Peridot, as one of the birthstones of August, is not only loved for its unique green luster, but also because it has played an important role in human history. From the symbol of the sun god in ancient Egypt to the fashionable choice of modern jewelry, peridot contains the meaning of peace, happiness and hope. In this article, we will comprehensively explore the history, cultural value, mineralogical characteristics and some little-known cold knowledge of peridot.
I. The history and cultural value of peridot
1. "Sun Stone" in Ancient Egypt
As one of the earliest gemstones used by humans, peridot can be traced back to 1500 BC. The ancient Egyptians discovered the world's first high-quality peridot mine on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. Because the golden green color of peridot is considered to be a symbol of the brilliance of the sun, it is regarded as the incarnation of the sun god "Ra" and is honored by the ancient Egyptians as the "Sun Stone".
2. Religion and mysterious power
In medieval Europe, peridot was given the power to "expel darkness". It is not only inlaid in church decorations, such as the Three Holy Kings Shrine in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, but also used as a talisman. It is said to be able to drive away demons, heal spiritual trauma, and give the wearer wisdom and the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
3. Fashionable choice of modern jewelry
Olivine is called "dusk emerald" because of its gorgeous green luster, especially in the design of Art Nouveau jewelry. Its unique color and affordable price make it an ideal choice for jewelry lovers to collect and wear.
II. Mineralogical properties of peridot
1. Color and origin
Olivine is green to yellow-green because it contains iron elements. The depth of its color is closely related to the iron content:
-High-quality gem-grade peridot: The color is dark green, golden green or bright yellow-green.
-Low-quality peridot: The color is brown or dark yellow, and the value is lower.
Pure peridot itself is colorless. Only when iron ions replace magnesium ions can it form a charming green color.
2. Classification and types
In mineralogy, olivine is divided into three subgroups: fern olivine, ferroolitic olivine and manganese olivine. The olivine defined by gemology refers specifically to ferroolitic olivine, which is divided according to the iron content:
-Ferrotic olivine (90%-100% iron): the highest quality.
-Golden olivine (70%-90% iron): gem grade.
The higher the iron content, the darker the color, but too much may affect transparency.
3. Clarity and inclusions
Olivine belongs to the "Type II" clarity type defined by GIA, and usually contains inclusions visible to the naked eye. Typical inclusions include gas-liquid inclusions and disc-shaped structures (such as "lily pads"), and some inclusions are even regarded as features that add natural beauty. But too obvious black spots will affect its value.
III. Cold knowledge of olivine
1. Gemstone of the universe
Olivine is the only gemstone known to mankind that has been found outside the earth. Peridot crystals extracted from meteorites, as well as olivine material detected on the surface of Mars and the moon, prove that it is widely present in the universe, giving it a mysterious "interstellar identity".
2. "Gem Rain" in Hawaii
In the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, olivine crystals ejected from the magma fell to the ground, forming a unique "green sand beach". This phenomenon attracted the attention of geology enthusiasts around the world.
3. China's Peridot Reserves
China is currently the world's largest reserve of gem-grade olivine, accounting for 63.5% of the world's reserves. This resource advantage makes China an important player in the olivine market.
IV. Collection and Investment Value of Peridot
Although the price of olivine is relatively affordable, the value of high-quality collection-grade olivine is not inferior to other precious gems. High-quality olivine usually has the following characteristics:
-Color: medium to dark green, no brown tones.
-Clarity: fewer or less obvious inclusions.
-Cut: It is crucial for olivine, and a good cut can maximize its fire and luster.
At the same time, peridot jewelry with historical value, such as peridot in Art Nouveau works or religious objects, has higher artistic and cultural value.
Peridot is not only a charming green gem, but also carries deep historical, cultural and natural mysteries. From the "Stone of the Sun" in ancient Egypt to today's jewelry fashion, it continues to attract human attention. With its unique charm, peridot has become a gem that transcends time and space, providing us with revelations of peace, happiness and mystery. Whether it is worn or collected, it is a gem worth cherishing.
1. "Sun Stone" in Ancient Egypt
As one of the earliest gemstones used by humans, peridot can be traced back to 1500 BC. The ancient Egyptians discovered the world's first high-quality peridot mine on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. Because the golden green color of peridot is considered to be a symbol of the brilliance of the sun, it is regarded as the incarnation of the sun god "Ra" and is honored by the ancient Egyptians as the "Sun Stone".
2. Religion and mysterious power
In medieval Europe, peridot was given the power to "expel darkness". It is not only inlaid in church decorations, such as the Three Holy Kings Shrine in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, but also used as a talisman. It is said to be able to drive away demons, heal spiritual trauma, and give the wearer wisdom and the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
3. Fashionable choice of modern jewelry
Olivine is called "dusk emerald" because of its gorgeous green luster, especially in the design of Art Nouveau jewelry. Its unique color and affordable price make it an ideal choice for jewelry lovers to collect and wear.
II. Mineralogical properties of peridot
1. Color and origin
Olivine is green to yellow-green because it contains iron elements. The depth of its color is closely related to the iron content:
-High-quality gem-grade peridot: The color is dark green, golden green or bright yellow-green.
-Low-quality peridot: The color is brown or dark yellow, and the value is lower.
Pure peridot itself is colorless. Only when iron ions replace magnesium ions can it form a charming green color.
2. Classification and types
In mineralogy, olivine is divided into three subgroups: fern olivine, ferroolitic olivine and manganese olivine. The olivine defined by gemology refers specifically to ferroolitic olivine, which is divided according to the iron content:
-Ferrotic olivine (90%-100% iron): the highest quality.
-Golden olivine (70%-90% iron): gem grade.
The higher the iron content, the darker the color, but too much may affect transparency.
3. Clarity and inclusions
Olivine belongs to the "Type II" clarity type defined by GIA, and usually contains inclusions visible to the naked eye. Typical inclusions include gas-liquid inclusions and disc-shaped structures (such as "lily pads"), and some inclusions are even regarded as features that add natural beauty. But too obvious black spots will affect its value.
III. Cold knowledge of olivine
1. Gemstone of the universe
Olivine is the only gemstone known to mankind that has been found outside the earth. Peridot crystals extracted from meteorites, as well as olivine material detected on the surface of Mars and the moon, prove that it is widely present in the universe, giving it a mysterious "interstellar identity".
2. "Gem Rain" in Hawaii
In the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, olivine crystals ejected from the magma fell to the ground, forming a unique "green sand beach". This phenomenon attracted the attention of geology enthusiasts around the world.
3. China's Peridot Reserves
China is currently the world's largest reserve of gem-grade olivine, accounting for 63.5% of the world's reserves. This resource advantage makes China an important player in the olivine market.
IV. Collection and Investment Value of Peridot
Although the price of olivine is relatively affordable, the value of high-quality collection-grade olivine is not inferior to other precious gems. High-quality olivine usually has the following characteristics:
-Color: medium to dark green, no brown tones.
-Clarity: fewer or less obvious inclusions.
-Cut: It is crucial for olivine, and a good cut can maximize its fire and luster.
At the same time, peridot jewelry with historical value, such as peridot in Art Nouveau works or religious objects, has higher artistic and cultural value.
Peridot is not only a charming green gem, but also carries deep historical, cultural and natural mysteries. From the "Stone of the Sun" in ancient Egypt to today's jewelry fashion, it continues to attract human attention. With its unique charm, peridot has become a gem that transcends time and space, providing us with revelations of peace, happiness and mystery. Whether it is worn or collected, it is a gem worth cherishing.
