Peridot – The birthstone for August
Legend and Myth of Peridot birthstone of August
The ancient Egyptians called peridot “the sun gem”, believing it had fallen down from the skies. therefore peridot are known as birthstone of August.
For more than two millennia, peridot stone associated with light. It was Egyptians was the first people to mine this golden-green gem on the volcanic Red Sea island of Topazios.
According to legend, the island was infested with dangerous snakes, but the Egyptians drove them into the sea in order to mine the hidden treasure around August.
As well peridot with diamonds creates a marvelous jewelry and look:
Birthstone and Anniversary of Peridot
Peridot is the traditional stone for 16th wedding anniversaries. It’s the August birthstone, aligned with the zodiac sign of Leo.
It stands for clear thinking and a good heart and symbolises light, as widely gifted for friends who was born on August month.
In ancient times it was in believe that peridot’s bright sparkle could ward off evil during the night.
Modern History of Peridot
To the astonishment of modern scientists, the Old Egyptians’ beliefs about the origins of peridot weren’t altogether wrong.
In 2006, NASA’s explorer spacecraft, Stardust, returned to earth with mineral samples gathered from near the sun. Among other particles they found gem-quality peridot, thought to be as old as our solar system.
On Earth, peridot is also frequently discover in meteor craters. Peridot has therefore earned itself a reputation as the extraterrestrial gemstone.
Hard Facts About Peridot
Peridot is a type of a silicate mineral that known as olivine. It’s one of the few gems that occurs in only one colour, green.Its pigmentation is due to the presence of iron trace elements. Depending on the amount of iron present, peridots may appear lighter or darker, ranging from pale golden-green to intense olive green.
It rates 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The name peridot originates from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning “gem.”.
Where The Peridot Found?
Peridot is can be discover in the earth’s upper mantle, in lava deposits, or at meteorite crash sites. It occurs all over the world, including USA, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, China, Pakistan, Myanmar and Norway.
The peridot found on the very same island where the ancient old Egyptians discover it. the island of Topazios is now known as St. John’s Island, or Zabargad in Arabic.
Famous Peridot
The world’s largest cut Peridot stone ever found is 311.78 carats (62.35 grams)! the gem found on Zagbargad Island, Egypt, and is now its in Smithsonian Museums, USA.
Also, an exquisite 192,75 carat Peridot gemstone is was keep in the Diamond Treasury – Moscow, Russia. Furthermore, a 146 carat Peridot gem was in Geological Museum in London, England.
Care and Cleaning
Peridot is a gem of above-medium hardness, but you should still protect it from scratches and bumps when wearing or storing it.
Peridot can also be susceptible to pressure and extreme heat or cold. It’s therefore best to avoid ultrasonic jewellery cleaners and sudden changes of temperature.