For those born on August 20th, the birthstone that embodies their unique date is peridot, a gemstone renowned for its singular, vibrant green hue. While peridot is one of the three official birthstones for the entire month of August, alongside spinel and sardonyx, it holds a distinct and ancient legacy that sets it apart. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of peridot, drawing upon historical records and gemological data to illuminate its formation, properties, and enduring significance. From its extraterrestrial origins to its role in ancient royal collections, peridot offers a compelling narrative of geological wonder and cultural symbolism. We will delve into the gem’s history, its geological formation and sources, its specific gemological characteristics, its deep-rooted symbolism, and practical guidance for its care, offering a complete portrait of this celebrated green gem.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is as old as human civilization, with its documented use stretching back millennia. One of the earliest and most significant sources of ancient peridot was the island of Zabargad, now known as St. John’s Island, located in the Red Sea. Historical evidence indicates that the ancient Egyptians were mining peridot on this island as early as 1500 B.C. For the Egyptians, peridot was not merely a decorative stone; it was imbued with profound spiritual meaning. They referred to it as the “gem of the sun,” believing it could harness the radiant power of their sun god, Ra. This association with solar energy imbued the stone with a reputation for warmth, vitality, and protection.
Throughout history, peridot’s identity was often shrouded in confusion, frequently mistaken for other more famous green gemstones. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a name believed to be the origin of the word “topaz,” was actually a source of peridot, not topaz. This historical misidentification highlights the visual similarities that have long perplexed gem traders and scholars. Furthermore, some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famed collection of emeralds may have, in part, been composed of peridot. This theory gains credence from the fact that the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is adorned with 200 carats of gems that were long believed to be emeralds but are now identified as peridot. This misattribution persisted for centuries, underscoring peridot’s capacity to rival the appearance of more commercially prized gems.
The name “peridot” itself is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem, a testament to its value in Middle Eastern cultures. Its journey into modern birthstone lists is a more recent development. The National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) established a standardized list of birthstones in 1912, which included peridot for August. This list has been updated over time, but peridot has remained a steadfast choice for the month, a testament to its enduring appeal and recognized significance. For those born on August 20th, this rich history connects them to a lineage of gemstone appreciation that spans from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to medieval European monarchs.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s origin story is uniquely terrestrial and extraterrestrial, setting it apart from most other gemstones. It is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium iron silicate with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. The gem forms under extreme geological conditions, primarily within the Earth’s mantle. It is brought to the surface through volcanic activity, often found embedded within the hardened lava that carries it from depths of up to 200 miles. This process of rapid ascent from the mantle is crucial, as it prevents the mineral from decomposing under lower pressure and temperature conditions closer to the surface.
In addition to its volcanic origins, peridot is also found in pallasite meteorites, which are a type of stony-iron meteorite. These meteorites contain crystals of olivine embedded in an iron-nickel matrix, providing a direct link between peridot and outer space. The discovery of peridot in these celestial bodies confirms that the mineral can form in non-terrestrial environments, adding a cosmic dimension to its allure. The gem’s formation under such "extreme conditions" is a key part of its identity, as noted in gemological literature.
While the Red Sea island of Zabargad is the most historically significant source, modern peridot mining occurs in several locations worldwide. The United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, has become a notable producer of peridot. The San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona is famous for yielding peridot crystals of exceptional quality. Other significant sources include Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), and China. Each location can produce peridot with slightly different characteristics, though the gem’s fundamental properties remain consistent. The variety of sources ensures a steady supply of this gem, though large, high-quality crystals suitable for fine jewelry remain relatively rare.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is distinguished by a set of physical and optical properties that make it both beautiful and durable, though it requires specific care. Its most defining characteristic is its color. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color family: green. The hue is not the result of trace impurities, as is common in many colored gemstones, but is an intrinsic property of its chemical composition, specifically the ratio of iron to magnesium. The color ranges from a light, yellowish-green to a deep, rich olive green. The most prized specimens exhibit a vivid, pure green with a slight yellow undertone, often described as "lime" or "chartreuse." Unlike many gemstones, peridot’s color remains consistent under both natural and artificial light, a quality that led the Romans to call it the "evening emerald."
