The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “ferdat” which means “gem”. Most gems are formed in the earth’s crust, however the peridot stone is different. They are formed in magma of the mantel of the earth. Approximately 20-55 miles deep. Volcanoes brought them to the surface where we are able to find them. Some peridot gems also came to the earth from meteorites. These type of extraterrestrial stones are extremely rare, and most likely not even seen in a retail jewelry store.
August Birthstone
Known as the “gem of the sun,” in ancient times it was believed that peridot was a gift of Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world. Also known as “the Evening Emerald” because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day, peridot is said to possess healing properties that protected its owner against nightmares, especially when it was set in gold. While others would string the gems on donkey hair and tie it around their left arm to ward off evil spirits.
Babies born in the month of August are considered to be lucky as peridot can help boost confidence, attract love, and wealth.
Peridot is available in range of colors from yellowish green to brownish green, but the bright lime greens and olive greens are the most desired. If you prefer citrus tones or earth tones, this is the ideal gemstone for you.
It possesses good hardness MOH 6.5~7 and durability, rendering it suitable for just about any type of jewelry application, including everyday-wearing. Its attractive color and affordable pricing makes it prized by many jewelers.
Despite its occasional rarity, the modern demand for peridots can now be met easily, giving people born in August affordable options for wearing this beautiful green birthstone.
History & Interesting Facts
- Through medieval times, people continued to confuse the two green gems — emerald and peridot. Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually been peridot.
- The 200-carat gems adorning one of the shrines in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were long believed to be emeralds as well, but they are indeed peridots.
- In Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess of fire who controls the flow of lava In the 1990s, new deposits were discovered in Pakistan, producing some of the finest peridots ever found. Some of these “Kashmir peridots” measured more than 100 carats.
- In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.
- Most of the world’s peridot supply is located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. An estimated 80 to 95 percent of the world’s peridot supply is found here. Other sources are China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Africa.
- The largest cut peridot was found on the island of Zabargad, weights 319 carats and belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
- There are several types of symbolism associated with the gemstone. Peridot symbolizes love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty. The energies from the gemstone can also suppress ego and jealousy.
- Today this gem is still prized for its beautiful yellowish green hues and long history.
August-Born Celebrities
Some of your favorite celebrities we’re born in August. Here’s a few: Barack Obama, Kylie Jenner, Madonna, Jennifer Lawrence, Tom Brady, Demi Lovato, Steve Carell, and Angela Bassett.
Browse through our peridot jewelry to find the perfect August birthstone gift.
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