Spinel
Spinel Gemstone Origin
Spinel is one of the favorites of gem dealers. It is a rare and popular gem among collectors and jewelry lovers. This gemstone is majorly mined from areas in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Some of the deposits can also be found in Tanzania and Tajikistan. Among the spinel family, red spinel are the most popular variety available on the market, however, spinel can range from orange to lavender to mauve.
Spinel as the August Birthstone
August 1 - 31
Spinel is one of the birthstones of August alongside peridot. Spinel is a relative newcomer to the list of birthstones added by the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) as an alternative to peridot.
Color, Shades, and Varieties
Spinel is often mistaken for either ruby or pink sapphire; that is why it can be a great and much cheaper alternative. Spinel comes in a variety of colors, from the most popular red and pink to lilac or mauve to blue. Its intense color becomes the attractive characteristic of the gemstone.
Some variants of spinel colors are available in the market with higher value. In general, red spinel is the most desirable variant, followed by cobalt-blue spinel, then vibrant pink and orange spinel. While violet, blueish purple, purple, and lavender stones tend to be less in demand, they can be equally as attractive as their more desired cousin.
Red spinel ranges from orangy red to purplish red. It can show medium to medium dark hues.
Blue spinel hues range from violet blue to very slightly greenish blue.
Spinel Symbolism:
Help set aside egos and become devoted to another person.
Increase physical energy and stamina.
Stimulate chakras, the meridian system, bringing fresh energy where it is most needed.
Encourage great passion, devotion, and longevity.
Help release your stress and anxieties.
Replenish your low energy levels.
Help find new ways of thinking and give you the strength to face challenges.
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Peridot
Peridot Gemstone Origin
Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," which means "gem." However, some studies said that peridot is named after the French word "peritot," meaning gold, because this stone can vary towards this color.
Peridot is considered one of the most oldest gems. Pliny the Elder, an ancient naturalist, discovered the first peridot in the 4th century B.C. around a small, coastal Egyptian island in the Red Sea. Later on, Egyptians referred peridot as the "gem of the sun" that brings protection to its owner from evil spirits.
Peridot formation happens in magma much deeper in the mantle region in areas with extrusive igneous rocks. Then its crystals are brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity.
Currently, the available peridots on the market mostly come from border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Peridots are also found in other countries, including Myanmar, China, the U.S., African countries, Australia, and Vietnam.
Peridot as the August Birthstone
August 1 - 31
With its color resemblance of money, peridot believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those born in August.
Color, Shades, and Varieties
Peridot is a kind of a silicate mineral termed olivine. This "evening emerald" is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: an olive-green. Its hue ranges from light lime to deep olive green color.
Pure green peridot with the finest green hue without any hint of yellow or brown is especially rare. Its appealing color is due to the proximity of iron trace elements. However, most peridots appears yellowish green or brownish green, which considers to be lower in quality.
Peridot Symbolism:
Prosperity and good fortune.
Protect those who wears from the terrors of the night.
Believe to heal and regenerate cells and tissue, bringing strength and speed to metabolism.
Has the ability to open the doors to its bearer's heart and purifies it.
Known as the stone of compassion, peridot brings good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind.
Fun fact:
Cleopatra's favorite gemstone is peridot.
According to Hawaiian religious beliefs, peridots are believed to be the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands.