For those born on August 17th, the birthstone of choice is Peridot — a gemstone celebrated for its radiant green hue and rich historical significance. Known as the "Evening Emerald" for its ability to glow under candlelight, Peridot is a versatile and captivating gem that has been cherished for millennia. This article delves into the geological properties, historical lore, cultural symbolism, and practical care of Peridot, offering a comprehensive overview of the gemstone that makes it a standout choice for August birthdays.
The Historical Significance of Peridot
Peridot has long been admired for its beauty and symbolic meaning. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Romans, held Peridot in high regard. The Egyptians referred to the gemstone as the “gem of the sun,” believing it to possess protective powers and the ability to ward off evil spirits. Its name may even have derived from the Arabic word “zarnikh”, meaning “green gem.”
In ancient Rome, Peridot was known as the “Evening Emerald” due to its striking green color that did not fade in candlelight. This unique property made it especially valuable in a time before electric lighting. Roman jewelry often featured Peridot, and it was considered a gemstone of elegance and prestige.
The gemstone also made its way into medieval European traditions. Peridot was used in ecclesiastical and royal jewelry, and it was sometimes mistakenly referred to as a type of emerald due to its similar color. This misidentification was corrected in the 19th century with advances in mineralogy, allowing for a more accurate classification and appreciation of Peridot’s unique qualities.
Geological Formation and Sources of Peridot
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium iron silicate with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its green color is due to the presence of iron in its crystal structure. The intensity of the green hue depends on the concentration of iron within the stone — the higher the iron content, the deeper the green color becomes.
Peridot forms under high-temperature conditions in the Earth’s mantle, often brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is also found in meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones that can originate from space. This extraterrestrial connection adds to the allure and mystique of Peridot.
The most prized Peridot gemstones come from specific regions known for producing high-quality stones. Myanmar (formerly Burma) is renowned for its deep olive-green Peridot, often considered the most valuable. Other notable sources include the United States, particularly in Arizona, where Peridot is found in basaltic lava flows. Other sources include Brazil, China, Egypt, and Pakistan.
The cut and clarity of the gemstone also influence its appearance and value. Well-cut Peridot stones are known for their brilliance and vivid color. Because Peridot is relatively soft compared to other gemstones (with a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), it requires careful handling and appropriate settings in jewelry to prevent damage.
The Vibrant Green Color of Peridot
The most defining characteristic of Peridot is its distinctive green color. Unlike many gemstones, which derive their color from trace elements, Peridot’s green is directly tied to the presence of iron in its composition. This results in a color range from light yellow-green to deep olive green.
The most sought-after Peridot stones exhibit a vivid green color, often described as “chartreuse” or “lime green.” These stones are especially prized for their brilliance and clarity. The color variation of Peridot is influenced by both its geographic origin and the conditions under which it formed. For example, stones from Myanmar are known for their intense green color, while stones from other regions may have a more yellowish or lighter green hue.
Peridot’s color is further enhanced by the way it interacts with light. A well-cut Peridot gemstone will exhibit excellent brilliance, as it captures and reflects light effectively. This makes it a popular choice for jewelry, particularly for pieces designed to showcase its lively color.
Cultural and Metaphysical Significance of Peridot
Beyond its geological properties and visual appeal, Peridot has long been associated with various cultural and metaphysical beliefs. In ancient times, it was believed to have protective qualities, shielding the wearer from negative energies and evil spirits. This belief was especially strong in Egypt, where Peridot was considered a symbol of life and renewal.
In more modern metaphysical traditions, Peridot is associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote emotional healing, positivity, and joy. It is often used in crystal healing practices to help release negative emotions and encourage a sense of abundance and gratitude. Peridot is also believed to bring clarity to the mind and support personal growth.
In the context of birthstones, Peridot is seen as a symbol of joy, abundance, and emotional clarity. It is considered a stone that helps the wearer release negative patterns and embrace new opportunities. This makes it an especially meaningful gemstone for those born in August, particularly on the 17th.
Peridot in Jewelry and Contemporary Fashion
Peridot is a versatile gemstone that pairs well with both gold and silver settings. Its vibrant green color makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of jewelry styles, from classic and elegant designs to modern and colorful pieces. Peridot can be found in a variety of jewelry forms, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
In recent years, Peridot has gained popularity in contemporary fashion and jewelry design. Its bright green color is particularly well-suited for summer wear, and it is often paired with warm metal tones like gold and rose gold to create a striking contrast. Peridot is also a popular choice for minimalist designs, where the gemstone is the focal point of the piece.
Because of its relatively soft hardness (6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), Peridot is best suited for jewelry that is not subjected to frequent wear and tear. It is ideal for pendants, earrings, and rings that are worn on special occasions. However, with proper care and handling, Peridot can also be incorporated into everyday jewelry designs.
Caring for Peridot
To maintain the beauty and longevity of Peridot jewelry, it is important to follow proper care and cleaning practices. Peridot should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone.
When storing Peridot jewelry, it is best to keep it in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage from other gemstones. Because Peridot is relatively soft, it is also important to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, which can cause the gemstone to crack or break.
When wearing Peridot jewelry, it is advisable to remove it during activities that could cause physical damage, such as sports or heavy manual labor. Peridot is also sensitive to abrasion, so it should be kept away from other hard gemstones that could scratch its surface.
Peridot in Comparison to Other August Birthstones
While Peridot is the traditional birthstone for August, two other gemstones — Spinel and Sardonyx — have also been designated as official August birthstones in modern times. This provides August-born individuals with a wider range of options to choose from, depending on their preferences and style.
Spinel is a gemstone known for its vibrant colors, with the most popular variety being a vivid red that closely resembles ruby. It is also available in a range of other colors, including pink, orange, blue, and black. Spinel is highly durable, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for everyday wear. It is often used in royal and historical jewelry due to its brilliance and clarity.
Sardonyx is a type of onyx with bold bands of red, brown, and white. It is a harder gemstone than Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5–7, and is often used in protective and symbolic jewelry. Sardonyx is associated with strength, stability, and protection, making it a meaningful choice for those who resonate with its symbolic qualities.
Each of these gemstones offers a unique combination of beauty, symbolism, and durability, allowing August-born individuals to choose the one that best aligns with their personality and preferences.
Conclusion
Peridot, the birthstone for August 17th, is a gemstone with a rich history, vibrant color, and meaningful symbolism. Its distinctive green hue, derived from the presence of iron in its crystal structure, sets it apart from other gemstones and makes it a highly sought-after choice for jewelry and personal adornment.
From its ancient origins in Egypt and Rome to its modern popularity in contemporary fashion, Peridot continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. Its association with joy, abundance, and emotional clarity makes it a meaningful and powerful gemstone for those who wear it.
Whether set in a ring, necklace, or earrings, Peridot adds a touch of elegance and vitality to any piece of jewelry. With its unique color, historical significance, and metaphysical properties, Peridot remains a timeless and treasured gemstone for those born in August.