larger Peridot crystals are sometimes found, allowing for the creation of impressive gemstones over 10 carats. However, stones over 5 carats are considered rare and command premium prices. The gem’s refractive index and dispersion are similar to those of other medium-index gemstones, contributing to its lively sparkle when properly cut.
Luster and Optical Properties: Peridot has a vitreous (glass-like) luster. Its refractive index ranges from approximately 1.65 to 1.69, and it is singly refractive. The gem’s dispersion is relatively low, which means it does not exhibit the fiery "fire" seen in diamonds, but its color saturation and clarity give it a distinct and appealing appearance.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.27 - 4.37 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Color Range | Yellowish-green to olive green |
| Common Inclusions | "Lily pad" inclusions, needles, gas bubbles |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and eras, Peridot has been imbued with a wide array of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Its association with light, stemming from its luminous green color, has made it a stone of positivity and protection. In ancient Egypt, as the "gem of the sun," it was thought to harness the power of solar energy, bringing warmth, vitality, and protection to the wearer. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against nightmares, making it a popular amulet.
In medieval Europe, Peridot was linked to healing and emotional clarity. It was thought to promote peace, reduce anger and jealousy, and foster a sense of well-being. The stone’s connection to light also led to beliefs that it could help alleviate depression and bring joy and happiness. For those born in August, Peridot is said to bring good fortune, prosperity, and success. It is often associated with personal growth, renewal, and the nurturing of positive relationships.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to highlight Peridot’s properties. It is considered a stone of abundance and prosperity, believed to attract wealth and success in business. Emotionally, it is said to open the heart to joy and new relationships, releasing past burdens and encouraging forward movement. Spiritually, Peridot is associated with the heart chakra, promoting compassion and forgiveness. While these beliefs are not scientifically verified, they contribute to the gem’s enduring appeal and cultural significance.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of Peridot jewelry. Given its moderate hardness and lack of cleavage, Peridot is relatively durable but can be susceptible to scratches and damage if not handled carefully. To ensure your Peridot remains vibrant for generations, follow these care guidelines:
Cleaning: Peridot can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations can potentially damage the stone, especially if it has inclusions. Steam cleaning is also not recommended. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. For routine maintenance, a gentle wipe with a soft cloth can help remove oils and dust.
Storage: Store Peridot jewelry separately from other gemstones to prevent scratching. Harder gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies can scratch Peridot, so it is best to keep it in its own compartment in a jewelry box or wrapped in a soft cloth. Avoid storing it with other jewelry that may cause abrasion.
Handling: While Peridot is suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants, it is advisable to remove it during activities that could expose it to hard impacts or chemicals. Avoid wearing Peridot while gardening, exercising, or engaging in heavy manual work. Also, remove jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray, as chemicals can dull the stone’s surface over time.
Professional Maintenance: Periodically, have your Peridot jewelry inspected by a professional jeweler. They can check for loose settings, prongs, and any signs of wear that might require repair. Professional cleaning can also help restore the stone’s luster if it has become dull.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a gemstone of remarkable distinction and history. Its singular green hue, ranging from bright lime to deep olive, sets it apart in the gemological world. From its ancient origins in the Egyptian desert and the Red Sea to its modern sources in Pakistan and Arizona, Peridot has captivated humanity for millennia. Its journey from being mistaken for emerald to earning its place as the primary modern birthstone for August is a testament to its unique properties and compelling lore. As the birthstone for August 14th, Peridot embodies themes of light, growth, and prosperity, offering a vibrant connection to nature’s geological wonders. Whether appreciated for its scientific intrigue, historical depth, or symbolic significance, Peridot remains a cherished gem that continues to shine brightly in the world of jewelry and gemology.