Sources Of Peridots
The peridot is a gemstone that we know as the birthstone for August. This stone is formed deep within the earth’s crust and makes its appearance through volcanic activity. Ancients deposits were found on the volcanic island Zebirget, 188 miles east of Aswan, Egypt. The upper serpentine quarries in upper Burma is said to have beautiful deposits of this gem. Australia, South Africa, Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the US and Tanzania have also had their fair share of deposits found.
Color And Name Of Peridots
In mineralogy olivine is the name most common to this gem because of its olive-green color. It also comes in various color variations ranging from olive-green, yellow-green to brownish. Some vivid green peridots also have a tinge of gold hence the name chrysolite which has the Greek meaning of “gold stone�?. Iron is what causes the vivid color thus the more the presence of iron, the deeper the intensity of color. Rare peridots have the names star peridot and peridot cat’s eye. The peridot makes a very special birthstone for the month of August.
Symbolism And Significance
It is believed that the peridot will ward off depression, evil and enchantments. The wearer of the peridot is said to bring influence and power and also protect one from nightmares. In Hawaii, they believe that the peridot symbolizes the tears shed by Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire. This stone is believed to be a gift from nature and bears healing properties, especially where the digestive system is concerned. Other uses are to bring emotional balance, inner peace and calming of the nervous system.
History Of Peridots
In medieval times people believed that the peridot was an emerald and it is thought that the emerald collection owned by Cleopatra was indeed peridots. The Egyptians were extremely fascinated with the peridot and in ancient times peridots were made into Talisman to ward off evil. This gem has been mined for over 3500 years but it was in the early 1900’s when these gems were rediscovered making for a booming trade until around 1958 where production of this gem tapered off significantly. Crusaders in the middle ages were the ones to bring the peridot to central Europe where many ecclesiastical institutions acquired the peridot to adorn their churches. The chrysolite is also referred to in the Bible in the book of Revelations as well as it is believed to be one of the stones Aaron used. Today this gemstone is not often sort after other than as a gift for the month of Augusts’ birthstone.
Uses For And Famous Peridots
Peridots are predominantly used for rings, earrings and pendants and are also cut into many different shapes from square, oval, teardrop as well as heart shaped. One of the most famous peridots is a 46.16 carat stone that was extracted in Pakistan and can be seen today in the Smithsonian Museum. Another in the Peridot collection is an exquisite 34.65 carat peridot necklace with its modified triangular step gemstone that was found at San Carlos Indian reservation..