Peridot for August

Egyptians called peridot the “Gem of the Sun” for its electric yellowish green hues. Peridot (also called Olivine) has long been prized for its yellowish green color that comes from iron and magnesium impurities. The best peridot is a pure grass green in color.

Peridot crystals are often found in meteorites, but these crystals are usually not large enough to be made into jewelry. Most peridot for gem purposes is found as irregular nodules from lava flows in the United States, China and Vietnam.

Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might actually have been peridot. People in medieval times often confused peridot with emerald. For centuries, it was believed that the 200-ct. gems adorning the shrine of the Three Holy King’s in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were emeralds, when in fact, they are peridot’s.

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August and also represents the 15th Anniversary gemstone. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular gem and surrounded by so much lore!

All the best!

Chrissi

*gemstone information source: GIA website.

Peridot for August

Peridot is the official gemstone for August. It’s beautiful yellow-green hues are the perfect compliment for the lush green foliage of summer. I thought I would share a little bit about this beautiful gem. In the past, peridot was commonly referred to in mineralogy as olivine, due to it’s olive-green color. Peridot was brought to Central Europe by the crusaders in the Middle Ages and was often used for religious purposes. The largest cut peridot weighs 319 carats and was found on the island Zabargad. It is currently located at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Peridot has a Moh’s hardness of 6 1/2-7, which makes it a great gemstone for jewelry. However, the gemstone can be brittle, much like Zircon, so care should be used when wearing, especially in a ring or bracelet setting.