The Gemstone of August - Peridot

August’s birthstone is Peridot and comes from the Arabic word “faridat” which means gem. Peridot is often referred to as the evening emerald because when put under artificial light it has a nice green glow. Peridot is also given as the 16th anniversary gemstone.

Ancient Greek and Roman jewelry was heavy in peridot and has been admired all the way back to 1500 BC when the Egyptians began mining it. Egyptians referred to the stone as the “gem of the sun” and even supposed it had the ability to lower anxiety, enhance verbal communication, and help in the success of marriages.

The transparent colors in peridot come in an array of greens ranging from a light yellowish green to a deep olive color. The truer the green hue is of the peridot the most valuable it is going to be. If there is even a slight color of brown in your peridot it seriously lowers the value as well as any evident flaws.

You are able to find peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii where this certain gemstone is somewhat abundant. You are able to find peridot here in large sizes. The Hawaiians think that peridot is the tears of Pele, their volcano deity.

While peridot is most abundant in Hawaii you can also find it as far away as Burma, Australia, Norway, the Congo, Brazil and even Arizona. Whereever it is found it is an amazing gemstone.

Peridot is said to have helped dreams become reality and has been given the emblem of fame, might, and energy. Peridot is found in Europe in medieval churches, heavily decorating treasures counting the Cologne Cathedral.

It is known that Egyptian priests drank from cups made of peridot with the belief that it would draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.

Published by www.MiltonGems.co.uk. Find a vast selection of August birthstone / peridot jewellery. Find more info on birthstones here.