Peridot, the vibrant green birthstone for August, boasts a fascinating history and unique geological origins. Often mistaken for emerald in the past, this gem has captivated civilizations for millennia, valued for its beauty, protective qualities, and even its supposed connection to celestial events. This article delves into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of peridot, drawing upon available knowledge of this captivating gemstone.
History and Lore
The story of peridot stretches back thousands of years. Its history is intertwined with misidentification, royal adornment, and ancient beliefs. The island of Topazios in the Red Sea, now known as Zabargad, was a significant early source, and was often mistakenly believed to be the origin of topaz – the name actually deriving from the peridot found there. As early as the second century BCE, peridot adorned the jewelry of priests, and later graced the chalices and churches of medieval Europe.
Some historians speculate that the famed emerald collection of Cleopatra may have actually consisted largely of peridot. This misidentification persisted for centuries, as the gem’s yellowish-green to greenish-yellow hue could easily be confused with the richer tones of emerald. It wasn’t until the development of modern gemology that accurate identification became possible.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, peridot was considered a protective talisman, believed to ward off evil spirits and “terrors of the night.” This belief contributed to its widespread use in religious artifacts and personal adornment. The gem is also traditionally given as a gift to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary. Legend even suggests Napoleon gifted peridot to Josephine as a symbol of his love.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem variety of the mineral olivine, formed under extreme conditions. It is brought to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity, carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle in hardened lava. More remarkably, peridot can also be found in meteorites, having journeyed to Earth from outer space.
While peridot has been sourced from various locations globally, certain regions are particularly renowned for their quality and yield. The Egyptian island of Zabargad, historically known as Topazios, remains a significant, though challenging, source. Mining on the island was historically difficult, earning it ominous names like the Island of Death and Ophiodes (“snake island”). Peridot from Zabargad is still highly prized and can be found in prestigious museum collections.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is another important source, with fine-quality peridot crystals found on the northern slope of Kyaukpon. The United States, specifically Arizona, is a major modern source, with much of the peridot currently available in the market mined on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Native American miners hand-mine the peridot, typically yielding faceted stones rarely exceeding five carats in size.
A significant discovery in 1994 revealed a new deposit of fine peridot in Pakistan, located 15,000 feet above sea level in the Himalaya Mountains. Additional sources include China, Tanzania, and Vietnam, as well as the unique occurrence of peridot sands on Peridot Beach in Hawaii.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s chemical formula is not explicitly stated in the provided sources, but it is identified as a gem variety of olivine. The gem typically exhibits a yellowish-green to greenish-yellow color. Its hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than many other gemstones and less suitable for daily wear in rings.
Peridot is susceptible to damage from acids and even prolonged exposure to acidic perspiration. The gem’s chemical instability on Earth’s surface contributes to its relative rarity, as olivine tends to weather and degrade over time. Large, gem-quality crystals of forsterite, the variety most often used for peridot gems, are particularly rare.
Peridot found as a result of volcanic activity tends to contain higher concentrations of lithium, nickel, and zinc compared to peridot found in meteorites. The largest cut peridot currently weighs 311.78 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been associated with various positive attributes and beliefs. It is thought to bring prosperity and happiness, and to protect against negative energy. Some believe it enhances the effects of healing medicines and promotes restful sleep and peaceful dreams. These metaphysical properties contribute to the gem’s enduring appeal as a talisman for protection and well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively lower hardness, peridot requires careful handling and cleaning. Steam and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, as the gem is vulnerable to thermal shock. The safest method for cleaning peridot is to use a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap in warm water. It is also advisable to store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Conclusion
Peridot, the August birthstone, is a gem of captivating beauty and intriguing origins. From its ancient association with royalty and religious significance to its unique formation in volcanic lava and even meteorites, peridot’s story is one of geological wonder and cultural fascination. Its vibrant green hue, coupled with its perceived protective qualities, continues to make it a cherished gemstone for jewelry, collectors, and those seeking a connection to the Earth and the cosmos.