Peridot:  August's Birthstone

 

Peridot is the birthstone for August and 16th anniversary gemstone.  Peridot is named after the Arabic word "faridat" which means gem.  It is also referred to as as “Evening Emerald” because it will glow a very brilliant green under artificial light.

• August Birthstone: Peridot Birthstone
• Properties: Illumination
• Alternative Birthstone: Sardonyx

Peridot is transparent with subtle colour in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. The purer green a peridot is, the higher the value. Any tinge of brown greatly diminishes the value of a peridot, as well as visible flaws.

An Ancient Stone

Peridot became a popular early Greeks and Romans and has been mined since 1500BC by the Egyptians.  The Egyptians called is the "gem of the sun" as they believed it had the power to enhance speech, allow for successful relationships and ward off anxiety.

Peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii where the gemstone is abundant and available in larger sizes. Hawaiians believe that peridot is the tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Pele must have travelled extensively, however, because peridot is also mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.

Peridot is found in Europe in many medieval churches decorating several treasures, including the Cologne Cathedral. Peridot use peaked during the Baroque era, but the gemstone fell out of favour over time until the 1990's when a new source in Pakistan re-ignited interest in the forgotten stone.

A Calming Nature

Legends tell of peridot's ability to increase potency of medicines.  Egyptian priests drank from cups made of peridot, believing it would draw them closer to Isis, their goddess of nature.  This is a stone for those who require the calming of a raging anger, have nervous conditions or would like to promote tranquillity if you are highly strung.

Many legends state that peridot was considered a powerful amulet against all evil, as well as a remedy for sinus problems. Powdered peridot has been used to cure asthma, while a peridot stone placed under the tongue of someone with fever is believed to lessen his/her thirst.

Making Dreams Come True

If you would like your dreams to become reality, then peridot may help, as it is linked to fame, strength and vitality.  It is also a symbol of eloquence and persuasiveness.

Peridots were especially favoured by pirates. The terrors of the sea considered peridot powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night…including nightmares.