Fused Glass August Birthstone Peridot. August has two birthstones Peridot and Sardonyx. Peridot is also recognized as the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversaries. This first blog is regarding my fused glass Peridot. For the fused glass birthstone version of Augusts’ “Peridot” I used various shades of green frit.
According to my research including American Gem Society, Peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. Peridots were used as early as 1500 BC by the Egyptians and was considered the gem of the sun. This bright yellow-green to green gemstone has been used by humans for thousands of years. Peridot is sometimes referred to as an “evening emerald” because under artificial light it glows as a beautiful green. Peridot, the volcanic gem, is the best known gem variety of the mineral olivine, a silicate mineral. Peridot comes in several color variations ranging from yellow-green, green with a golden tone, olive or bottle green, deep chartreuse, or simply a light green. The most valuable is considered a dark-olive green color or has less than 15% of iron and includes nickel and chromium as trace elements that may also contribute to the best peridot color. Peridot is one of a few gems that are not routinely treated. Peridot is a relatively soft stone, rating a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than amethyst or emerald.
Peridot arrived to Earth from outer space in the form of meteorites. Although many different gems can be found in meteorites, peridot has been found in large enough sized to make jewelry from. In 1749, a meteorite landed in a desolate area of Siberia. It was found to contain many pieces of peridot crystals large enough to be set into jewelry.
It is believed peridots have special properties:
· Used as protection against evil and protect the wearer from negativity.
· Used as a relaxation, stress reduction and a remedy for asthma.
· Wearing it was thought to bring peace and provide protection from nightmares.
· Alleviating fear, anger and emotional trauma.
· Used as whole body tonic and to channel spirits.
· Drinking from a peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines.
· Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.
How to Care for Peridot
The safest way to clean peridot is with warm, soapy water. Peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Protect peridot from scratches and sharp blows and avoid any contact with chemicals. Peridot should not be cleaned in ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Peridot shouldn’t be mounted in rings. Peridot can also lose their polish if they come in contact with commonly used hydrochloric of sulfuric acid.
As I mentioned in the initial newsletter discussing fused glass birthstones there are many advantages of fused glass over typical gemstones is Fused Glass is less expensive, more durable (than some birthstones), and can be bigger than typical gemstones. Fused Glass faux birthstones can also be made into other items besides jewelry i.e., wine stopper, purse hanger, key chain, etc.
Please let me know (fused_elegance@yahoo.com) if you would like a fused glass Peridot.
Keeping my Kiln Warm.
Karen