Peridot, a gemstone celebrated for its distinctive lime-green hue, holds the esteemed position of August’s primary birthstone. Throughout history, this vibrant gem has been revered for its beauty, believed to possess healing properties, and even mistaken for more valuable stones like emeralds. Its unique formation, often linked to volcanic activity and even extraterrestrial origins, adds to its mystique. This article will delve into the history, geological sources, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of peridot, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history stretches back millennia, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations. Many historians believe that the stunning green gems adorning Cleopatra’s jewelry were, in fact, peridot rather than emeralds. This association with royalty and power established peridot as a gem of high status. In ancient Egypt, priests utilized goblets encrusted with peridot, believing the stone harnessed the power of nature and facilitated communion with their deities.
The name “peridot” originates from the ancient Greek word “peridona,” meaning “to radiate wealth.” Another historical name for the gem, “chrysolite,” translates to “golden stone.” These early designations reflect the gem’s perceived value and aesthetic appeal. Medieval times saw peridot adorning shrines, further cementing its place in religious and cultural practices.
Legends surrounding peridot are abundant. Ancient beliefs connected the gemstone to the sun, attributing to it the power to bring energy and happiness to its wearer. Hawaiian folklore tells of peridot gems as the tears of Pele, the goddess of elements, falling to earth with the rain. Remarkably, small peridot crystals are found washing ashore near volcanic areas in Oahu, Hawaii, lending credence to this captivating myth. A less substantiated, yet intriguing, claim suggests that some peridot crystals originate from pallasite meteorites, dating back 4.5 billion years, hinting at an extraterrestrial origin.
In the 16th century, German occult writer Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa proposed that holding peridot to the sun would reveal a golden star, capable of healing respiratory ailments. Apothecaries even utilized powdered peridot as a remedy for insomnia, bleeding, madness, and nightmares, as well as to improve memory and ease childbirth. While these medicinal claims lack scientific validation, they demonstrate the profound faith placed in the stone’s healing abilities throughout history. A romantic anecdote suggests Napoleon gifted peridot to Josephine as a token of his affection.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. The gemstone is composed of olivine, a mineral commonly found in basalt and other volcanic rocks. It is often found in rocks created by volcanoes, and less commonly, within meteorites.
Historically, significant peridot deposits have been located in various regions around the world. Today, much of the peridot available on the market is hand-mined by Native Americans on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. However, faceted peridot from this region is typically found in smaller sizes, rarely exceeding five carats. Larger, finer peridot stones are sourced from Burma (Myanmar) and China.
A notable discovery in 1994 revealed a new deposit of high-quality peridot in Pakistan, situated 15,000 feet above sea level on the western side of the Himalayan Mountains. Other sources include locations in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Tanzania.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is unique among gemstones in that it consistently occurs in shades of green, ranging from yellowish-green to brownish-green, with the most desirable stones exhibiting a vibrant lime-green or olive-green color. This coloration is attributed to the presence of iron within the stone’s chemical composition. The intensity of the green hue is directly proportional to the amount of iron present.
While specific gemological data like refractive index and hardness are not provided in the sources, it is noted that peridot is crystalline in appearance. The sources do not provide a Mohs hardness scale comparison. Peridot is often set in silver, gold, or platinum to enhance its beauty and durability.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been imbued with symbolic meaning. It is often associated with nature, energy, and happiness. Ancient cultures believed it possessed protective qualities, warding off evil spirits, as exemplified by Cleopatra’s belief in its power to keep dark forces at bay.
The stone’s connection to the sun was also prominent, with the belief that it brought vitality and positive energy to its owner. Red spinel, often mistaken for peridot, was thought to remedy blood loss and inflammatory diseases, promoting harmony and easing anger. While these beliefs are rooted in folklore and tradition, they contribute to the enduring appeal of peridot.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care and cleaning instructions for peridot. However, given its composition and crystalline structure, gentle care is advisable to maintain its brilliance.
Conclusion
Peridot, the captivating lime-green birthstone of August, boasts a rich history, fascinating geological origins, and enduring symbolic significance. From adorning the jewelry of ancient rulers like Cleopatra to being revered in Hawaiian folklore as the tears of a goddess, peridot has captivated humanity for centuries. Its unique formation, often linked to volcanic activity and even extraterrestrial sources, adds to its allure. While specific gemological details are limited within the provided sources, the available information paints a picture of a gemstone steeped in history, beauty, and enduring mystique.