Peridot, the vibrant green birthstone for August, boasts a history as captivating as its color. Prized for centuries and even mistakenly identified as other gems like emeralds, peridot holds a unique place in the world of gemstones, originating from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial sources. This article delves into the fascinating world of peridot, exploring its history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care.
History and Lore
Peridot’s story stretches back millennia. As early as the second century BCE, it was valued and incorporated into the jewelry of priests. Throughout medieval Europe, peridot adorned chalices and churches, demonstrating its significance in religious art and practice. The gem was also historically employed as a protective talisman, believed to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. The name “peridot” itself originates from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning gem, highlighting its long-held status as a precious stone.
Ancient Egyptians held peridot in high regard, with some historians speculating that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually consisted largely of peridot. The island of Topazios in the Red Sea, now known as Zabargad, was a significant source of this gem, though mining there was notoriously difficult due to the island’s harsh conditions, earning it ominous nicknames like “Island of Death.” Peridot from Zabargad remains highly sought after and can be found in prestigious museum collections worldwide.
Beyond its historical use, peridot is also associated with celebrations of enduring love, serving as the traditional gem to commemorate a 16th wedding anniversary. A romantic legend even suggests that Napoleon gifted peridot to Josephine as a token of his affection.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem-quality form of the mineral olivine, formed under extreme conditions. Most peridot is found within volcanic rocks, specifically igneous rocks created deep underground. This means that areas with a history of volcanic activity are prime locations for peridot discovery. However, what sets peridot apart is its unique extraterrestrial origin – it can also be found within meteorites that have fallen to Earth.
Today, significant quantities of peridot are mined from several locations around the globe. The San Carlos Reservation in Arizona is a major source, though the peridot found there is typically smaller and lighter in color compared to stones from other regions. Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and China are also important mining locations. More recently, a notable deposit was discovered in Pakistan in 1994, situated 15,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayan Mountains. Other sources include Kenya, Tanzania, and Vietnam. A unique location, Peridot Beach in Hawaii, even boasts sands that shimmer with a luminous green hue due to the presence of peridot.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s distinctive color ranges from golden to deep olive green, a result of its iron content. It is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow variety of the mineral olivine. While often compared to emeralds, modern gemological techniques allow for easy differentiation between the two.
On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot registers between 6.5 and 7, making it durable enough for everyday wear, but still susceptible to scratches and chips. Jewelers often recommend protective settings, such as bezels, particularly for rings, to safeguard the stone.
While large peridot stones are relatively rare, the largest cut peridot currently weighs an impressive 311.78 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Faceted peridot from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona is rarely found exceeding five carats in size, while finer, larger specimens are more commonly sourced from Burma.
Here's a summary of Peridot's key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 - 3.48 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been imbued with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. It is often associated with renewal, protection, and the energy of the sun, earning it the nickname “gem of the sun.” Many believe peridot carries the gift of inner radiance, sharpening the mind and opening the heart to growth, ultimately helping individuals discover their true purpose.
Beyond these general associations, peridot is thought to bring prosperity and happiness, protect against negative energy, and enhance the effects of healing medicines. It is also believed to promote restful sleep and peaceful dreams. As such, many individuals wear peridot jewelry as a talisman for protection and overall well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Peridot’s hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale requires careful handling to prevent scratches and chips. It is advisable to remove peridot jewelry before engaging in strenuous activities or when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Cleaning peridot is relatively straightforward. Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are generally sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as these can potentially damage the stone. After cleaning, rinse the peridot thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning will help maintain the gem’s brilliance and luster. Protective settings, like bezels, are recommended, especially for rings, to minimize the risk of damage.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a captivating gemstone with a rich history, unique geological origins, and enduring appeal. From its ancient roots in Egyptian royalty and medieval religious art to its modern status as the August birthstone, peridot continues to inspire and enchant. Its vibrant green hue, coupled with its symbolic associations of renewal, protection, and prosperity, makes it a cherished gem for jewelry lovers and a fascinating subject for gemological study. Whether sourced from the Earth’s mantle or delivered on a meteorite, peridot remains a testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.