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Peridot, a beautiful, vibrant green color.
Spinel is attractive for its wide range of colors and vibrant sparkle.
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| Gemstone name | Peridot | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral name | Magnesium olivine | - |
| Japanese name | olivine | Spinel |
| Origin of the name | The name originates from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning "jewel." | The octahedral crystal has sharp points, and its name is derived from the Latin word "spina" (thorn) or the Greek word "spitha" (spark). |
| color | green | Red, pink, blue, etc. |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5-7.0 | 8 |
| Place of origin | Myanmar, China, the United States, etc. | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, etc. |
| Stone meanings | Marital Happiness and Harmony | Success, Proactiveness, Passion |
| effect | Bringing bright hope and courage | Improve thinking skills and foster good interpersonal relationships. |
| Maintenance | Wash gently with a soft brush in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. | Clean with lukewarm water and a neutral detergent, using a brush / ultrasonic cleaning |
| others | - | It's a well-known fact that the 140-carat Black Prince ruby in the British Crown was actually a spinel. |
The birthstone for August is,Clear greenPeridot is characterized by its beautiful appearance. It's affordable, and many pieces have few inclusions and are quite beautiful, making it a popular birthday gift.
Another type is spinel, which was newly designated at the end of 2021. Its greatest appeal lies in its blue, pink, black, and other colors.A wide variety of colorsIt is a gemstone that is perfect for jewelry, possessing these qualities.
This time, we'll introduce the birthstone for August.
▼Click here to learn more about other birthstones
Index
1.Peridot
Characteristics of Peridot
Peridot, whose mineral name is "olivine," evokes the image of a fresh, yellowish-green olive, just as its name suggests. Its Japanese name, kanranseki, also means olive. Though not widely known, it is also a major component of the Earth's upper mantle. Its high birefringence gives it a strong luster, which is one of its attractions. According to one theory, because peridot continues to shine even at night, it was called the "stone of the night" in ancient Egypt.High-quality itemsHighly transparent, with a vibrant green color.However, lower quality ones tend to turn brownish.
While it is produced in various parts of the world, the highest quality is mainly produced in Myanmar and Pakistan.
The origin of peridot
It is believed to originate from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning "jewel," but there are various theories, and one strong one suggests it derives from the ancient Greek word "peridona," meaning "rich."
The effects of peridot
The meaning of the stone is "Success, Proactiveness, Passion".
Peridot, with its vibrant green color, is believed to support physical and mental health.Turning negative feelings into positive onesIt helps to improve relationships through positive thinking, making it the perfect gemstone for those who want to live each day positively. It is recommended for those who want to regain a sense of peace, or for those who work in jobs that involve interacting with people, such as sales.
Peridot, with its vibrant green color, is believed to support physical and mental health.Turning negative feelings into positive onesIt helps to improve relationships through positive thinking, making it the perfect gemstone for those who want to live each day positively. It is recommended for those who want to regain a sense of peace, or for those who work in jobs that involve interacting with people, such as sales.
Peridot care
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, which is hard enough to be worn as jewelry, but it can still be scratched or cracked, so it's best to store it individually.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Since peridot is fragile, it's best to avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner.
When cleaning, fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the stone. Avoid scrubbing, as this can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen; the key is to dab it. After washing, rinse with lukewarm water.
Since peridot is fragile, it's best to avoid using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Hojudo offers a wide selection of peridot jewelry. Please be sure to check out the Hojudo website.
