August is the month of peridot, a beautiful light green gemstone. This is one of the few gemstones that can only occur in one color, though it can still range in different hues of color. The colors range from yellowish-green to brownish-green.
Peridot is brought to the surface by volcanoes and can occasionally be found in meteorites. This gemstone is found now mostly in Arizona in the San Carlos Reservation. It can also be sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Africa. Peridot is a 6-7 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale. So, while it is not very fragile, it is still very susceptible to breakage.
Most scholars believe that the word peridot was derived from the Arabic word ‘Faridat’ meaning gem, but others believe it’s from the Greek word ‘Peridona’ meaning giving plenty. There is evidence that peridots were used as far back as Ancient Egypt. It’s even believed that the ancient Egyptians braved an island full of snakes to mine these beautiful gems. Throughout the years, peridot has been mistaken for emerald many times. Germany’s Cologn Cathedral houses 200ct gemstones that were once believed to be emeralds but are actually peridots. It is now believed that Cleopatra’s emerald collection may have even been peridot.
The largest peridot ever mined weighs 311 carats! It is so rare that it’s displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. This huge gemstone was found on Zagbargad Island in Egypt.
At La Masters of Fine Jewelry, we have some beautiful peridot jewelry in stock for that perfect August birthday gift!