{"id":2294,"date":"2020-08-02T07:00:01","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T11:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=2294"},"modified":"2023-07-01T13:49:56","modified_gmt":"2023-07-01T17:49:56","slug":"peridot-gemstone-august-birthstone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/peridot-gemstone-august-birthstone\/","title":{"rendered":"PERIDOT GEMSTONE – AUGUST BIRTHSTONE"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Peridot<\/div>\n

Peridot is the official (one and only<\/strong>) birthstone for the month of August<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nPeridot, pronounced Per-Ih-Doe<\/strong> (the T is silent) is actually from a parent stone called Olivine, which is a silicate of Iron and Magnesium.<\/p>\n

\nThat’s what gives peridot<\/a> it’s olive green, lime green, deep green and yellowish hues.<\/p>\n

\nDeep green shades (without any traces of brown) is the most valuable color there is<\/strong>. But the more common color is from the more commercial grade peridots produced right here in Arizona<\/strong>. They have the more lime-green yellowish hue that we all know and love.<\/p>\n

See all the different colors of peridot here…<\/h2>\n

\n\"Different<\/a><\/p>\n

\nPeridot has been around for a long, long time. Mentioned way back in the Bible<\/strong> and adorned by the Egyptians, peridot has been said to possess magical powers<\/strong>. Being named the gem of the sun<\/strong>, it attracts wealth and drives away evil spirits.<\/p>\n

Who wouldn’t want one?<\/h2>\n

\nEven queen Cleopatra’s famous emerald<\/strong> is said to have been a peridot.<\/p>\n

\nThat’s because fine quality peridot can mimic and give off the appearance of a great emerald.<\/p>\n

\nAs shown here…<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\"Peridot<\/a><\/p>\n

\nMistaken identity has followed peridot throughout history. Originally called “topaz<\/strong>” because it was found on a Topazious Island<\/strong> (Serpent Isle) in the Red Sea.<\/p>\n

\nWe now know how to identify peridot, and it’s properties make it very unique.<\/p>\n

Grab your geek hat, here we go…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Moh’s Hardness:<\/strong><\/td>\n6.5-7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specific Gravity:<\/strong><\/td>\n3.27-4.32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Refractive Indices:<\/strong><\/td>\n1.654-1.689<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bire Fringence:<\/strong><\/td>\n0.036<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Optical Characteristics:<\/strong><\/td>\nBiaxial\/+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crystal System:<\/strong><\/td>\nOrthorhombic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Habit:<\/strong><\/td>\nPrismatic, Massive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luster:<\/strong><\/td>\nVitreous<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pleochroism:<\/strong><\/td>\nWeak<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cleavage:<\/strong><\/td>\nImperfect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fracture:<\/strong><\/td>\nConchoidal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dispersion:<\/strong><\/td>\n0.020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Class:<\/strong><\/td>\nSilicates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Toughness:<\/strong><\/td>\nFair to Good<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

\nThe hardness and toughness of peridot makes it pretty safe to wear every day<\/strong>, although it is best suited for pendants and earrings where they won’t take a direct hit like a ring would.<\/p>\n

\nWearing peridot in rings is fine, you just should be more careful and cautious with them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Watch out for heat.<\/h2>\n

\nOne thing that you should watch out for is heat<\/strong>. Heat and rapid temperature changes.<\/p>\n

\n\"Don't<\/p>\n

\nHeat from ultrasonic cleaners<\/a>, steam cleaners<\/a> and jeweler’s torches<\/a>, as well as sudden shifts in cold to hot, can fracture or crack your stone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nIt’s best, when you’re cleaning your jewelry, to clean them by hand in mild soapy warm water<\/strong>. Avoid the heat. Just to be safe. :)<\/p>\n

Cuts of peridot:<\/h2>\n

\nCommon and popular cuts and shapes of peridot are: oval mixed cuts, brilliant cuts, step cuts, cabochon cuts (domed), table cuts, cameo cuts, and pendeloque cuts. As seen here…<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n\"Popular<\/p>\n

Peridot locations:<\/h2>\n

\nPeridot is found in multiple places, both exotic and familiar all over the world. Places like:<\/strong> Zabargad, Zebirget, Finland, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Queensland, Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, Kenya, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the USA.<\/p>\n

\nIt’s actually produced from volcanic rocks and lava flows<\/strong> called basalts<\/strong> (which is why peridot is the diamond of Hawaii<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\nThe great thing about peridot is the fact that it’s pretty inexpensive<\/strong>, even for large carat weights.<\/p>\n

\nIt’s also one of the very few gemstones that isn’t heat treated<\/strong> to improve color. Peridot color is genuine and pure. It won’t fade over time<\/strong>. :)<\/p>\n

\nThis clean, transparent gem is one of those stones that you either love, or hate<\/strong>. There is no in-between. Lime green does that to people.<\/p>\n

\n\"People<\/p>\n

\nPersonally, I love this gemstone<\/strong> and think that the hues and variations are wonderful.<\/p>\n

\nSome stones are so rich and bright they almost glow<\/strong>. It’s easy to understand why Egyptians thought the stone actually glowed in the dark (and was invisible by day<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

\nKing Edward VII of England even wore peridot as a good luck charm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nAnd that’s not the only meaning this gemstone possesses<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

The meaning of peridot:<\/h2>\n

\nThe list of meanings for peridot is impressive. Being associated with both astrological signs<\/strong> Leo the Lion (July 23rd – August 22nd) and Virgo the Virgin (August 23rd – September 22nd), it’s been said to aid, help and give:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
    \n
  • A Sunny Disposition<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Generosity<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Honesty<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Loyalty<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Pride<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Fearlessness<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Courage<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Fame<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Dignity<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Protection<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Passion<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n