August Birthstone - Peridot

Peridot, the birthstone of August, has a lustrous lime green color and is one of only a few gemstones that exists in only one color. Peridot is believed to instill power and influence as well as bring the wearer magical powers and properties that protect against nightmares.

August is dynamic and unpredictable in all the right ways. Those born in the month of August are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty, then turn around and dress to the nines. August is a chameleon and can fit in wherever you are — making many friends as you go.

Check out these Fun Facts about the Peridot Gem:

• Peridot is the Birthstone to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary.

• Peridot has been the official birthstone of August since 1912.

• Peridot is a gem quality form of the mineral olivine. This material is also referred to as chrysolite.

• The peridot gem is found primarily among rocks that were created by volcanoes and buried deep under ground (igneous rocks), so wherever there are or was volcanoes, this mineral is likely to be found.

• Large quantities of peridot are mined from the San Carlos reservation in Arizona as well as in Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and China.

• Peridot is also mined in large quantities in many other parts of the world like Pakistan and Kenya.

• Peridot that is mined in the US is usually much smaller and lighter in color than the varieties from other locales.

• Some peridot specimens have been discovered in meteorites, though this finding is very rare.

• Peridot is a French word that is derived from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem.

• In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Hele who is the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

• There is no synthetic or man-made version of peridot, but imitations do exist. These are usually made of glass or natural tourmaline.

• Commercial quality peridot is separated into to quality grades of A and B. A quality peridot stones are eye clean yellowish green stones with no brown tones. B quality peridot stones are usually very pale in color or have visible inclusions.

• Peridot is a relatively inexpensive gemstone when purchased under 4 carats. Any stone weighing over 4 carats costs considerably more. Stones over 10 carats are exceedingly rare and therefore expensive.

• Peridot is a softer stone that is best set in jewelry that doesn’t see hard wear. Bezel settings that protect the stone are recommended.