Introduction to Peridot: The August Birthstone

What is August Stone Birthstone?

Peridot stone is august stone birthstone which is a lime green colored gemstone that is considered as a representative of August’s birthstone. Oliver is a sort of olivine and is distinguished by its lime-green shade due to the presence of iron. Most gemstones are found in more than one hue but, peridot is found only in green which can be complimented with varying brilliance owing to the presence or the lack of iron. Originally known as chrysolithos, the name ‘peridot’ that they got is derived from the Peridot or Vereeniging mines in Egypt where these gems were mined from limestone matrix. It is associated with shelter, power as well as recuperation; hence, many people love to have it in their jewelries.

Why is it the birthstone for August?

The reason for adopting peridot as the birthstone for August is based on the historical background as well as other properties that associate it with summer. Associated with the agrarian month that is August, the revived beauty reflects its green color to denote newness. Traditionally peridot has been linked to the sun, said to drive away the darkness and make one happy that is an ideal stone for a month associated with heat. It is looking something like the emerald, being traditionally believed to protect the owner and to have curative qualities as well. It is common today to link certain months with certain gemstones, and peridot is hardly a wrong selection for August with its lively color of yellowish green.

Peridot is quite rare and highly valued in the world of gemstones, which is why there are many interesting myths and legends connected with it intimately. It has date back its meaning to the prehistoric period when it was used as a form of shield and cure. The Egyptians favored Peridot and referred to it as the ‘gem of the sun’ due to the ‘brilliant green’ laid on it. In modern days people had continued to use them for their beauty and since they are relatively cheaper than other green gems such as emeralds. Amidst Peridot being associated with the month of August, it becomes famous as the birth stone of the month which in turn makes it more preferred when used in jewellery that is symbolizing warmth, positive energy and new beginnings.

Geological Formation of Peridot

Peridot is created in the Earth’s mantle due to the high temperatures and pressures at this level that promote the creation of the mineral olivine. It is mainly extracted on the surface of such structures as through volcanic eruptions whereby it appears in volcanic rocks known as the basalt.  Also, peridot can be located in pallasite meteorites, thus making it one of the exclusive gems that originate from extraterrestrial space. The color that is characteristic for peridot is green and it stems from iron content that is not equal in concentration which causes the differences in green shade that is present in peridot. This specific mode of formation makes peridot to look like it does and sets it apart from other gems.

The unique geological processes involved in its creation.

In the case of peridot, its formation requires special geological conditions, which are experienced in the mantle layer of the Earth. Here temperatures are very high and pressure considerably high, the mineral olivine crystallizes out to form peridot. Thus, this gemstone is brought to the surface by the eruption of volcano and it is usually hosted in the basalt lava flows and volcanic ash. Although it is just like other gemstones, peridot is rooted deep in earth crust, in fact this stone is mined from the mantle about 32 to 88 km deep. The greenish hue of peridot is attributed to the mineral make up, majorly magnesium and iron. It also forms in space, as evidenced by the pallasite meteorites; peridot is often found with nickel-iron in these AH, proof of its space -formed origin.

Currently, peridot is mined in many places in the world including United States, China, Myanmar and Egypt. Mineral, peridot is mainly identified in the Kohistan area of the country, which is in the northwestern area of Pakistan. Namely, the Suppat area in Kohistan is famous for its exceptional peridot mineral that stands out with a bright green hue that is prized by jewelry makers. There colour and clarity makes many of these Pakistani peridots stand out from other peridots found in other parts of the world. Kohistan has a pretty impressive geo background that facilitates peridot formation and that is why the country is well ranked in peridot production on the international market.

Peridot is a mineral along the chain of the olivine class of minerals; the molecular compound is (Mg,Fe)2​SiO4. This mineral group mainly consists of magnesium, iron, and silicon, but the green color of this mineral results from the iron part of the mineral’s structure. The crystal structure of peridot is orthorhombic and this entails that the crystals have three axes which are perpendicular to each other but of unequal length, with a rectangular form. This structure is responsible for peridot’s prismatic or tabular crystal habit it commonly possessed well saturated edges and a glassy appearance. These along with its mineral composition and crystal structure makes peridot to have its natural bright green color.

Interesting Geological Situations in Peridot Formation

The peridot gemstone begins its formation in the Earth’s mantle, approximately between 32km and 88 km beneath the surface, in specifically suitable conditions for the formation of the mineral olivine. It begins in a layer of magnesium and iron which the heat helps in making peridot crystals. Such crystals are carried to the surface by way of volcanic eruptions especially in basaltic flows. During the volcanic activities, magma transportation of peridot to the surface of the earth leads to occurrences in the lava rocks. This geochemical process provides peridot with characteristics and makes it one of the scarce gemstones that are created in the mantle.

Peridot on Earth originates in the mantle, pressures and temperature required for olivine crystals to grow are high. It is then carried to the surface by tectonic movement and comes out in basaltic lava flows. However terrestrial peridot construes in the Earth’s mantle at spinel peridotite facies while extraterrestrial peridot is developed in space within the pallasite meteorites younger as nickel-iron metal core of differentiated asteroid. It takes place in the emptiness of space and related processes of cooling and crystallization are very different from those of the volcanic origin which we have on Earth.

The extraterrestrial peridot and the terrestrial peridot are chemically identical, but the former is helping researchers understand how planets are formed, and the composition of solar system bodies.

