Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, boasts a history stretching back millennia, deeply intertwined with ancient civilizations and enduring cultural significance. Revered as the “gem of the sun” by the Egyptians, and later valued throughout medieval Europe and beyond, peridot continues to captivate with its unique color and fascinating origins. Today, it is recognized as the primary birthstone for August, offering a beautiful and accessible option for those born in that month. This article will explore the history, geological sources, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism of this remarkable gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of peridot begins in the second millennium BC, with its prominent use in ancient Egypt. Gemstones were sourced from the volcanic island of Topazios in the Red Sea, now known as St. John’s Island or Zabargad. Egyptians held peridot in high esteem, believing it possessed protective qualities, shielding wearers from terrors of the night. This association with the sun is reflected in its moniker, “gem of the sun.” Some historians even speculate that the famed emerald collection of Cleopatra may have, in fact, consisted largely of peridot, a testament to the gem’s value and desirability in ancient times.
The confusion between peridot and emerald persisted through medieval times. For centuries, many green gemstones were misidentified. Notably, the 200-carat stones adorning a shrine in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were initially believed to be emeralds, but were later confirmed to be peridots. This demonstrates the historical difficulty in distinguishing between these two green gems.
Peridot experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s, spurred by the discovery of new deposits in Pakistan. These deposits yielded exceptional quality peridots, with some specimens exceeding 100 carats in size, dubbed “Kashmir peridots.” This influx of fine material renewed interest in the gemstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s journey to the surface is often quite remarkable. While some peridot is found in host rocks, a significant amount reaches Earth via meteorites. This extraterrestrial origin adds to the gem’s mystique. More commonly, peridot is found in volcanic basalt, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity.
Historically, the island of Zabargad served as a primary source of peridot for centuries. Mining on the island began around 340–279 BCE, though the harsh conditions earned it ominous nicknames like “Island of Death” and “Ophiodes” (snake island). Despite the challenging environment, Zabargad peridot remains highly prized and can be found in prestigious museum collections.
Today, the most productive peridot deposit is located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. This location accounts for an estimated 80 to 95 percent of the world’s peridot supply, making it a crucial source for meeting modern demand. Additional sources include China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Vietnam, as well as Peridot Beach in Hawaii, where the sands themselves shimmer with a luminous green hue.
Gemological Properties
The name “peridot” originates from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem.” While a precise chemical formula is not provided in the available sources, peridot is consistently described as a green gemstone. The sources do not provide details on its clarity, cut, or carat weight beyond noting that specimens can exceed 100 carats.
The sources do not provide information on peridot’s refractive index, specific gravity, or other detailed gemological properties. However, they do highlight its historical confusion with emerald, suggesting a similar visual appearance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Ancient Egyptians and modern enthusiasts alike revere peridot as a stone of compassion, peace, harmony, good health, and restful sleep. It was used as a protective talisman, believed to shield the wearer from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.”
In more recent times, peridot is associated with celebrating a 16th wedding anniversary. The sources also mention that Hindus believed wearing yellow topaz (though this is a separate gemstone) above the heart would prevent thirst and ensure long life, beauty, and intelligence. While this belief is attributed to topaz, it illustrates the broader tradition of assigning beneficial properties to gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
The available sources do not provide specific instructions for the care and cleaning of peridot. However, given its geological origin and association with volcanic activity, it can be inferred that peridot is a relatively durable gemstone. Further research would be needed to determine its specific hardness and susceptibility to damage.
Conclusion
Peridot stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones and their deep connection to human history and culture. From its origins as the “gem of the sun” in ancient Egypt to its modern status as the August birthstone, peridot has captivated civilizations for millennia. The discovery of new deposits and a renewed appreciation for its vibrant green color have ensured its continued popularity. While the available sources do not provide a comprehensive gemological profile, they offer a compelling glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of this remarkable gemstone.