The Gemstone for August Birthstone Jewelry - Peridot

Peridot is the contemporary birthstone for August, and as well as being used in August birthstone jewelry is the gem selected to celebrate the sixteenth wedding anniversary. This particular stone is a type of olivine which is a blend of 2 minerals, foylite and forsterite. It's still quite doubtful where the word peridot comes from, whether it is derived from the French word peritot, which means unclear or the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem. Whichever is true the French called this attractive green stone, peridot sometime in the 18th century. Before this time the Peridot gemstone was just called topaz.

For four thousand years peridot has been mined as a precious stone and is even discussed in the Bible where it was was called by the Hewbrews, pitdah. Peridot is the state gem of Egypt and was used by the Egyptians from at least three thousand years ago. It was called the “gem of the sun” as early miners held that it shone with a green light that made the gemstone easy to locate. This exquisite precious stone is becoming wildly popular because of the historical legend denoting it as Cleopatra's favorite jewel.

Description of the Peridot Gemstone

Over the years this precious August gem has frequently been mistaken for other gemstones. The peridot birthstone is best described as a light sea green with tinges of yellow. The gems most often mistaken for the peridot are garnets, apatite, zircon and emeralds, all of which hardly ever have the attractive component of yellow that compliments the peridot's green color.

The Quality of Peridot Gems

Peridots having less than 17% iron and trace elements nickel and chromium are those of the finest. Peridot is found in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, the USA and Germany. In the past the highest quality peridot came from Egypt however some outstanding specimens have been found in Pakistan that some think are even finer. The gems that come from Arizona are of inferior quality but are more plentiful, which makes them within reach of many people. Approximately 85 – 95% of global production of peridot is from Arizona. Gems from Egypt and Pakistan are much higher quality and rarer and consequently are more expensive.

Magical Powers of the Peridot

The  gorgeous August birthstone symbolizes success and it's also considered a shield for the body as it keeps away negativity. It's also linked with reduction of stress and relaxation. The Ancient Egyptians used this jewel to as a cleanser for the heart. A number of illnesses such as asthma and fever were cured by putting some powdered peridot under the tongue. Another belief is that it's powers are amplified by setting it in gold.

August Birthstone Jewelry

Peridot is a lovely gem in its own right and is becoming very popular. Peridot  jewelry can be enjoyable items to collect and they make perfect August birthstone jewelry gifts.