AUGUST BIRTHSTONE: PERIDOT
It somehow seems fitting that the stone celebrating those born in a hot summer month is Peridot. In fact, the ancient Egyptians referred to Peridot as the “gem of the sun”.
The stone is found deep within Earth’s mantle and is created under high temperature and pressure, only arriving at the surface through volcanic activity. The other high temperature event, known to produce Peridot, is through meteorites landing on Earth. Given that volcanic activity is a more likely occurring event when compared to flaming meteorites, the stone can be dated as far back as the second millennium BC where they were found in ancient Egypt on a volcanic island on the Red Sea. Pliny the Elder, the naturalist, not the beer, was the first to actually record the existence of this stone circa 23-79 A.D. Peridot is a variety of mineral called Olivine. In Hawaiian culture, Peridot symbolizes the volcano goddess of fire Pele.
Metaphysical
Peridot with a color that’s reflective of nature, it is a peaceful stone. It’s known for harmony, good health, and restful sleep. In fact, it’s known to protect from nightmares if set in gold. Because it’s associated with good health, the stone is known for improving the immune system and metabolism. It dispels feelings of lethargy and evokes renewed energy.
Properties
Name According to this site, the word ‘peridot’ comes from the Arabic word faridat, which means ‘gem’. However, some believe that it comes from the Greek word peridona, which means ‘giving plenty’. However, through other online research, I’ve found that the origin of the name is unknown.
Color Peridot is known for its distinctive light green hue. The deeper the color, the more iron it contains and is considered more valuable. It’s been rumored by certain historians that portions of Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection were actually peridot.
Moh’s scale 6.5-7
Regions Today, it’s estimated that 80-90% of the world’s supply of Peridot is produced from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Other known sources include Africa, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China.
