All about Peridot, the birthstone for August.
If you were born in August, then Peridot is your birthstone. Peridot is a gorgeous stone and can come in different green variations, from vibrant green to a paler lighter green, depending on the amount of iron content.
The official birthstone for August since 1912, this stone is also aligned with the zodiac sign of Leo and is the traditional stone for 16th wedding anniversary.
Peridot is a Silver Scene favourite, we just love how sparkly and fresh it is, the perfect stone to brighten up your outfit, put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
Some Silver Scene designs using Peridot.
Facts
Peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth. It is one of only two gems (diamond being the other) formed not in the Earth’s crust, but in molten rock of the upper mantle and brought to the surface by earthquakes and volcanos.
Peridot has been found in some meteorites, making it one of the few gems known to exist outside our Solar System.
This semi-precious stone is an igneous rock made from a silicate mineral called olivine. It’s found all over the world including USA, Myanmar, Brazil, South Africa, China, Tanzania and Norway.
Due to the Kilauea Volcano erupting in Hawaii in 2018, Mahana Beach is filled with small peridot minerals called Olivine and is known as the Green beach. For the Hawaiians, Peridot symbolises the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanos.
Green Beach, Hawaii
History and Legends
Peridot has been favoured since the earliest civilizations for its protective powers. First mined by the Egyptians in 1500BC, they called peridot the ‘sun gem’ believing it had fallen from the sky. Egyptian priests would crush up little parts of Peridot in their hot drinks as they believed it would bring them closer to the light.
Pirates considered it a powerful amulet against all evil and when set in gold, it was said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night.
In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Peridot peaked in popularity. Edward VII loved the gem so much he declared that it was his favourite stone.
Healing Properties and Beliefs
Peridot is a powerful cleanser. Believed to strengthen the immune system and metabolism, it is thought to have healing effects on the liver, gall bladder, lungs, heart, as well as benefits for the skin and help in the treating of ulcers. A gem of transformation, Peridot performs well during recovery of addiction and is a vital guide for healing.
Peridot teaches that holding on to people, or the past, is counterproductive and it helps release ‘old baggage’. Peridot is believed to alleviate jealousy, resentment, spite and anger. Motivating growth, peridot helps to bring about change. Peridot sharpens the mind and opens it to new levels of awareness. It can also help to improve difficult relationships.
