top of page
ChanteN

THE REAL BIRTHSTONE OF AUGUST: HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF PERIDOT GEMSTONE

Updated: Jul 3, 2023

29 July 2022

Welcome back to Metal Artist Studio's blog!

Metal Artist Studio logo

Here we go... some clarity! If you were born in August, this blog is perfect for you. I'm sure you don't want to wear the wrong jewelry! There has been a debate for quite a while about what the correct birthstone for the month of August is.


Well... We are here to clarify. . Read more and explore the origin, history, and meaning of this beautiful gemstone.


What is a birthstone and why is it a thing?


Birthstones are the stones that are linked to your birth month and are said to bring you success and wealth as well as attract positive energy. However, birthstones are also fantastic since they are associated with your zodiac sign, which is why they are worn all over the world in the form of pendants and rings.


It was also believed by the first-century historian, Josephus, that each of the twelve stones on Aaron's breastplate (representing the twelve tribes of Israel as stated in the Book of Exodus) was connected to each month of the year.


The breastplate section in Exodus has been differently translated and interpreted, with Josephus himself providing two alternative listings of the twelve stones. George Frederick Kunz said Josephus saw the Second Temple breastplate, not the one mentioned in Exodus. 

St. Jerome, citing Josephus, stated that Christians might use the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20).


So, does it really bring success, wealth or health to the person it belongs to? 

We have no idea. Do you believe it does?

Let us know:

Ask your question

  • 0%Nahhh

  • 0%I'll have to think about it...

  • 0%Absolutely!


What is the actual August birthstone?


Peridot is the correct birthstone for August, according to jewelers all over the world.

The majority of gemstones develop in the earth's crust. Peridots, like diamonds, develop deep below the earth's surface and are brought to the surface by volcanic activity.


Uncut Peridot gemstone raw

Peridot, one of the earliest known gemstones, was mined as early as 1500 B.C.


Although, Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx have all been designated as August birthstones by the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America.

So, if you were born in August, you are blessed to have three beautiful birthstones to pick from.

Let's discuss the Peridot gemstone history and origin.


Without further ado, let us talk about the Peridot!


Peridot is a rare gemstone that naturally only comes in one color. It is a kind of olivine (think olive green), a magnesium and iron mineral. Certain gemstones can exist in every color of the rainbow due to the involvement of foreign substances. Peridot, on the other hand, is only found in tints of green. It's color spans from pale lime green to deep, earthy olive tones, making it a popular option for jewelry.


Peridot jewelry items

Peridot, also known as the stone of compassion, is thought to promote excellent health, peaceful sleep, and harmony in relationships by regulating emotions and intellectuality. This welcoming, brilliant green stone has an unusual capacity to encourage expressiveness and inventiveness, as well as joy and good cheer. 


This gemstone is an excellent choice for individuals who adore green gemstones but want a less expensive alternative to emeralds, as some colors of Peridot might be mistaken for emeralds. Peridots may show off their fresh, brilliant shine when set against a setting of sterling silver.


How does one care for Peridot?


On the Mohs scale, Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. This implies that it is softer than many other stones, making it unsuitable for daily wear, particularly in Peridot rings. When conducting strenuous work or physical exercise, we recommend that you remove your Peridot jewelry.


Peridot is best cleaned with warm, soapy water. Rinse it with lukewarm water and let it air dry. Wear it with caution to avoid scratching, and store it in a soft bag away from other metal jewelry. Avoid exposing Peridot jewelry to extreme temperatures, and do not clean it with ultrasonic or steam cleaners.


Where does Peridot exactly come from?


This gemstone have been enshrouded in legend for thousands of years.


Cleopatra

Peridot was known as the "jewel of the sun" by the Egyptians, and some believed it even safeguarded against dreams. Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed Emerald collection may have actually been Peridot. Some thought it safeguarded its possessor from "night terrors," especially when set in gold. Others wrapped the stones around their left arms and hung them on donkey hair to fight off bad spirits.


According to early sources, the ancient Egyptians mined a brilliant green diamond on the Red Sea island of Topazios, today known as St. John's Island or Zabargad. According to legend, the island was plagued with snakes, which made mining difficult until an entrepreneurial pharaoh drove them into the sea. People have long mistaken this stone, now known as Peridot, for other jewels. It was once one of numerous stones known as "topaz".


Peridots are derived from the Arabic word "faridat", which means "jewel." The majority of Peridot developed deep below the earth and was brought to the surface by volcanoes. Some Peridots arrived on Earth via meteorites as well, but this is highly uncommon and unlikely to be found in a retail jewelry store.


These gemstones are also associated with Hawaiian culture, since they are believed to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Because of the high quantity of crushed olivine, the sand of the Big Island's Papakolea Beach has an unusual and lovely green color.


It has also been discovered in China, the United States, and Vietnam amid rounded rocks flowing within lava. There have also been a few reports of the gem appearing among crystals discovered clinging to the interior of coagulated molten rock in Pakistan, Finland, and Myanmar.


egypt

Conclusion of the Peridot gemstone history and origin


Hopefully this article has made your knowledge a little wider and that you are filled with wonder regarding this beautiful stone, the magnificent birthstone of August, Peridot gemstone.


If you have any questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to talk to you!

Visit our website:




Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest



Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page