Born in August? You're in for a treat! 

This month boasts not one, but three captivating birthstones. While Peridot often steals the spotlight, spinel and sardonyx offer equally alluring alternatives.   

Intrigued already? Well, this blog has much to offer about your Peridot a.k.a. ‘the evening emerald’—Get ready to discover a world of green, history, and undeniable charm!

All About Peridot: 

Formed in the intense heat of volcanic eruptions, this August birthstone is like a tiny piece of the Earth's mantle, but with way more sparkle.

Often hailed as the "gem of the sun," Peridot's vibrant green hue evokes images of fresh dewy leaves. While for its brilliant ability to shine even in low light, it's often dubbed as the "evening emerald”.  This unique gem owes its vibrant hue to iron, a proof of its volcanic origins. Its value is determined by its clarity, size, and the intensity of its green color. 

Its color can range from a zesty lime to a deep olive, all thanks to a touch of iron. And guess what? It's one of those rare gems that only comes in one color. No blue peridot, no pink peridot – just pure, green goodness.

History 

For centuries, this gem has been shrouded in mystery and misidentification. Often mistaken for emerald or topaz, peridot has a story as fascinating as its fiery origins.

From the ancient Egyptians, who believed it warded off evil spirits, to the medieval cathedrals adorned with what were thought to be emeralds, this gemstone has mesmerised cultures for millennia. Its ability to glow in low light earned it the moniker "evening emerald," adding to its allure and mystique. People literally thought it could only be seen in darkness and not under the sun; therefore they went for mining after the sun went down the horizon! 

So convincing was its resemblance to emerald that historical records often blur the lines between the two. From Cleopatra's legendary collection to the adornments of sacred shrines, peridot has played a starring role in human history, often under disguise.

Benefits of Peridot:

Peridot is not just a feast for the eyes; it's believed to nourish the soul too. This sun-kissed gemstone is said to promote overall well-being, from emotional balance to physical health: 

• Emotional Well-being: Calms anger, fosters forgiveness, promotes harmony.
  
  
• Physical Health: Supports digestion, boosts immunity.
  
  
• Spiritual Connection: Linked to the heart chakra, enhances emotional clarity.
  
  

Characteristics:

Mineral: Olivine

Chemistry: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄

Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic

Colour: Yellowish-green to green color

Refractive index: Typically ranges from 1.654 to 1.689

Specific gravity: 3.2 to 4.4

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 and 7 

Places mined : Hawaii, Myanmar, San Carlos Apache Reservation, Arizona, and Pakistan, where volcanic activity has brought these gems to the surface.

Zodiac Sign: Leo ♌ Virgo ♍ 

Birthstone: August

Chakra: Heart

Planet: Sun

Popular shapes: Round, Oval, Pear, Cushion

Did you know? 

Peridot and diamond are cousin gems! Both hail from the Earth's fiery mantle, making them truly out-of-this-world gems. Peridot is even rarer than you'd think – it's been found in meteorites in 1979, in Siberia! 

From ancient Egyptian treasures to modern-day jewellery, Peridot has always been a star (literally!).

The 4 C’s

Colour: 

Peridot is a unique gemstone known for its vibrant green hue. While it can range from yellowish-green to olive, the most coveted peridot boasts a pure, intense green color. 

Iron is Peridot's secret colour content– too much and it gets a brownish tint, too little and it might lack that vibrant pop. The perfect balance? Around 12-15% iron for that show-stopping green hue.

Clarity: 

Unlike some gemstones that are plagued with inclusions, Peridot generally boasts a clean slate. Classified as a Type II stone, it typically has few flaws visible to the naked eye. While tiny inclusions known as "lily pads" can sometimes be seen under magnification, they often add character to the stone. However, for the ultimate sparkle, look for a Peridot with minimal inclusions. Remember, the clearer the Peridot, the higher its value.

Carat: 

Just like with diamonds, size does matter when it comes to Peridot. While smaller Peridots are often quite affordable, the price tag climbs as the carat weight increases. If you're dreaming of a statement piece, be prepared to invest a bit more for a larger, higher-quality stone. But remember, even smaller Peridots can pack a powerful punch of color and charm.

Imagine a Peridot so big it could be a paperweight! 

The world's largest cut Peridot, a whopping 311 carats, is currently dazzling visitors at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. That's one seriously impressive gemstone!

Cut: 

A well-executed cut is an art form. It's all about maximizing that brilliant green flash by strategically placing facets to reflect maximum light. Remember, a great cut can elevate even a smaller Peridot, making it appear larger and more dazzling.

Popular cuts include the classic round, elegant oval, cushion for a vintage vibe, and the elongated pear shape.

Treatments:

Peridot is a gemstone that prefers to keep it natural. Unlike many other gemstones, Peridot rarely undergoes treatments to enhance its appearance. Even heat treatment, that's such a common practice for other gems, is virtually unheard of for Peridot! Sure, some might be oiled or waxed to mask tiny surface flaws, but these treatments are minimal and don't alter the stone's inherent beauty. 

• Epoxy Fillings: These are used to mask tiny fractures, giving the Peridot a seemingly flawless appearance. While rare, it's crucial for sellers to disclose this treatment.
  
  
• Foiling: An older technique, foiling involves backing the stone with a thin metal sheet to enhance color. This practice is less common in modern jewellery.
   

Grading:

Caring for Peridot Jewellery:

To ensure your Peridot stays as radiant as the day you bought it, follow these simple care tips:

• Gentle Cleaning: A simple warm, soapy water bath and a soft cloth are your best friends. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning as they can damage the stone.
  
  

• Safe Storage: Keep your Peridot away from other jewellery to prevent scratches. A soft pouch or jewellery box is ideal.
     

• Handle with Care: Remove your Peridot jewellery before engaging in strenuous activities or applying lotions and perfumes.
  
  

Ready to Add Glam With This Green Gorgeousness?

Let Angara help you find the perfect piece. Whether you're looking for a classic solitaire pendant or a bold, custom-designed ring, we've got you covered. Explore our collection or let our expert jewellers create a unique piece just for you. 

Celebrate the beauty of Peridot and make it your own!

FAQs

1. Can peridot jewellery be worn every day?
Definitely! Peridot can be worn daily due to its hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, allowing it to withstand normal wear and tear. Just avoid harsh chemicals and impacts to keep your gem shining.

2. How do I choose a quality peridot?
Aim for a vibrant green, minimal inclusions, a flattering cut, and a size that suits your budget. Remember, even smaller Peridots can be stunning with an optimum balance of the 4C’s— Cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.