Peridot – the Birthstone of August

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 green glow. Peridot is also used as the 16th anniversary gemstone.

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Ancient Greek and Roman jewellery was heavy in peridot and has been popular 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 believed it had the ability to lower anxiety, enhance verbal communication, and help in the success of marriages.

The transparent colours in peridot come in a variety of greens ranging from a light yellowish green to a dark olive colour. The truer the green hue is of the peridot the most expensive it is going to be. If there is any slight colour of brown in your peridot it greatly lowers the value as well as any visible flaws.

You are able to find peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii where this specific gemstone is quite abundant. You are able to find peridot here in large sizes. The Hawaiians believe that peridot is the tears of Pele, their volcano goddess.

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

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Peridot is said to have helped dreams become a reality and has been given the symbol of fame, strength, and vitality. Peridot is found in Europe in medieval churches, heavily decorating treasures including the Cologne Cathedral.

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

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