Peridot, a gem celebrated for its vibrant green hues, holds the distinction as a primary birthstone for August, alongside spinel and sardonyx. Revered throughout history and often mistaken for emeralds, peridot boasts a unique origin story – forming in the depths of volcanic rock and even arriving on Earth via meteorites. This article delves into the history, geological formation, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this captivating gemstone, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
Peridot’s history stretches back millennia. Evidence suggests its use in ancient Egyptian jewelry as early as 2000 BC, sourced from a volcanic island in the Red Sea, now known as St. John’s Island (formerly Topazios). This island’s name led to a historical misnomer, with peridot frequently being referred to as “topaz” in ancient texts. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, also contributed to this confusion, referencing the “topaz” of Topazios, which was, in fact, peridot.
The stone’s association with royalty is particularly notable. Many historians speculate that the famed emeralds of Cleopatra were, in reality, peridots. Throughout the medieval period, peridot adorned shrines, demonstrating its continued religious and aesthetic significance. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral features approximately 200 carats of gems initially believed to be emeralds, but later identified as peridot. This enduring association with wealth and power earned peridot the ancient Greek name “peridona,” meaning “to radiate wealth.”
More recently, in 2016, the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association officially recognized spinel as an additional August birthstone, updating the birthstone list for the first time in over a century. However, peridot remains the classic and most popular choice for those born in August.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s formation is intrinsically linked to volcanic activity. The gem is primarily formed within rocks created by volcanoes, and, remarkably, can even be found in meteorites that have reached Earth from outer space. For over 3,500 years, a significant source of peridot was the island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, though this source is now largely exhausted.
Today, peridot is sourced from various locations worldwide. These include Norway, Pakistan, Brazil, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), China, and the United States, particularly the state of Arizona and the Hawaiian Islands. The presence of iron within the gem’s formation environment dictates the intensity of its green coloration.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. It is characterized by its distinctive green color, ranging from yellowish-green to brownish-green, with the most desirable stones exhibiting a vibrant lime-green or olive-green hue. This coloration is a direct result of the presence of iron within the crystal structure; the more iron present, the more intense the green.
Unlike many gemstones, peridot typically occurs in a single color, although shades can vary. It is often compared to emeralds due to its green color, leading to historical confusion between the two. However, peridot possesses a unique brilliance, often described as shining even in low light, earning it the nickname “evening emerald.”
Peridot’s chemical formula is not explicitly stated in the provided sources. However, it is identified as deriving from the mineral olivine. The sources do not provide information on its refractive index, specific gravity, or crystal system.
The following table summarizes key characteristics:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Color | Yellowish-green to brownish-green |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Notable Feature | Single color range (various shades of green) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, peridot has been attributed with various symbolic meanings and healing powers. In ancient Egypt, it was known as the “stone of the sun” and was believed to possess protective qualities. Some sources suggest extensive healing powers, though these claims are not substantiated by formal gemological data.
The name “chrysolite,” another term for peridot, translates from Greek to “golden stone,” reflecting its perceived value and radiance. The association with wealth, as indicated by the name “peridona” (to radiate wealth), further underscores its historical significance as a symbol of prosperity and status.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer detailed guidance on peridot care. However, given its composition and properties, general gemstone care principles apply. Peridot’s hardness is not explicitly stated, but as a silicate mineral, it requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. It is recommended to set peridot in jewelry made of silver, gold, or platinum to protect it. Further research into its Mohs hardness would be beneficial for providing more specific care instructions.
Conclusion
Peridot, the captivating green birthstone of August, boasts a rich history intertwined with ancient civilizations, royalty, and volcanic origins. From its potential presence in Cleopatra’s famed collection to its discovery in meteorites, peridot’s journey is as fascinating as its vibrant color. While often mistaken for emeralds, peridot possesses a unique brilliance and symbolism that sets it apart. As a gem formed under extreme conditions, peridot embodies resilience and enduring beauty, making it a cherished gemstone for centuries to come.