Peridot Birthstone & Gemstone – August - Planet – Mercury, Venus

Birthstone – August

Planet – Mercury, Venus

ABOUT

Peridot measuring 6.5 to 7 on Moh’s Scale of hardness is an olive green colored stone. Its most desirable color is olive green with a yellowish tint and it tends to be more valuable than the lighter colors or the yellow green options. Peridot illuminates better in moonlight than sunlight and is called the “Evening emerald”. It is said that Egyptians were particularly fond of peridots and used it extensively as a talisman to ward off evil, it was also a National gem.

COMPOSITION

Interestingly, Peridots are formed from the lava of volcanoes, formed deep within the mantle of the earth and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Peridots are also sometimes found in meteors, though these are rare. Ironically, peridots cannot withstand heat or rapid temperature changes. The color of peridot comes from the mineral Olivine or chrysolite found in certain rocks. Peridots are transparent.

SOURCE

Mined for the first time in the Egyptian island of Zabargad or Zeberget in the Red Sea, the reserves have somewhat exhausted. Burma, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Kenya are some locations to have peridot reserves. The most significant producer being, San Carlos Reservation of Arizona.

Peridot Tiara of Austrian Archduchess Isabelle

FAME

“The Green Goddess” is one of the world’s finest peridots. Pear shaped, weighing 154 carats bought in 1893 was turned into a pendant in 2008. The famous peridot tiara of Austrian Archduchess Isabelle and the 17 carat carved “Peridot Victorian Brooch” are some others.

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