That beautiful gemstone ring you wear - have you ever considered the journey it took to get to you? And I am not referring to traveling from the jewelry store to you.
Stones, all stones, are the story of our universe. They are fascinating. Some we perceive as gemstones and, as such, are the focus of our business. As much as time allows I try to find out about these beautiful stones and share a little insight with you. This is going to be about a stone that is best known, today, as the birthstone of August: Peridot. Peridot, from the Arabic word “faridat” which means “gem”, is mined all over the world but true gem quality, jewelry grade is rarer.
It is so much more than a birthstone. Lore calls it a talisman to ward off evil spirits and improve intellect, memory and comprehension. Oh yes, astrologers believe that it is highly beneficial for people working in entertainment, media or public relations. And, wearing a Peridot ring can soothe tensed nerves and restore calmness. Sounds like a perfect ring for 2023. 
There is a lot more lore, but unfortunately, there is a large gap in the real history of Peridot probably because through the centuries it has been confused with other green stones.
Called “the extreme gem” by the Gemological Institute of America Peridot is one of two gemstones that do not form in Earth’s crust (where most gemstones are birthed). The other stone is Diamond. Created in magma in the upper mantle it was brought to the surface during violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions billions of years ago. And, thanks to NASA there is evidence of extraterrestrial origins with Olivine (the parent mineral) found in comet dust and on the Moon and Mars. That is a story unto itself.
While we are on the subject of volcanos and Peridot, have you ever been to Kauai’s green beach called Papakolea? It was formed when hot lava shooting out from extreme volcanic activity cooled in mid-air to create “Pele’s Tears”, the olivine form of Peridot. It mixed with lava, which in turn is eroded by water and wind to create the green sand beach. Similar beaches are found on Guam, the Galapagos and Norway. 
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One of the very few gemstones that come in only one color – green- Peridot was called by ancient Egyptians the “gem of the Sun”. 
They believed that it traveled to Earth by a Sun’s explosion which is pretty darn close to the facts. The Romans called it “the evening Emerald” because it keeps its brilliant color even under artificial light.
So back to our journey. Mined for over 4,000 years, evidence of the use of the Peridot dates back to 1500 B.C It was treasured, not only for its beauty but also for perceived healing properties. Historians believe that the gems in the fabled Emerald jewelry of Cleopatra were really Peridot; and, the medieval Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cathedral of Cologne, that was embellished with 200 cts of Emeralds have proven to be Peridot. It is a beautiful yellow green and Emeralds are generally considered a bluish green, and yet the two were frequently confused with each other. The ability to scientifically test chemical compositions of gemstones did not exist so human beings relied on their eyesight to categorize a gemstone and that led to a lot of confusion.
Today it is estimated that 80% of the world’s supply is found about 100 miles east of Phoenix on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Most, if not all, of this Peridot is used in mass produced commercial jewelry as the stones are relatively small. However, beautiful and larger stones do appear from time to time. Pictured here is a 12.25 ct Arizona Peridot cut by Nick Alexander, son of famed Arizona stone cutter Darryl Alexander. 
In 1994 a major Peridot discovery occurred in Pakistan. The mines are some 15,000 feet above sea level. Riding by horseback for 10 hours you then must hike/climb for 2 to 3 days before reaching the mines. About 2,000 miners make the trek in July, August and September, because of the treacherous weather in the snow-capped mountains of western Himalayas. Just think of it! All to bring you a glorious green gemstone. Very fine specimens also come from Burma, especially from the famed Mogook Mine, and from China.
So now your gemstone has fought its way out of the upper mantle of earth, survived molten temperatures, shot into the air, been weathered by water and air, dug out of mines and passing through a lot of hands as it is transported down dangerous mountain passes to start its journey to becoming a beautiful piece of jewelry.
The rough stones are sold, and a gemstone cutter steps in. The cutting of Peridot for the jewelry trade is tricky and requires a skilled hand and a discerning eye. 
Eventually, the stone is purchased by a jeweler who then, after much consideration of the quality, size and cut designs a piece of jewelry that sets the stone on the next phase of its journey. Where it lives its life as a treasured heirloom to live on through history.
Next time you look at a gemstone, consider the journey.