The combination of bright summery greens and gorgeous glowing golden tones make Peridot one of the most visually striking gemstones. Unlike other gemstones, which are often coloured by impurities and known as allochromatic, Peridot is idiochromatic because its colour comes from the gem’s chemical composition.
Peridot has a fascinating history that dates back over 4,000 years, so if you’re interested in learning more about the gem that the Ancient Egyptians referred to as the gem of the sun, let’s dive right in.
The History of Peridot – August’s Birthstone Jewellery
One of the oldest known gemstones, the first Peridot was thought to be mined over 4000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. Legend has it the bright green stone was collected for the pharaohs, and even Cleopatra herself is thought to have been adorned with Peridot jewellery and headdresses.
Peridot is a valuable and popular gemstone that boasts a brilliant golden-green colour. Due to this, it’s often mistaken for Emeralds, although the stone’s transparent quality lends it a more shimmering aspect than its fellow green gem. Often mined at night, Peridot’s glow-in-the-dark quality allows workers to better locate this beautifully iridescent stone.
What Colour is The August Birthstone?
The Peridot August birthstone is typically light green in colour, and one of the things that makes it unique is that it is always some shade of green and never entirely different in colour. The intensity of the green depends on the amount of iron found in the gemstone itself. The more iron it contains, the deeper and more intense the green, and the more valuable the gemstone becomes.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Peridot Birthstone Jewellery?
As a result of its intense green colour, Peridot is often linked to the fourth or the heart chakra that appears in ancient Sanskrit texts and yogic teachings. The stone is said to promote positivity and peace, along with feelings of love and compassion. Some even believe this gem wards off evil spirits and negative energy.
Birthstone For August Peridot FAQ
If you want to know more about Peridot, here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this stunning green gemstone.
Where Is Peridot Found?
Although Peridot isn’t necessarily difficult to locate, high-quality gems are in fact fairly rare. While most gemstones tend to form fairly close to the Earth’s surface, Peridot, like the Diamond, forms much deeper down below the Earth’s crust.
Peridot can be found all over the world and is mined in the following countries: Norway, Myanmar, Australia, Tanzania, Egypt, Brazil, the United States and most recently Pakistan. After crystallising and forming in the Earth’s mantle in hot lava, Peridot is pushed up to the surface by volcanic activity.
There are several types of Peridot, but the three most common types of this gemstone are: Pakistani, Hunan and Changbai.
Lighter in hue than other types of Peridot, Pakistani Peridot was discovered in 1994 among the Himalayan mountain range. Coloured a distinctive golden-green, Hunan Peridot is named for its region of origin in south eastern China.
Changbai Peridot, meanwhile, is mined in the mountains of north eastern China and possesses a rich green colour.
Are Peridots Valuable?
As far as gems go, Peridot is a fairly affordable stone, although larger stones can be quite valuable. A 1ct stone will cost about £35-60. Larger stones in the 1-2ct range will usually cost around £300.
Its affordability makes Peridot a wonderful alternative to Diamonds for an engagement ring or another special occasion piece of jewellery, and it is often set in silver jewellery for an even more affordable gift.
The Physical Properties of Peridot
The Peridot gemstone itself is a brittle stone with a hardness of 6½ on the Mohs scale. This makes it quite susceptible to chips and scratches, so care should be taken with birthstone jewellery that contains this stone, especially rings.
Even perfumes, hairspray, and make-up can damage the stone so you should always apply your perfume before preparing for a night out in your Peridot jewellery.
August Peridot Birthstone Jewellery and Gifts
If you’re planning to buy some August Peridot birthstone jewellery for someone special in your life, such as a Pandora charm, there are some tips that you should take on board before making your final purchasing decision:
- Check the colour of the stone. Gem-quality peridot is unblemished and unspoiled in colour.
- Evaluate the cut of the stone. Peridot stones are cut in a variety of ways so choose the shape that best suits your personality and the type of jewellery you’re looking to buy.
- Consider the setting for your stone. Yellow or rose gold complements Peridot’s striking green hue better than white metal bands and clasps.
- Consider accenting the stone with Diamonds. Small circular Diamonds set alongside Peridot can highlight the gem’s naturally brilliant colour and glittering aspect.
Not only is Peridot the August birthstone, but it’s also linked with certain anniversary years too.
Traditionally, Peridot makes a wonderful gift for a first or 16th wedding anniversary. Because of its vibrant hue and natural brilliance, this gemstone doesn’t require a lot of embellishment to make a piece of jewellery truly pop. A simple single-band ring or a pair of stud earrings are two of the most versatile and stylish ways to wear Peridot jewellery.
Feeling inspired? Shop for Peridot jewellery from David Christopher today.