▼Peridot jewelry is available here
2.Spinel
Characteristics of spinel
Since being designated as the birthstone for August in 2021, spinel has gradually gained popularity. Although spinel comes in a variety of colors, it has an unfortunate history of being mistaken for sapphires and rubies.The first official crown of the British royal family is located in front of it.The Black Prince's RubyThe story of discovering that a gemstone you thought was ruby was actually a spinel is practically a heroic tale now. Spinel has often been confused with ruby and sapphire, and their origins are similar. Myanmar is famous for ruby mining, and Sri Lanka for sapphire mining. High-quality spinel has recently been mined in Tanzania as well. Spinel comes in a wide variety of colors, so here are a few examples. ■Red spinel
Vibrant red spinel is the most representative color of spinel. This is the one that was mistaken for the aforementioned Black Prince's Ruby. It is also mined in Myanmar, the same country as rubies, and has long been confused with rubies. Although their crystal structures are different, spinel is monorefracting, meaning it looks the same color from any direction, while ruby is birefringent, meaning its color changes depending on the viewing angle.
Vibrant red spinel is the most representative color of spinel. This is the one that was mistaken for the aforementioned Black Prince's Ruby. It is also mined in Myanmar, the same country as rubies, and has long been confused with rubies. Although their crystal structures are different, spinel is monorefracting, meaning it looks the same color from any direction, while ruby is birefringent, meaning its color changes depending on the viewing angle.
■ Pink spinel
Pink spinel, with its vibrant pink color, is appealing for its feminine impression. Even within the pink color, there are various shades, from purplish pink to neon pink. The more neon and vibrant the color, the more popular and expensive it becomes.
Pink spinel, with its vibrant pink color, is appealing for its feminine impression. Even within the pink color, there are various shades, from purplish pink to neon pink. The more neon and vibrant the color, the more popular and expensive it becomes.
■ Blue Spinel
Blue spinel is often mistaken for blue sapphire. Its origins, such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka, are similar to those of sapphires, which contributes to the confusion. While all are blue, they exhibit a variety of shades, from grayish-blue to the deep blue of sapphire. Those with a particularly strong blue hue are called cobalt spinel, and the darker the color, the higher its value.
Blue spinel is often mistaken for blue sapphire. Its origins, such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka, are similar to those of sapphires, which contributes to the confusion. While all are blue, they exhibit a variety of shades, from grayish-blue to the deep blue of sapphire. Those with a particularly strong blue hue are called cobalt spinel, and the darker the color, the higher its value.
The origin of spinel
The name of spinel is said to come from the Latin word "spina," meaning "thorn," because its crystal is octahedral with a pointed tip. Its Japanese name is also "Senshōseki," meaning "pointed crystal." Another theory is that it comes from the Greek word "spitha," meaning "spark."
The effects of spinel
The meaning of the stone is "Success, Proactiveness, Passion".
SpinelSupporting self-achievementIt helps you achieve your goals. It enhances your thinking skills and improves your relationships. With a wide variety of colors and easy to wear, it's a gemstone recommended for anyone with dreams or goals.
SpinelSupporting self-achievementIt helps you achieve your goals. It enhances your thinking skills and improves your relationships. With a wide variety of colors and easy to wear, it's a gemstone recommended for anyone with dreams or goals.
Spinel care
Spinel is a hard gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 8, and it is also easy to care for.
However, since it is less hard than a diamond, you should avoid storing it together with diamonds or similar precious metals.
Basically, wiping it with a soft cloth or a quick rinse with water is fine, but if you want to clean it thoroughly, put lukewarm water in a cup and add a little neutral detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and wash it by gently tapping. The key is to wash it by tapping, as scrubbing it vigorously can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. After washing, rinse the spinel with lukewarm water.
Ultrasonic cleaning can also be used.
However, since it is less hard than a diamond, you should avoid storing it together with diamonds or similar precious metals.
Basically, wiping it with a soft cloth or a quick rinse with water is fine, but if you want to clean it thoroughly, put lukewarm water in a cup and add a little neutral detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and wash it by gently tapping. The key is to wash it by tapping, as scrubbing it vigorously can cause the prongs holding the stone to loosen. After washing, rinse the spinel with lukewarm water.
Ultrasonic cleaning can also be used.
Hojudo also carries spinel jewelry. Please check out the Hojudo website.
▼Click here for spinel jewelry