If you are born in August, it’s your time to shine, preferably with a Peridot adornment! The lovely green Peridot is this month’s birthstone. Many people are unaware the Peridot is actually a rare form of the mineral Olivine. Olivine is transformed into Peridot under heat and pressure, which is why the gem is often found in lava beds and even sometimes meteorites. It can vary in color from a deep lime green to a yellow green. It’s vitreous or glassy, luster makes it ideal for gem cutters and therefore the stone is often finished in a faceted cut that really shows off its sparkle! The gem is found all over the world on every continent.
There are a few “famous” Peridot that can be seen around the world. One example is in Germany at the Dome of Cologne where the treasure of the Three Magi is housed. The large focal Peridot in this gorgeous reliquary was once thought to be an Emerald, oooooppps! A yellow green 192.75 carat Peridot owned by the Russian Czars is now a part of the Diamond Treasury in Moscow. Over in England, the London Geologic Museum also houses a notable 146 carat step cut Peridot. Another famous Peridot can be found in the good old U.S.A. at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. This 310 carat, 62 gram whopper on display in the gem room is the largest known cut Peridot! The museum also features other fine Peridot Jewelry in its collection. If you would like to enjoy the beauty of Peridot a little closer to home, consider making this beauty below from Layne Designs yours.
Peridot Necklace by Layne Designs
Photo by Jim Lawson
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