Peridot a cosmic birthstone for August babies. Peridot is the birthstone for August birthdays and also the 15th anniversary stone. It is also my birthstone which is probably why I love it so much!
The birthstone poem for August can be found in my Etsy store here, it is a printable and is available for download at the time of purchase. Ready to print and frame to make a special extra gift or stocking filler.
Peridot is a truly cosmic birthstone for August
Some peridot is ancient, you could also say cosmic having been found in meteorites. In 2005 peridot was found in comet dust samples brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe! Although you will not find space peridot for sale in any jewelers store!
Peridot is one of only a few gemstones that occur in just one color, olive green. For this reason, you may also see peridot referred to as Olivine. Peridot occurs in peridotite rock in the earths upper mantle.
Peridot has been around for centuries, one of the earliest references is in the register of St. Alban’s Abbey in England. It is thought to be the first use of the name ‘peridot’ translated from Latin. It records that Bishop John on his passing in 1245, bequeathed some items to the Abbey which included peridot.
Peridot is the national gemstone of Egypt. The ancient Egyptians referred to this gemstones as the “gem of the sun” this may have been closer to the truth than they could ever have known.
they used this stone to ward of “night terrors”. St John’s Island peridot was mined as late as the 1930’s but that mining operation was mined out by the 1950’s.
Peridot is mined in various countries across the world, but we also have some peridot mined here in the US, Arizona to be precise. Probably the most well known being the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation which is a principal source. It can also be found in Arkansas, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico.
Mystical powers of peridot
Peridot is a healing gemstone considered to be an aid to friendship, and is said to free the mind of envious thoughts. It is said to offer protection against the evil eye, for calming anger/emotions, reduces stress, alleviates jealousy, resentment and spite.’ More meanings for peridot cane be found here.
It is also said to aid childbirth by placing peridot on the abdomen it is said to strengthen muscle contractions whilst lessening the pain! Don’t take my word on that, this is not scientifically proven, just folklore and hearsay. It is an interesting thought nonetheless.
What to look for when buying peridot
If you are interested in buying peridot, you should look for stones that are “eye-clean” , that is, have no visible inclusions when you look at the stone with the naked eye. The color should be a richly saturated green to yellowish green free from any brownish hues.
Peridot comes in a great variety of shapes and cutting styles including oval, pear, marquis, cushion, but also in step cuts such as square or a rectangular emerald cut.
Peridot is a pretty stone especially for those of us who like the green stones and can be found set in silver, gold or even platinum settings. So plenty of choice for everyone and a pretty, affordable birthstone jewelry gift.
In terms of hardness and durability peridot comes in at 6-5 to 7 on the Moh’s scale so fairly soft. If wearing in a ring be careful to not be too rough on the stone, take the ring off before doing cleaning or lifting so as to avoid knocking the stone and keep away from chemical cleaners.
Famous Peridot Gemstones
You may have heard of the shrine of the Three Holy King’s in Cologne, Germany. There was a large emerald adorning the shrine which was subsequently discovered to be peridot late in the last century. Some jewelry historians are now convinced that many of the “emeralds” Queen Cleopatra wore were actually peridot.
There are some fine peridot displays here in the US in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and in the Field Museum in Chicago. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC has a very large cut peridot specimen at 311 carats.