In terms of hardness, peridot registers a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it suitable for most types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets, but it is softer than sapphire or diamond. Consequently, it is more susceptible to scratches and abrasions from daily wear and should be handled with care. Peridot typically has good clarity, with fewer inclusions than many other gemstones. However, it can contain small, needle-like inclusions or "lily pad" inclusions, which are plate-like crystals that can be seen under magnification. While these inclusions can affect clarity, they are often accepted as part of the stone’s natural character.
The gem’s high refractive index contributes to its brilliance and sparkle. This optical property allows peridot to reflect light effectively, giving it a lively appearance when properly cut. Common cuts for peridot include oval, cushion, and round brilliant cuts, which maximize its light performance. Carat weight is another factor in valuation, with larger peridots being rarer and thus more valuable per carat. However, because peridot can be found in larger crystal sizes compared to some other gemstones, stones over 10 carats are not exceptionally uncommon, though fine quality material becomes scarcer at larger sizes.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate) |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow; exclusively green |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 |
| Common Sources | USA (Arizona), Egypt (historical), Pakistan, Myanmar, China |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism of peridot is deeply intertwined with its vibrant green color and solar associations. In many spiritual and metaphysical traditions, green is the color of the heart chakra, representing love, compassion, emotional balance, and growth. Peridot’s connection to this chakra makes it a popular stone for those seeking to open their hearts to love and heal emotional wounds. It is often described as a stone of abundance, prosperity, and good fortune, believed to attract wealth and success to the wearer.
For those born on August 20th, peridot is said to embody specific qualities. It is associated with friendship and passion, making it a meaningful gem for personal relationships. Its energy is described as warm and inviting, promoting positivity and dispelling negative emotions. The stone’s connection to nature and the earth is emphasized, with beliefs that it helps ground the wearer while encouraging personal growth and renewal. This duality—grounding yet aspirational—reflects the gem’s own formation from the deep Earth to the surface.
The ancient Egyptians’ view of peridot as the "gem of the sun" continues to influence its modern symbolism. It is seen as a stone of light, happiness, and truth, believed to bring clarity and purpose. In contemporary crystal healing practices, peridot is used to stimulate the metabolism and support the health of the spleen, gall bladder, and lymph system. While these metaphysical beliefs are not supported by scientific gemology, they form an integral part of the gem’s cultural legacy and add a layer of personal meaning for many who wear it.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its specific physical properties, peridot requires mindful care to maintain its beauty and integrity. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is durable enough for everyday wear but is softer than many other popular gemstones like sapphire or diamond. This means it can be scratched by harder materials, including dust and dirt, which often contain particles of quartz (hardness 7). To prevent damage, it is advisable to store peridot jewelry separately from other pieces, preferably in a soft cloth or a lined jewelry box.
Cleaning peridot is straightforward but should be done with gentle methods. The safest way to clean peridot is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, bleach, and acids, as these can damage the stone or its settings. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally not recommended for peridot, as the vibrations and intense heat can potentially cause fractures, especially if the stone has existing inclusions.
When wearing peridot jewelry, it is best to put it on after applying cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays, as these products can leave a film on the gem’s surface. Removing jewelry during physical activities, household chores, or gardening can also protect it from accidental knocks and exposure to abrasive substances. With proper care, peridot jewelry can retain its vibrant green glow and serve as a lasting heirloom.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a gemstone of remarkable character, bridging the realms of geological marvel and human history. Its journey from the Earth’s mantle and the depths of space to the hands of ancient Egyptians and modern jewelry enthusiasts is a testament to its enduring appeal. For those born on August 20th, it offers a birthstone rich with symbolism—embodying friendship, passion, renewal, and abundance. Its unique, consistent green hue, a product of its intrinsic composition rather than trace elements, makes it instantly recognizable and cherished. While its relative softness necessitates careful handling, its beauty and historical significance make it a prized addition to any jewelry collection. As the "gem of the sun," peridot continues to radiate warmth and energy, a timeless symbol of growth and connection to both the natural and spiritual worlds.