The world of gemstones offers a captivating blend of scientific wonder, historical intrigue, and cultural symbolism. Among these treasures, peridot stands out as the recognized birthstone for August, alongside sardonyx. While not extensively detailed within the provided sources, a picture emerges of a gem with a history intertwined with ancient civilizations and a vibrant green hue that has captivated observers for centuries. This article will explore the available information regarding peridot, encompassing its identification as a birthstone, its historical context, and limited gemological details.
Historical Recognition and Birthstone Status
The sources clearly establish peridot as a designated birthstone for the month of August. A list of birthstones by month identifies peridot alongside sardonyx as the stones associated with those born in August. This designation, as the sources indicate, represents the “official” list currently in use. The historical context surrounding the adoption of peridot as a birthstone is not detailed within these materials, but its consistent inclusion in modern lists underscores its enduring appeal and symbolic significance.
Limited Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer minimal insight into the gemological properties of peridot. However, one source briefly mentions it as a “green transparent form of beryl,” which is inaccurate. Peridot is an olivine mineral, not a beryl. This highlights the importance of source evaluation, as this claim appears as a definition within a crossword puzzle answer context and is not corroborated elsewhere. The same source describes it as “highly valued as a gemstone,” indicating its desirability in the jewelry market.
Further gemological details, such as hardness, refractive index, chemical composition, or typical clarity grades, are absent from the provided materials. The sources do not offer information regarding the cut and carat weight typically associated with peridot gemstones.
Historical and Cultural Mentions
While a comprehensive historical account is lacking, the sources offer glimpses into the cultural significance of related concepts. A reference to Pan, the Greek god of the wild, and the origin of the word “panic” provides a tangential connection to the natural world, a realm often associated with the discovery of gemstones. The mention of the Grand Ole Opry and its origins, while unrelated to peridot directly, demonstrates the enduring power of naming and association – a process mirrored in the naming of gemstones and their connection to specific months.
The sources also touch upon historical figures and events, such as Naomi Wolf and Barack Obama, but these are entirely unrelated to peridot and serve only to illustrate the diverse content within the source materials. The reference to fieldstone, used in construction, offers a connection to the earth and the raw materials from which gemstones are sourced, though it does not specifically relate to peridot.
Crossword Context and Popular Culture
The primary context for the provided sources is their use in solving crossword puzzles. This reveals how gemstones, like peridot, enter the public consciousness through popular culture and wordplay. The inclusion of “Peridot” as an answer to “August birthstone” in a crossword puzzle demonstrates its recognition as a cultural touchstone. The USA Today Crossword is described as a source of “entertainment and mental stimulation,” suggesting that even casual engagement with puzzles can contribute to awareness of gemstones.
The Absence of Detailed Information
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the provided sources. The information regarding peridot is sparse and lacks the depth expected in a comprehensive gemological article. The sources primarily function as answers to crossword clues or as contextual information within puzzle-solving guides. Consequently, a substantial portion of the expected content – detailed geological formation, mining locations, care and cleaning instructions, and nuanced metaphysical beliefs – is entirely absent.
The sources do not provide any information regarding the origin of the name "peridot," its historical trade routes, or its use in ancient jewelry. The metaphysical properties associated with peridot, often cited in gemological literature, are also not mentioned. The lack of detail necessitates a cautious approach, relying solely on the limited information available and avoiding any speculation or extrapolation.
Conclusion
The provided sources confirm peridot’s status as a recognized birthstone for August. While the information is limited, it establishes the gem as “highly valued” and acknowledges its vibrant green color. The sources’ primary function as crossword puzzle clues highlights the role of popular culture in disseminating knowledge about gemstones. However, the lack of detailed gemological, historical, and cultural information underscores the need for more comprehensive sources to fully explore the fascinating world of peridot. The available data offers only a glimpse into the story of this verdant gem, leaving much to be discovered beyond the scope of these materials.