Peridot - August's Birthstone

Volcanic Activity Forms August's Birthstone

If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity. Many years ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Throughout history, August's birthstone has been used as a means to connect with nature. Early Egyptian priests drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot, believing this practice to draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.

The History of August's Birthstone

The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Ancient Egyptians called them the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. It was believed that August's birthstone the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness fell, which is why miners were said to have scouted for these gems during the night, marking their location, and returning in the light of day to retrieve them. Perhaps this legendary mining method is the reason that the Peridot is sometimes called "evening emerald."

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August's Birthstone Wards Off Evil

Peridot is a mineral named Olivine, which is found in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. Early mining for this gem was done on Saint John's Island near Egypt around 1500 BC. The green crystal was considered protective against evil and when set in gold, especially helpful against night terrors. It was ground to powder and used as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought on by fever. Today, August's birthstone Peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.

The force of nature is alive within a Peridot, making a gift of this gemstone symbolic of vitality. It signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead.

The second August Birthstone
A second birthstone for August, Sardonyx is a type of translucent or opaque quartz with alternating parallel bands of brownish red and white. This stone was worn as a talisman by the Egyptians to protect against infections and evil. Today it is highly polished and carved into beautiful beads and cameos. Sardonyx is mined in India, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Brazil and Uruguay. A gift of this stone is considered symbolic of happiness within a relationship.

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Peridot A Gemstone Of Spiritual Purity

Trillion Cut Peridot Gemstone

August's birthstone, Peridot, is a light green gem with a mystical history.

Pronounced "pear-a-doe, " Peridot belongs to a mineral group known as Olivines. The yellowish green kind is called Chrysolite, a gem mentioned in the Bible as one of the decorations on the high priest's breastplate. The olive-green version is called Olivine.

Sometimes called "the poor man's emerald, " the name Peridot comes from a Greek word "faridat, " which means "gem." It is also often referred to as "poor man's emerald".

The traditional lime-green color associated with the Peridot makes it a popular gemstone for jewelry. How deep its green color will be depends on how much iron is in the crystal structure. Whatever its shade, through the ages its color was thought to reflect many spiritual aspects of life.

The first documented source of Peridot was 4, 000 years ago on an island off Egypt now called Zabargard. Early Crusaders called the isle on St. John's Island, and brought its green gems with them back to Europe.

The ancients thought of Peridot as a springtime stone and considered it one of Mother Nature's gifts. However, if someone dreamed about Peridot, the dream was said to be a sign of coming danger.

Christians also considered Peridot sacred. Today, Catholic bishops traditionally wear rings bedecked with Peridot and amethyst, symbolizing the purity and morality of their church office.

As the stone assigned to those born in August, Peridot is said to impart love, faithfulness, truth and loyalty to its wearers. It's also thought to enhance prosperity, growth, and openness.

Many New Age healers believe that Peridot is one of the few stones to which no negative energy will cling. It's said to improve mental clarity and to have a beneficial effect on the gall bladder and the liver, as well as the lungs, lymph system, breasts and sinuses.

Today Peridot has moved far beyond the Egyptian isle where it was first discovered. The lovely green gem is mined in Arizona and Hawaii, Myanmar, Australia, Norway, South Africa and Brazil, making Peridot a citizen of the world.