The provided sources, unfortunately, offer extremely limited information pertaining to gemstones, specifically the August birthstone, Peridot. The documents primarily focus on retail practices of a fine china company (Lenox) and the industrial piping solutions offered by Forxar Industries. Consequently, a 2000-word comprehensive article on Peridot, adhering to the strict guidelines of utilizing only the provided sources, is impossible. This article will summarize the available information and highlight the limitations imposed by the source material. It will also briefly outline what a complete article would contain, based on standard gemological knowledge, to illustrate the extent of missing information.
The sources do not contain any information regarding the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, or care of Peridot. They do not mention its association with the month of August or its status as a birthstone. The only information available relates to commercial practices and industrial applications, which are irrelevant to a discussion of gemstones.
However, we can extrapolate some general principles from the provided text. Lenox’s statement regarding Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and market pricing could be analogously applied to the gemstone market. The MSRP for a Peridot piece may not reflect the actual selling price, which fluctuates based on quality, size, and market demand. Forxar’s emphasis on “high-quality” and “reliability” could be considered desirable attributes in a gemstone as well – a Peridot of high clarity and consistent color would be considered more valuable.
Historical Context (Limited by Sources)
The sources offer no historical context for Peridot. A complete article would detail Peridot’s ancient origins, tracing its use back to ancient Egypt, where it was known as the “stone of the sun.” Egyptians mined Peridot on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, and it was favored by Cleopatra. Romans also valued Peridot, referring to it as “evening emerald” due to its green hue, which remained vibrant even in low light. Medieval Christians believed Peridot possessed healing powers and used it in ecclesiastical settings. The gem’s journey to becoming the August birthstone is a story spanning millennia, entirely absent from the provided materials.
Geological Formation and Sources (Absent from Sources)
The provided sources contain no information about the geological formation of Peridot or its mining locations. A comprehensive article would explain that Peridot is a variety of olivine, a magnesium-iron silicate mineral. It forms deep within the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Major sources of Peridot include Myanmar (Burma), Egypt (Zabargad Island and Ras Barud), Pakistan, Vietnam, the United States (Arizona), and Brazil. The quality and color intensity vary depending on the source.
Gemological Properties (No Data in Sources)
The sources are entirely devoid of gemological data. A complete article would include the following:
- Chemical Formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5 – 7
- Specific Gravity: 3.34 – 3.48
- Refractive Index: 1.654 – 1.689
- Color: Typically olive green, but can range from yellowish-green to brownish-green.
- Clarity: Generally clear, but may contain inclusions.
- Cut: Commonly faceted, but also found in cabochons.
- Carat Weight: Peridot is often found in smaller sizes, with stones over 3 carats being relatively rare.
A table summarizing these properties would be beneficial, but is impossible to create given the lack of data.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs (Not Covered in Sources)
The sources do not address the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with Peridot. Historically, Peridot has been believed to possess protective powers, warding off evil spirits and bringing good health and prosperity. It is often associated with abundance, growth, and renewal. In modern crystal healing, Peridot is thought to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance intuition. These beliefs, however, are not supported by the provided materials.
Care and Cleaning (No Information in Sources)
The sources offer no guidance on the care and cleaning of Peridot. A complete article would advise gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Peridot is relatively soft and susceptible to scratches, so it should be stored separately from harder gemstones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Market Value (Indirectly Referenced in Sources)
Lenox’s discussion of MSRP versus market price provides a very indirect parallel to the gemstone market. The value of Peridot depends on its color, clarity, size, and cut. High-quality Peridot with a vibrant green color and minimal inclusions commands a higher price. The market value can fluctuate based on supply and demand. However, specific pricing information is absent from the provided sources.
Conclusion
The provided sources are insufficient to create a comprehensive article on Peridot. The documents focus on unrelated commercial and industrial topics, lacking any information regarding the gemstone’s history, geology, properties, symbolism, or care. This article has attempted to extrapolate some general principles from the available text, but its scope is severely limited. A complete article would require access to authoritative gemological resources, historical texts, and geological surveys – materials not included in the provided dataset. The exercise highlights the critical importance of relevant source material when attempting to create informative and accurate content.