Peridot, the birthstone for August 26, is a gemstone celebrated for its vibrant green color and rich historical significance. Known as the "evening emerald" and the "gem of the sun," peridot has captivated people for millennia. This gemstone is unique in that it occurs in only one color—green—making it a standout among other gemstones. The shade of peridot can vary from a bright yellow-green to an olive or even a brownish-green, depending on the iron content within the stone. This variation in color is what makes each peridot distinctive and adds to the gem’s appeal.
Peridot is part of a group of three official birthstones for the entire month of August, which also includes spinel and sardonyx. However, peridot stands out as the most historically significant and widely recognized of the three. It is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine and has been revered by various cultures for its beauty and protective properties. The ancient Egyptians referred to it as the “gem of the sun” and believed it to be a powerful protector against evil spirits and bad luck. In medieval Europe, peridot was often mistaken for emerald due to its rich green hue. Today, peridot is recognized as the official birthstone for August since 1912, a title it has held for over a century.
This article delves into the gemological properties, historical lore, cultural symbolism, and practical care of peridot, offering a comprehensive look at why this gemstone remains a cherished choice for those born on August 26.
History and Lore
Peridot has a storied history that traces back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to revere this gemstone, calling it the “gem of the sun.” They believed it held protective powers against evil spirits and bad luck. The gem was often used in jewelry and amulets, which were thought to bring good fortune and ward off negative energies. The Egyptians also believed that peridot was formed from the solidified tears of the goddess Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, according to Hawaiian legend.
In medieval Europe, peridot was often mistaken for emerald due to its rich green hue. It was commonly used in religious and royal jewelry. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, for example, is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot. This misidentification highlights the gem's resemblance to other precious stones and its value in historical contexts.
The name "peridot" comes from the Arabic "faridat," meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures, and its significance has endured through the centuries. Today, peridot is not only a symbol of protection and positivity but also a versatile and affordable gemstone that is suitable for a wide range of jewelry designs.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, which is a silicate mineral composed of magnesium, iron, and silicon. The formation of peridot is a fascinating geological process that occurs under extreme conditions. It can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. This unique formation process gives peridot its distinctive green color and makes it one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color.
The presence of iron in peridot is responsible for its vibrant green hue. The shade of green can vary from a bright yellow-green to an olive or even a brownish-green, depending on the iron content within the stone. This variation in color is what makes each peridot distinctive and adds to the gem’s appeal. Peridot is relatively abundant, but large pure green stones are rare, making them highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Peridot is found in various locations around the world, including the United States, China, Brazil, and Egypt. The United States is one of the largest producers of peridot, with significant deposits found in Arizona, where the gem is the state gemstone. These deposits are found in basaltic lava flows and are mined from the Earth's surface, making them relatively easy to extract compared to other gemstones. In Egypt, peridot has been mined for centuries and was a significant source for the ancient Egyptians, who used it in their jewelry and amulets.
The formation and sources of peridot contribute to its affordability and accessibility, making it a popular choice for those looking to incorporate a birthstone into their jewelry collection. Despite its relative abundance, peridot’s unique properties and historical significance continue to make it a valuable gemstone in the world of jewelry and gemology.
Gemological Properties
Peridot has a set of distinct gemological properties that make it a unique and valuable gemstone. It is a transparent gem variety of the silicate mineral group olivine. Peridot has high double refraction, a glassy luster, and a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7. This hardness level makes peridot suitable for various types of jewelry, although it requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. The gem's high double refraction gives it a distinctive sparkle and makes it appear more vibrant in different lighting conditions.
The colors of peridot range from light green, yellowish-green, to brownish-green. Vibrant green stones are the most favored, but these gems are usually 10+ carats. In smaller sizes, the best color is green with a slight yellow tint. This variation in color is due to the iron content within the stone, which gives peridot its unique hue. The presence of iron also makes peridot one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color—green.
Peridot is not rare in general, but large pure green stones are scarce. This scarcity increases the value of larger peridot stones, making them highly sought after by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. The price of peridot varies depending on its quality, size, and color. A 1 carat peridot can range from $5 to $600, with good quality specimens falling between $50 and $500. Top quality gems are more expensive, reflecting their rarity and beauty.
