Peridot: The Birthstone of Nature

By Nichole Giles

In keeping with Rachelle Christensen’s excellent idea, I figure it’s about time I write about Peridot, the August birthstone. I have to say, all the research I’ve been doing into jewelry, the history behind it, and the sources of stones and metals is so fascinating for me. I wouldn’t have thought writing about it could make me love these things more, but…well, I just can’t help it.

Peridot is formed in and around the Earth’s mantle, and is created from a mineral called Olivine, as a result of volcanic activity. When Hawaiian natives first discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of the islands, they assumed the beautiful yellow-green stones were tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. With it’s earthy color, and the origins of it’s creation, it’s no wonder August’s birthstone has been used as a means to connect with nature.

It’s even said that Egyptian priests drank a beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot in order to draw closer to Isis, the goddess of nature. (I’d so love to see one of those cups!) The green crystal was also considered protective against evil and when set in gold, especially helpful against night terrors. Healers were known to ground the crystals to powder and use it as a cure for asthma and fever thirst.

Ancient Egyptians called Peridot the “gem of the sun,” because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. Rumors claimed that Peridot glowed with light, even as darkness fell, which is why miners often scouted for them at night, marking their location, and returning during daylight to retrieve them.

I’m finding conflicting information about where the name Peridot came from, but the possibilities are that it might have been derived from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning gem. Or it could have been from the French word “peritot,” which means unclear. Either one makes sense to me, and I’m guessing it could also be a combination of both, since people have been mining this gem for an estimated four thousand years. Peridot is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name, pitdah, and it’s thought that it might have been used in the fabled Breastplates of the Jewish High Priest—though there is no proof since none of these artifacts have ever been found.

In 1500 BC, this gem was mined on Saint John’s Island, near Egypt. And it’s believed was often confused—due to it’s greenish color—with emeralds. Today, Peridot is mined in a variety of places—mostly close to active and/or dormant volcanoes—such as Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.

Peridot is said to symbolize vitality, strength of an individual and within relationships, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead. What an awesome gift for someone you love. And how convenient that it is also the gem designated for the sixteenth wedding anniversary. (Hey, my sixteenth is coming up this year. That’s good to know!)

Since I’m on the subject of monthly gems, I don’t want to forget to point out to all you gift-givers out there that along with a birthstone, you might consider giving a birth-flower. Yes, that’s right. Each month is also assigned a flower, and Gladiolus is the one for August.

The name Gladiolus means splendid beauty, which is why this gorgeous flower would be the perfect blooms to give that beautiful person in your life. It signifies rememberence, and expresses infatuation, telling the receiver he or she “pierces the heart.”

For all you lucky August babies, don’t forget to send your favorite gift giver to this blog for some great information on what to buy as a celebration of your birth. Symbolism is important in my book.

Quote of the month:

"Fairest of the months! Ripe summer's queenThe hey-day of the yearWith robes that gleam with sunny sheenSweet August doth appear." ~ R. Combe Miller

Until next time, one evening this week, take your shoes off and walk barefooted through the grass or soil, whichever suits you best, and soak up the end of summer before it drifts slowly away.

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