kristin
08-02-2006, 10:52 AM
Peridot - One of August’s Birthstones
Early Egyptians mined a beautiful green gem on an island in the Red Sea called Topazios- now called St John’s Island or Zabargad. Legend has it the island was infested with snakes, which made mining unpleasant.
Some historians believe Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might have actually been Peridot. People in medieval times confused Peridot with Emerald and it has been found that several famous “Emeralds” were actually Peridots.
Peridot is one of the softer gems, at 6.5 to 7 on mohs scale peridot is scratched more easily that some gems. Peridot also requires careful cleaning, as it is sensitive to rapid temperature changes. The best cleaning method for Peridot is warm water and mild detergent or soap.
Early Egyptians mined a beautiful green gem on an island in the Red Sea called Topazios- now called St John’s Island or Zabargad. Legend has it the island was infested with snakes, which made mining unpleasant.
Some historians believe Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might have actually been Peridot. People in medieval times confused Peridot with Emerald and it has been found that several famous “Emeralds” were actually Peridots.
Peridot is one of the softer gems, at 6.5 to 7 on mohs scale peridot is scratched more easily that some gems. Peridot also requires careful cleaning, as it is sensitive to rapid temperature changes. The best cleaning method for Peridot is warm water and mild detergent or soap.