Peridot - August’s Birthstone

The Peridot (pronounced: pair•a•doe) is the yellowish to olive green gem variety of the mineral olivine. Olivine itself is comprised of two other minerals, fayalite and forsterite, the main composition of each being iron and magnesium, respectively. Though most Peridot is the magnesium rich forsterite, it’s the amount of iron in olivine which contributes most to the final color of Peridot, with amounts less than 15% resulting in the higher quality gems. Other trace elements that contribute to its color are nickel and chromium.

Like other gemstones, Peridot crystals are formed by intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth over millions of years. And over the years, Peridot has been confused with a number of other gemstones, such as the emerald because of its potential range of green color. Thus many jewelers refer to it as “evening emerald”, a nickname given to Peridot by the Romans.

HISTORY

Early use of Peridot dates back to around 1500 BC when it was mined on Saint John’s Island in the Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt. The Egyptians considered it the gem of the sun and used it extensively in their jewelry. In fact, early miners searched for Peridot at night because they believed that moonlight made the crystals easier to find. The finest Peridot is considered to come from Myanmar and Egypt, though a relatively new deposit discovered in 1994 in Kashmir has led to some of the world’s finest stones. Other important sources include China, Africa, Australia and the US where Arizona provides an abundant source, though of somewhat lessor quality.

Peridot was considered by the Egyptians to protect against infections and evil, and clean and heal the heart. It is also mentioned throughout the Bible where it symbolizes purity and morality. Many still consider Peridot a tonic for the whole body, believing that it has a healing effect on the gall bladder and liver, reduces stress and protects the wearer from negativity.

It is unclear where the word Peridot comes from as there are several popular beliefs. Some insist that the name Peridot comes from the Greek word “peridona”, which implies “to give richness”. But other beliefs are that the word comes from the Arabic word “faridat”, which means “gem “ or that it is derived from the word “peritot” which, in Old French, means “unclear”. Further, the stone is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of “pitdah”. Which of these is correct?

MODERN TIMES

Bearing a Mohs’ Hardness rating of 6.5 to 7, the Peridot is not a particularly hard gemstone. And because it’s many inclusions make it easily prone to cracking during cutting, it’s one of the more difficult gemstones for the cutter to work with. However, once the cutter has removed the major inclusions, the way the light refracts through the stone’s remaining ones give off a very rich glow. Because of its affordability, and since caring for it is fairly easy, the Peridot is becoming quite popular in modern times.

The Peridot is also the birthstone for the month of August, it’s vivid green making the perfect compliment to summer attire. The Peridot is also used to celebrate the first wedding anniversary, and as an alternate for the sixteenth wedding anniversary. If your birthday is in the month of August, consider a birthstone ring or pendant with the gemstones of your choice, including a beautiful, vibrant green Peridot.

Ruby - July's Birthstone

The Ruby is the red variety of the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind: corundum. Although pure corundum is virtually colorless, trace amounts of chromium result in the Ruby’s red color. Other elements, such as iron will result in different colors, but all these varieties are referred to as sapphires. Only the red variety is eligible to be called Ruby.

Like other gemstones, Rubies are formed by intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth over millions of years. Interestingly enough, the chromium within the corundum tends to cause cracks within the crystalline structure. These cracks make it very difficult to find Rubies larger than about 3 carats. Consequently, larger Rubies, as well as those with minimal inclusions bring some of the highest prices paid of any gemstones in the world.

HISTORY

Rubies have been prized stones for thousands of years. The finest Rubies are considered to come from Burma, but other important sources include Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Madagascar, Brazil, Afghanistan, Ceylon and Vietnam. Rubies of varying quality are found in many other places in the world, including the United States.

Hindus considered the Ruby to be the king of all gemstones, believing that they lit up the homes of the gods. In fact, reference to the Ruby has been found in Indian literature for more than two thousand years. In mythology, the Ruby was the gemstone chosen as an offering to the Hindu deity Krishna. The Ruby is also the most often named gemstone in the Christian Bible. And in the Middle Ages, the stone was thought to darken when you were in danger, warning and guarding against evil, and giving its wearer the ability to then make clear decisions.

The name Ruby was derived from the Latin word 'rubens', meaning 'red'. What better name for a such a vibrant and prized stone who's fiery, blood-red color represents the embodiment of life for mankind?

MODERN TIMES

The classic Ruby, with its deep, rich red has been treasured through the ages. After all, what other color better embodies the feelings of love, passion and power? It’s no wonder that Dorothy wore Ruby slippers on her way to meet the Wizard in L. Frank Baum ‘s The Wizard of Oz.

Bearing a Mohs' Hardness rating of 9, the Ruby is the second hardest substance known to mankind, though the Diamond is nearly four times harder. Since the color of the Ruby is its most important characteristic, most inclusions do not affect the quality of the stone, but rather help create the rays which leave us with our mouths open. The Ruby is also the birthstone for the month of July and is used to celebrate the fifteenth, fortieth and eightieth wedding anniversaries. It's also an alternate for the sixtieth wedding anniversary. If your birthday is in the month of July, consider a ruby birthstone ring or pendant with the gemstones of your choice, including a beautiful, deep red Ruby.