Peridot, the vibrant green birthstone for August, boasts a history as rich and captivating as its color. Revered for centuries and often mistaken for other gems, peridot holds a unique place in both geological formation and human fascination. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of this remarkable gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s story stretches back millennia. Many historians believe that the famed emeralds adorning Cleopatra’s jewelry were, in fact, peridot. This association with royalty and power established peridot as a gem of high status early in its history. Throughout medieval times, peridot continued to be highly valued, frequently used to embellish shrines and religious artifacts.
The name “peridot” itself has a somewhat convoluted history. Originally called “chrysolite,” meaning ‘gold stone’ in Latin, the name peridot emerged around the 13th century. Its etymology is debated, potentially originating from the French language or the Arabic word ‘faridat,’ meaning ‘precious stone.’ For a considerable period, peridot was often confused with both golden topaz and emerald, highlighting the challenges in gem identification before modern gemological techniques. Remarkably, it was once considered more valuable than diamonds, a testament to its historical prestige.
The gem’s association with the sun is also deeply rooted in ancient beliefs. Its ability to reflect light, even in darker conditions, led to its connection with the sun’s radiant energy and its perceived ability to ward off darkness and evil. The stone’s historical significance is further underscored by its presence in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, where 200 carats of gems previously believed to be emeralds were identified as peridot.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a relatively common mineral that readily weathers and degrades. This makes facet-quality peridot a relative rarity. The gemstone’s formation occurs under extreme conditions, often found within hardened lava that has brought it from deep within the Earth’s mantle. Unusually, peridot has also been discovered in meteorites, originating from outer space.
While sources vary, peridot can be found in several locations worldwide. Notable sources include Canada, the USA, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya. Sardonyx, one of the other August birthstones, originates primarily from India, but is also found in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany. Spinel, the newest addition to the August birthstones, is not specifically detailed in terms of origin within the provided sources.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s most defining characteristic is its color. It exists in a range of green hues, from yellowish-green to deep olive green, and even brownish shades. The most sought-after peridot stones are typically lime green or olive green. The color can be compared to a Fancy Vivid Yellowish Green diamond in terms of visual appeal.
When evaluating peridot, buyers often prefer brighter, truer green colors, avoiding very pale or overly brownish tones. However, brownish olive greens can be particularly striking on individuals with Mediterranean or deeper skin tones, while lighter greens complement fairer complexions, especially those with green, blue-green, or hazel eyes.
Clarity is also an important factor in determining a peridot’s value. Stones without inclusions are the most valuable. However, peridots sometimes contain small, flat inclusions known as “lily-pads,” which can catch the light in an undesirable way. Larger stones without inclusions are highly prized, but eye-clean examples are more readily available in smaller sizes.
While the sources do not provide a detailed breakdown of all gemological properties, they do mention that spinel, another August birthstone, has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it harder than peridot. This suggests peridot has a lower hardness value, though the exact figure is not provided.
Here's a table summarizing the key properties of the August birthstones, based on the provided sources:
| Birthstone | Color(s) | Appearance | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Yellowish-green to olive green, brownish shades | Crystal-like | Not specified, but less than 8 |
| Sardonyx | Reddish-brown with white banding | Stone-like, matte | Not specified |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, white, black | Not specified | 8 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is linked to several symbolic meanings. Its radiant quality and light-reflecting properties connected it to the sun in ancient times, symbolizing brightness and the dispelling of darkness. The gem was believed to possess protective qualities, warding off evil and bringing good fortune.
While the sources do not elaborate extensively on metaphysical beliefs, they do indicate that peridot and sardonyx both possess rich symbolism. The reddish-brown color of sardonyx embodies both comfort and power. The differences in appearance between peridot and sardonyx – crystal-like versus stone-like – also contribute to their distinct perceived effects.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for peridot. However, given its relative softness compared to spinel (hardness of 8), it is reasonable to assume that peridot requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage.
Conclusion
Peridot, with its captivating green hues and rich history, remains a significant gemstone. From its possible inclusion in Cleopatra’s jewelry to its prominent place in religious artifacts, peridot has consistently held a position of esteem. Its unique geological origins, found both within the Earth and in meteorites, add to its mystique. While often compared to emeralds, peridot possesses a distinct charm and symbolism that sets it apart as a truly remarkable August birthstone. Alongside sardonyx and spinel, it offers a diverse range of options for those seeking a meaningful and beautiful gemstone.