The gemological properties of peridot, including its hardness, color, and luster, contribute to its popularity in the jewelry industry. Its affordability and accessibility make it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate a birthstone into their jewelry collection. Despite its relative abundance, peridot’s unique properties and historical significance continue to make it a valuable gemstone in the world of jewelry and gemology.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is not only valued for its physical properties but also for its rich symbolism and metaphysical beliefs. Across various cultures and eras, peridot has been associated with protection, positive energy, and spiritual harmony. The ancient Egyptians, who called it the “gem of the sun,” believed it to be a powerful protector against evil spirits and bad luck. This belief was deeply rooted in their culture, and peridot was often used in amulets and jewelry to ward off negative energies and bring good fortune.
In medieval Europe, peridot was often mistaken for emerald due to its rich green hue. However, it was also believed to have its own set of protective properties. It was thought to promote peace and harmony, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their emotional well-being. The gem was also associated with positive energy and was believed to help individuals maintain a sense of balance and calm in their lives.
Modern metaphysical beliefs continue to attribute peridot with protective qualities and the ability to promote positive energy. Some believe that it can protect against negative energy and enhance positive energy, making it a popular choice for those looking to incorporate a birthstone into their spiritual practices. Peridot is also believed to help in the release of negative emotions and to encourage a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with peridot contribute to its enduring popularity. Whether used in jewelry or as a spiritual tool, peridot is seen as a gemstone that can bring protection, positive energy, and emotional balance to those who wear it.
Care and Cleaning
Peridot requires careful handling and cleaning to maintain its beauty and integrity. Due to its hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is relatively durable but can still be scratched or damaged if not handled properly. To clean peridot jewelry, it is recommended to use a soft cloth and mild soap with warm water. A soft-bristled brush can be used to gently remove any dirt or debris from the gemstone. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface of the gem.
When storing peridot jewelry, it should be kept in a soft pouch or a jewelry box lined with a soft material to prevent scratches. Peridot should be stored separately from harder gemstones to avoid any potential damage. It is also advisable to avoid exposing peridot to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, as this can cause the gemstone to crack or fracture.
Peridot is not suitable for exposure to ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause the gemstone to become damaged. Instead, it is best to use a gentle cleaning method that involves a soft cloth and mild soap. It is also important to avoid using any cleaning agents that contain chlorine or ammonia, as these can be harmful to the gemstone.
Regular inspection of peridot jewelry is recommended to ensure that the gemstone remains secure in its setting and that there are no signs of wear or damage. If any issues are detected, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional jeweler to make any necessary repairs. Proper care and maintenance will help ensure that peridot continues to shine and remain a cherished gemstone for years to come.
Conclusion
Peridot, the radiant green birthstone for August 26, is a gemstone that has captivated people for centuries. Its unique properties, rich historical significance, and cultural symbolism make it a valuable and cherished gemstone. From its formation in the Earth’s mantle to its use in ancient Egyptian jewelry, peridot has a storied past that continues to influence its popularity today. Its vibrant green color, caused by the presence of iron, makes each peridot distinctive and adds to its appeal.
The gemological properties of peridot, including its hardness, color, and luster, contribute to its popularity in the jewelry industry. Its affordability and accessibility make it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate a birthstone into their jewelry collection. Despite its relative abundance, peridot’s unique properties and historical significance continue to make it a valuable gemstone in the world of jewelry and gemology.
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with peridot contribute to its enduring popularity. Whether used in jewelry or as a spiritual tool, peridot is seen as a gemstone that can bring protection, positive energy, and emotional balance to those who wear it. Its rich history and cultural significance make it a gemstone that is not only beautiful but also meaningful.
Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving the beauty and integrity of peridot. With gentle cleaning and storage methods, peridot can continue to shine and remain a cherished gemstone for years to come. The combination of its physical properties, historical significance, and cultural symbolism makes peridot a gemstone that is both valuable and meaningful, ensuring its place in the world of gemology and jewelry.