Peridot, a captivating gemstone celebrated for its distinctive olive-green hue, holds a prominent place in both geological history and cultural lore. Recognized as the primary birthstone for August, alongside spinel and sardonyx, this gem has been prized for millennia, often mistaken for emeralds due to its vibrant color. Its unique origins, ranging from volcanic activity deep within the Earth to extraterrestrial arrival via meteorites, contribute to its mystique and enduring appeal. This article delves into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of peridot, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of peridot is interwoven with the histories of ancient civilizations. Its earliest known source was the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, now known as St. John's Island, where ancient Egyptians discovered and revered these green crystals, calling them the “gem of the sun.” The gem’s association with the sun stemmed from its brilliant color, which mirrored the sun’s radiant glow.
Cleopatra, the famed Egyptian queen, was particularly fond of peridot, incorporating it into her jewelry collection. Some historians even speculate that many of the “emeralds” attributed to Cleopatra were, in fact, peridot. Throughout much of recorded history, peridot was frequently misidentified as emerald, a testament to the similarity in their green coloration. Ancient Romans referred to peridot as the “evening emerald” because its bright green color remained visible even in low light conditions.
Beyond Egypt, peridot held significance for other cultures. Christians used peridot as a talisman, often worn in pendants for protection. Church leaders favored green peridot pendants, believing in their protective powers. The gem was also traditionally gifted to celebrate a 15th wedding anniversary, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Notably, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral features 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds, but now identified as peridot.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem variety of olivine, a magnesium-iron rich silicate mineral. Its formation occurs under extreme conditions, both within the Earth and beyond. The gem is brought to the surface through volcanic activity, originating from deep within the Earth’s mantle. Remarkably, peridot has also been discovered within pallasite meteorites, estimated to be between 4 and 5 billion years old, dating back to the origins of our solar system. In 2005, peridot was even found in comet dust retrieved by the Stardust robotic space probe, further solidifying its extraterrestrial origins.
Historically, the United States was a major producer of peridot, with significant deposits found in Arizona. However, in recent years, competition has increased from China and Pakistan, challenging the United States’ position as the world’s largest producer. Other notable sources include Burma (Myanmar), Norway, Hawaii, and the islands of the Red Sea. A significant discovery of high-quality peridot occurred in Pakistan in the early 1990s, leading to a surge in the availability of these lustrous stones. These Pakistani peridots were subsequently cut and polished in Egypt before being distributed to royalty and gem enthusiasts.
Gemological Properties
Peridot exhibits a unique set of gemological properties that contribute to its distinct character. Unlike many gemstones that occur in a variety of colors, peridot is consistently found in shades of olive green, ranging from yellowish-green to deep dark olive and yellow-green. This consistent coloration is due to its iron content, which determines the specific shade.
Peridot’s hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but susceptible to scratching from harder materials. It possesses extremely high double refraction, meaning that when viewed closely through the gemstone, two of each pavilion facet can be observed. This optical property is a distinctive characteristic of peridot.
Chemically, peridot is composed of magnesium, iron, silicon, and oxygen. Its chemical formula reflects its classification as an olivine mineral. The gem’s density and refractive index contribute to its brilliance and luster.
Here's a table summarizing key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Olive Green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refraction | High Double |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Origin | Volcanic/Meteoritic |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Ancient Egyptians believed the gem possessed protective qualities and associated it with good health, relief from anxiety, and abundance of wealth. Legends claimed that peridot promoted happiness and self-esteem.
Modern beliefs continue to attribute positive qualities to peridot. It is thought to increase prosperity, growth, and openness, as well as strengthen life. Some believe it enhances communication skills, promotes restful sleep, and wards off evil. As the birthstone for August, peridot is cherished for symbolizing wealth, luck, and happiness.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot requires careful handling to prevent scratches. It is advisable to avoid wearing peridot jewelry during strenuous activities or when exposed to harsh chemicals.
Cleaning peridot is relatively straightforward. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as these can potentially damage the gem. After cleaning, rinse the peridot thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. Regular cleaning will help maintain the gem’s brilliance and luster.
Conclusion
Peridot, the “gem of the sun,” stands as a testament to the Earth’s geological forces and the enduring fascination of humanity with beautiful stones. From its ancient origins in the Red Sea to its extraterrestrial presence in meteorites, peridot’s unique history and captivating green hue have cemented its place as a treasured gemstone. As the birthstone for August, it continues to symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and happiness, making it a meaningful and cherished possession for generations to come. Its consistent color, coupled with its relatively accessible price point, makes it a popular choice for jewelry enthusiasts and a fascinating subject for students of gemology.