Symbolism and Meaning of Peridot

It also has a history as far as dates civilizations that used Peridot and held it dear for its green color and magical properties. The ancient Egyptians referred to it as the “gem of the sun” and was utilised in jewelry and religious items as early as the year 1500 BC. Cleopatra is believed to prefer peridot thinking it is an emerald. Before the renaissance period, peridot was associated with protection and healing from evil spirits in the middle age. Crusaders took peridot to Europe and it was widely used in church ornaments like the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral. Thus, peridot has always been associated with enlightenment, protection, and good fortune down the ages.

There are many beliefs about peridot, and people are considered protecting, strong, and prosperous when wearing this stone. Traditionally, people actually thought that it shield its wearer from any bad energy and all forms of spirits in the community. Its green coloured body is regarded to be symbol of strength and power that boosts the morale of the person wearing them and provides such a stability in his emotions. Further, considering that it is green, peridot is associated with wealth and that the stone makes people prosperous. Its symbolism is not only in meaning, but it is also related to the improvement of the personality and the quality of one’s life. Regardless of the culture and era, peridot the gemstone has constantly symbolised people’s protective and empowering beliefs.

The peridot crystal is again known for its healing and spiritual powers since it helps transform people. Some people think that it has health benefits in the mental capacity by eradicating stress, anxiety, and other bad feelings thus offering calmness. A spiritual use of peridot include the utilization of the stone in breaking away from previous habits and patterns, preparing the wearer for a new phase in his/her life. It is generally green and that hue is aligned with the heart chakra which is believed to promote love, tolerance, and harmony. Peridot is traditionally employed by meditators as a facilitator for communing with one’s True Self and for attracting abundance and joy, thus making it a very significant component of new age spirituality and personal health enhancement.

Physical and Metaphysical Properties of Peridot

The color that is associated with Peridot is green, though this name is also given to the yellow-gold toned stone; the color of Peridot can vary from yellow-green to deep olive green based on the Content of Iron within it. It has a metallic to adamantine or resinous, glassy luster and crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, generally in prismatic or tabular forms. It ranges from clean and transparent to slightly included, and thanks to its hardness, it is very resistant.

It is associated with the power to help in emotional healing, reduces stress and brings one the certain stability. With its connections to the heart chakra it is related to love, compassion and self development. Essentially, on the metaphysical level, peridot is believed to draw in wealth, victories, and good vibes to the wearer and simultaneously to come across as a stone that assists in breaking free from traditional molds.

Peridot is used in any form of jewelry be it in rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets among others. Among people it is relatively well-liked capsule due to its rich green shade that fits both casual and formal garments. On the other hand, peridot symbolizes rebirth, shield, and money. Actually, it is preferred for its symbolism to represent favorable energy and personal development, which is why it is given during joyful occasions, such as birthdays or wedding ceremonies. This gives a detailed, elegant, and unusual sense to any jewelry design because of the beauty of this white gold and its associations with importance.

Peridot in Modern Culture and Jewelry

Peridot is commonly used in modern jewelry and possesses a rich green color and is considered very versatile. They are found in large pieces as rings and necklaces, and slim pieces such as earrings and bracelets. Trade prefers to use peridot in the middle or highlight due to the brightness and class that it brings. It is cheaper than other green special gemstones such as emeralds and this makes it ideal to be used in jewelry devices that are in daily use in addition to jewelry devices that can be used on special events and ceremonies hence flexibility in design.

Peridot has indeed been on an amplifying trend in the category of celebrities and fashion icons due to its beautiful natural green color and it’s specialty. It is noticeable that peridot is used for the most glamorous occasions such as the red carpets; celebrities and designers like to spice up their outfits. Being a gemstone associated with fashion trends, peridot is incorporated in chic rings, great earrings, and beautiful necklaces. Due to their costs, which are less expensive than a majority of other gemstones, and their distinct blue hue, it is preferred by timeless and modern fashion jewelry enthusiasts in the limelight.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Peridot

Peridot most significantly because of its mineral origin, being discovered from within the earth mantle through volcanic activities, and in meteorites known as pallasites. The green color originating from iron content is one unique feature of this gemstone and the other is its orthorhombic crystal structure. Peridot in particular carries meanings related to renewal, protection, and prosperity Thus, carrying peridot is said to be beneficial to the heart and helps in personal transformation. Due to its extremely low chances of naturally occurring and the meaning associated with it both in the past and in the present era, the stone capture the imagination and features a historical and logical value.

Why is peridot a popular and valued birthstone; this is due to its formation process and the wonderful shade of green that it possesses. Made in the mantle of the Earth and scattered in layered ultramafic rocks and meteorites, peridot sparks interest with its odd background and attractive color. Associated with the month of August, it represents new beginnings, safeguard, and wealth, characteristics that are warmly embraced by most people. Thus, due to the affordable price and unique, historically and spiritually significant color, peridot remains popular in jewelry. As an individual charm or as a suitable gift, it is impossible to deny the appeal and significance of peridot, which preserves its honorable position till now.

• Find Your Birthstone through this Birthstone Chart
• Interesting Facts about Peridots 
• Spinel; the Alternative August Birthstone
• From Volcanic Origin to Green Olivine 
• How do Stones Get their Colors?
• Learn about List of Green Gemstones available at Folkmarketgems