The August Birthstone Gem - the Peridot

The birthstone for August in the modern system is the lovely clear green gemstone the peridot. It is also the gemstone chosen to celebrate the sixteenth wedding anniversary. Peridot is a mixture of the minerals forsterite and foylite and is a type of olivine, usually green in color with a hint of yellow. Before the eighteenth century the peridot was called topaz but it seems to have acquired it's name around this time possibly from the French word for clear, peritot or from the word for gem in Arabic.

For over 4000 years peridot has been mined as a precious stone and is even mentioned in the Bible as the Hewbrew gem, pitdah. Peridot is the state jewel of Egypt and was used in Egyptian jewelry from at least 1500 B.C. It was named the "sun gem" as miners from long ago thought that it shone with a light that made the gem easier to find. This exquisite gem is becoming extremely popular perhaps because of the stories identifying it as the favorite jewel of Cleopatra.

Description of the Peridot Gemstone

Throughout the years this precious August precious stone has often been mistaken for other gemstones. The peridot birthstone can be described as a light sea green with tinges of yellow. The gems most often mistaken for the peridot are zircon, emeralds, apatite and garnets, although these hardly ever possess the nice hint of yellow that looks so attractive with the peridot's green color.

The Quality of Peridot Gems

Peridots having less than 15% iron and the trace elements nickel and chromium are those of the best quality. Peridot is found in Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Ethiopia, Austalia and the USA. Historically the best quality peridot came from Egypt however a number of remarkable crystals have been discovered in Pakistan that some think are even finer. The gems that come from Arizona are of inferior quality but are more plentiful, so making them more affordable for many people. About 85 – 95% of world production comes from Arizona. The gemstones produced in Egypt and Pakistan are better quality and rarer and consequently are more expensive.

Magical Powers of the Peridot

This attractive August birthstone symbolizes success and dignity and it is also thought of a safeguard for the whole body as it protects the wearer from negativity. It's also associated with reduction of stress and relaxation. The Egyptians used this precious stone to heal and clean the heart. Some sicknesses such as asthma and fever were thought to be cured by putting some powdered peridot under the tongue. Another belief is that setting the gemstone in gold will increase it's powers.

August Birthstone Jewelry

The lovely delicate green color of the peridot makes exquisite August birthstone jewelry and you can find it in gold and silver rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants. If you are lucky enough to have a birthday in August you can choose the lovely peridot as your very special gemstone.