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August's Birthstone, the PeridotRumor Has it that Peridot Was Cleopatra’s Favorite Gemstone
The peridot combines two minerals to create olivine, which occurs in various shades of green. The depth of its color depends upon the amount of iron present in the stone.
The two minerals that compose peridot are fayalite—also known as iron chrysolite—and forsterite combine to make peridot. These two are rich in iron and magnesium respectively. Peridot is closer in composition to forsterite than to fayalite, although iron colors all peridot. The best colored peridot has an iron percentage of less than 15% and trace elements that also contribute to its optimum color. Its composition is closer to fosterite; iron is what gives this gem its unique green color. Its hardness varies between 6.5 to 7. Fayalite tends to be harder than fosterite, which might explain the higher rating on the hardness scale (compared to the diamond’s 10). Its color can range from yellow, yellowish green, olive green, to brown. The most desirable hue is a sparkling “silky” vivid green. The greater the iron contact, the more brownish coloration will manifest. will impart a more brownish coloration. Where to Find Peridot?From the earth’s mantle, it is the most common minerals from inside the planet; this explains its presence in lava fields. Years ago, natives noticed the greenish crystals in Hawaii’s black volcanic black sands. They believed these crystals to be the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. Peridot has been found on virtually every continent—except for Antarctica. Copious amounts are mined in Arizona—probably at least 80%—or more, but its quality and color, which is more of a yellowish to a golden brown, tends to be inferior and its price is considerably lower, but has remained popular in Native American jewelry. Like rubies, the best peridot comes from the Myanmar region in Burma or from Egypt. Peridot of high quality also comes from the eastern lava fields of Saudi Arabia. Peridot of superior quality is rare and commands exceedingly high prices—not that much less than gems as rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires. St. John’s island, near Egypt, and mined for centuries—probably since 1500 B.C.—yielded millions of dollars worth of peridot. However, this gem is all but depleted in that region. The Etymology of the Word “Peridot” and its Alternate NamesThere is not just one theory. Peridot actually has three names: Peridot, Chrisolith, and Olivin. The French word, peritot means “unclear”—perhaps because of the reduced transparency and inclusions in many of the larger stones. Olivine is also of French origin relating to the gem’s color. Another theory is that it comes from the Arabic faridat, which simply means “gem.” Another theory relates it to Greek words, peridona, which means “giving plenty” and chrysolith (an alternate name for peridot)which means simply “gold stone.” Gem ConfusionOften confused with other gems—most notably emeralds—when its color tends toward a darker green, has also passed for green garnets and green tourmaline. Most peridots display a more yellow cast which makes its determination less confusing. Peridot glows in the dark, so miners would locate them at night, mark their location, and return during the day to extract them. The darker ones, which appear greener under light, were sometimes called “evening emeralds”—which is possibly due to their night time phosphorescence Peridot Lore
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The copyright of the article August's Birthstone, the Peridot in Gemstones is owned by Jill Arnel. Permission to republish August's Birthstone, the Peridot in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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