AUGUST - PERFECT PERIDOTS
In the past, they’ve been mistaken as Emeralds. Believed to be Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone, and recorded in ancient papyri as early as 1500 B.C. Peridots have been charming humans for centuries. The ancient Romans called it 'evening emerald' since its colour did not darken at night, but could still be appreciated by candle light, as it glowed in a brilliant green
FACT
Peridot was formed early in the solidification of the Earth. As the Earth’s magma slowly cooled to form igneous rock, Peridot was born. Parts of the magma which cooled particularly slowly created large and clear specimens of Peridot. These rich deposits are located in Egypt, and in Burma as well as surrounding areas.Transparent with a distinct oily lustre, a Peridot’s colour is narrow and can be described as yellow-green, green with a golden tone, olive or bottle green, deep chartreuse, or simply a brilliant light green. The gem variety of the mineral Olivine, its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, and iron is the cause of its attractive yellowish green colours.The proportion of iron present causes the shade and depth of the green of a Peridot stone; the deeper the green, the smaller the amount of iron present.
Peridot is one of a few gems that are not routinely treated. While it is not particularly brilliant (Peridots have moderate to high brilliance), the richness of its colour can be exceptional and is completely natural.
Because of its rarity, Peridot is not usually seen in its deeper pure green colours which are highly prized, and as with all fine gem crystals, small crystals are relatively common and larger stones seldom occur free of flaws. The larger the crystals are, the easier they flaw, from such seismic disturbances as Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The ways in which the stones are cut and faceted are designed to eliminate these imperfections. It is not uncommon for a 20-carat stone in the rough to only yield three or four gems of only one-half to three carats each.
FOLKLORE
Peridot gemstones have been used for centuries by healers to increase confidence and assertiveness, balanced by patience and clarity of thought. Ruled by the planet Mercury, it is often used in treating depression and anger.
The one thing to remember is that Peridot is relatively soft stone, rating a 6.5 to 7 on the hardness scale making it a tad bit softer than Amethyst’s and Emeralds.
Whether you believe in the metaphysical properties of a gemstone or not, it must be said that they are absolutely beautiful gemstones and all you August borns are especially lucky to have an excuse to buy them.
Written by Anaita Thakkar for Lustre Jewellery