by Amanda Applebyinfo@amandaappleby.comAugust, the month of peridot
Peridot, the sophisticated birthstone for August, is one of the few gemstones that is always the same colour – green! A member of the Olivine mineral family - a magnesium iron silicate composition – it is relatively common in the Earth’s crust. Peridot is actually just gem quality Olivine and its colour can range from bottle green to an almost yellowish, olive hue.
Other than being the birthstone for August, peridot is also considered to be the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary. It is one of the oldest known stones, is the national gem of Egypt and is discussed in the Bible as Chrysolite. Its colour comes from the percentage of iron within its makeup, and it’s been found in meteorites, on Mars and on the Moon!
Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships. It is known to symbolise strength and is said to protect its wearer from nightmares when set in gold.
The origin of the name peridot is uncertain, although some claim the word "peridot” stems from the Arabic word "faridat”, which means "gem”. Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s emeralds may have actually been peridot, and the gem has also been mistaken for other stones over the centuries.
Peridot makes the perfect gift – it has always been associated with the heart chakra, and it fosters harmony in relationships of all kinds!
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Peridot