August Birthstone: Peridot
The Vibrant Charm of Peridot: A Gem of Prosperity and Cosmic Origins
Meet peridot, the captivating yellowish-green variant of the mineral olivine. This gemstone holds a special place in celebrations, often given to commemorate a 16th wedding anniversary. Beyond its lovely hue, peridot is traditionally associated with prosperity, good fortune, and wealth.
Born of Fire and Space:
What makes peridot truly unique is its remarkable ability to form under some of the most extreme conditions imaginable right here on Earth! This stunning birthstone can be found within hardened lava, forged deep within the Earth's mantle and brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity.
Even more incredibly, peridot has been discovered in trace amounts within meteorites that have journeyed from outer space and crashed onto our planet! These extraterrestrial deposits can be astonishingly old, dating back as far as 4 billion years ago, offering a tangible connection to the cosmos.
A Gem Revered Through the Ages:
Peridot has been cherished and respected by numerous cultures throughout history. As early as 200 BCE, this vibrant green stone adorned the jewelry of priests. Later, it graced chalices and was found within the ruins of ancient churches, most notably in the famed Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany's Cologne Cathedral. Interestingly, historical accounts suggest some confusion between peridot and emerald, with the former likely mistaken for the latter by the Germans and even possibly comprising a significant portion of Cleopatra's renowned emerald collection.
Global Sources and Local Treasures:
Historically, peridot has been mined in various locations around the world, including China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and several states within the United States. While Peridot Beach in Hawaii is world-famous for its unique green sands, a result of substantial peridot deposits, Arizona boasts one of the largest peridot deposits globally!
Gentle Beauty Requires Gentle Care:
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, peridot ranks between 6.5 and 7, making it softer than many other gemstones commonly used in jewelry. Because of this relative softness, it's wise to exercise care when storing your peridot pieces alongside harder gems in your collection to prevent scratching. When it comes to cleaning, the process is simple: use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft-bristled brush or a gentle cloth.
Discover the Lush Beauty of Peridot:
Stop by Malak Jewelers today and explore our beautiful collection of peridot jewelry, alongside a stunning array of other gemstones, including dazzling diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, luxurious 22k gold, unique estate jewelry, and a wide selection of rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and other exquisite fine jewelry. You can find us in South Charlotte, North Carolina, at The Arboretum Shopping Center, conveniently located at the corner of Providence Road and Pineville-Matthews / Highway 51. We are open to serve you Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Come and discover the vibrant allure of peridot!