Peridot, the birthstone for August,
is a variety of Olivine,
and it is a gemstone that
only comes in one color - green -
unlike other gemstones, such as garnet and sapphire,
that come in many colors.
Peridot comes in shades of green,
from yellowish green to dark olive green.
Peridot is known as the gift to
celebrate the 16th anniversary.
Peridot, is also known as the birthstone
of those born under the sign of Leo
and the month of August.
The sign of Leo is represented by the lion
and is ruled by the sun.
Leos are considered warm, joyful,
charming, smart and funny people
with sunny personalities.
Those born under the sun sign of Leo
are sometimes also known as dramatic.
Interestingly, peridot stones make
dramatic entrances to our earth.
They either shoot out of volcanoes, in lava,
and earthquakes or
fall from the sky in fiery Pallasite meteorites!
Space gems, anyone?
(These are rarely gem quality, though.)
Peridot was first found on an island
off the coast of Egypt a very long time ago.
It was popular with Pharohs,
and they considered it the
"gemstone of the sun"
as it was the color of
grass, plants and summertime,
and thus, represented renewal and rebirth.
Peridot is the national gemstone of Egypt.
As we know, there is much
volcanic activity on the Hawaiian islands,
so it is not surprising to learn that
they have a Peridot Beach,
where the sand has a green shimmer
from the crushed olivine stones
of the lava.
In fact, peridot gems were
considered tears of Pele,
the Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes.
The San Carlos Reservation in Arizona
is the main source location
for peridot in the U.S.
Thousands of years ago, there were
massive volcanic eruptions there!
While about 80 - 90% of all peridot
comes from Arizona,
the highest quality peridot
is found in Pakistan and Myanmar.
While peridot is found in shades
from yellowish green to dark olive green,
it is the iron content that determines its color.
An iron content under 15%
and colors from lime green to grass green
are valued most,
but eye clean, transparent gems
are most valued.
Did you know?
Peridot is called the "evening emerald"
as it appears to shine its color
even in the darkness!
Peridot is usually not enhanced or heat treated either.
Peridot was the Color of the Year from 2017.
Peridot is an invigorating color gemstone,
and it conveys peace, success and good luck.
It is associated with peacefulness and harmony
and its energy is said to help heal relationships.
Lore has it that peridot
was used as protective talisman to protect
from the forces of evil and darkness.
It also is said to protect from nightmares,
when set in gold.
Peridot is also said to
repel negative feelings and
bring you positive energies
and cheerfulness!
More fun info on Peridot:
* Princess Kate wears peridot, blue topaz
and diamond earrings
* The largest peridot found is 319 carats
* Peridot vintage jewelry was popular
in the Edwardian era.
* Cleopatra's peridot gemstones
were mistaken for emeralds!
CARE OF PERIDOT
Peridot is a soft gem,
which may not be good to wear as rings,
as it scratches easily;
best for pendants and earrings!
Never steam clean peridots!
They are heat sensitive.
Best to only use a soft bristle brush,
warm water and mild dish detergent
to clean them.
If they are not set in metal,
they can be stored in cotton in a box.
Enjoy your peridot jewelry!