Peridot - Birthstone of August
Those born in the month of August have a plethora of birthstones to choose from today. However, Peridot is regarded as the primary gem birthstone for August. It’s also the 15th-anniversary gem, and the zodiac stone for Leo. Peridot is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as 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. The gem is prized for its restful yellowish green hues and long history.
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, olive green. The intensity and tint of the green, however, depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. Olivine, of which peridot is a type, is a common mineral in mafic and ultramafic rocks, and it is often found in lavas and in peridotite xenoliths of the mantle, which lavas carry to the surface; but gem-quality peridot only occurs in a fraction of these settings. Peridot can be also found in meteorites.
Definition:
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, and iron is the cause of its attractive yellowish green colors. The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic “faridat”, meaning gem. is usually found as nodules (rounded rocks with peridot crystals inside) in volcanic rock, occasionally as crystals lining veins in mountains of Myanmar and Pakistan, and sometimes inside meteorites.
Geologists believe all types of deposits relate to the spreading of the seafloor that occurs when the earth’s crust splits, and rocks from its mantle are pushed up to the surface. Sometimes these rocks can be altered, deformed, and incorporated into mountain ranges by later earth movements.
The color range for peridot is narrow, from a brown-green color to yellowish green to pure green. Yellowish green is the most common color seen in jewelry.
The History of Peridot:
This August birthstone has always been associated with light. In fact, the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”. From the earliest times, people confused this stone with other gems, such as topaz and emerald.
The ancient Egyptians mined Peridot on the Red Sea island of Topazios, (now known as St. John’s Island, or Zabargad), the source for many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. Legend has it that the island was infested with snakes, making mining unpleasant until an enterprising pharaoh drove them into the sea.
This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. It appeared in priest’s jewelry as early as the second century BCE and later in the chalices and churches of medieval Europe.
Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz”, actually produced peridot.
The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, the August birthstone peridot.
Some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
Symbolism:
Augusts’ Birthstone is Peridot, Legendary for Protection, Love, and Prosperity. Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.
The peridot birthstone has been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night”, especially when it is set in gold. Some would string the gems on donkey hair and tie them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.
This stone is a powerful cleanser in releasing and neutralizing toxins on all levels. It purifies the physical bodies and the mind. It opens, cleanses, and activates the heart and solar plexus chakras. The stone releases negative patterns and old vibrations so that a new frequency can be accessed. This visionary crystal helps you to understand your destiny and your spiritual purpose, and is especially helpful to healers.
Psychologically, Peridot alleviates jealousy, resentment, spite, anger and reduces stress. It enhances confidence and assertion without aggression. Peridot promotes psychological clarity and well-being. It is attuned to the attainment of spiritual truth, and regulates the cycles of life.
Mentally, Peridot sharpens the mind and opens it to new levels of awareness. It banishes lethargy, bringing to your attention all the things you have neglected consciously or unconsciously. It helps you take responsibility for your own life. The influence of Peridot can greatly improve difficult relationships.
Papakolea Beach, Hawaii
Location:
Peridot, the August birthstone, has an amazing story. Although most of the peridot seen in jewelry today comes from sources such as Finland, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States, some journeyed to Earth on meteorites, while others are found in exotic locales like Peridot Beach, Hawaii, where the sands shimmer a luminous green.
The Egyptian island of Zabargad (the name now given to Topazios) is the oldest recorded source of this birthstone. Mining may have begun around 340-279 BCE. Although the island produced beautiful peridot, its harsh conditions earned it ominous names like “Island of Death” and “Ophiodes” (Snake Island). Peridot from Zabargad has been prized for centuries and is still highly desirable. The finest specimens of this birthstone for August can be found in prestigious museums around the world.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is another important source of the peridot birthstone. On the northern slope of Kyaukpon, a mountainous region near the gem city of Mogok, loose peridot crystals can sometimes be found in crevices. The finest quality peridot from this locality has deep color and superb transparency.
Arizona is the main source of peridot in the United States. Massive volcanic eruptions many thousands of years ago sent rivers of lava spilling across the desert landscape of what is today the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, where some Apache families have worked the mines for decades.
The good news for Peridot lovers is that new American sources for Peridot in gorgeous, clear yellowish green colors have made it more available and lovelier than ever.
This August birthstone has also come to Earth via pallasite (made of nickel-iron and olivine) meteorites. Thousands of meteorites have hit the earth, many of them containing olivine, but only a few have had gem-quality peridot.
Care & Cleaning:
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, Peridot is softer than many gems and cannot take hard wear, so it is not recommended for daily use in a ring. The August birthstone can also be damaged by some acids and even by long-term exposure to acidic perspiration.
Cleaning peridot is a delicate process. Never use a steam or ultrasonic cleaner, as your peridot birthstone is vulnerable to thermal shock. It is safest to use a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap in warm water. Peridot should be stored with care to avoid scratching by gems with greater hardness.
Why We Love This Gemstone
Extraterrestrial:
Peridot crystals are found in meteorites: some rare extraterrestrial crystals are even big enough to facet as cut gemstones.
Iron Gem:
Most gems are colored by impurities such as iron. Peridot’s color is intrinsically yellow-green. Higher quality stones have an intense color.
Seeing Double:
Peridot has extremely high double refraction: when you look closely through the gem, you can see two of each pavilion facet.
Treasured:
Beautiful, yellowish green Peridot has been treasured since early times.
COLOR
Although the best Peridot is pure grass green, most peridot is yellowish-green.
CLARITY
Most fine peridot is eye clean. Tiny black spots might be visible with magnification.
CUT
Peridot is cut in a wide variety of styles, including ovals, emerald cuts, and cushion cuts.
CARAT
Large crystals of peridot have cut gems more than 50 carats in size.