August - Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx
Peridot, spinel and sardonyx are the three birthstones for August. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. The spinel birthstone was under-appreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years.
(Spinel and Sardonyx descriptions are listed on the Gemstones History and Properties page)
​ANNIVERSARY
Peridot is also given in celebration of the 16th year of marriage.
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ATTRIBUTES
Clarity, Opportunity, Stress-reduction, Forgiveness, Awakens you to what you truly desire.
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​HISTORY
Shimmering, pale green peridot--often called the evening emerald--is a gemstone commonly associated with spirituality and expression. The word "peridot" can be pronounced as "PAIR-uh-doe" or "PAIR-uh-dot." While both pronunciations are found in the dictionary, the actual word of origin for peridot is from the French word peritôt, meaning unclear, because of the numerous inclusions and internal fractures often found within peridot gemstone beads.
Chrysolite (an older German word) was also used to describe it before the word peridot was applied to all gem quality peridot stones. Sometimes also referred to as olivine, it is only found in one color--green. This uncommon green color is best known simply as peridot green, and it varies from olive to brownish green. This green was highly prized by ancient admirers because it was often thought to be emerald, which is one of the greatest compliments peridot could ever receive. It is the national gem of Egypt, and the ancient Egyptians knew it as the gem of the sun. In fact, jewelry historians are now convinced that some, if not all, of the emeralds that Cleopatra was famous for wearing were not actually emeralds but deep green peridot stones from mines in Egypt.
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​Peridot, also known to ancient Hebrews, is listed in the Bible as one of the stones used in Aaron's breastplate and as one of the layers in the foundation of the city of New Jerusalem. Peridot is not only terrestrial. Although many different gems can be found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, the galaxy-traveling peridot is the only gem that is found in sizes large enough to be made into jewelry. These gem-carrying meteorites are called pallasites, and the peridot found in them is given a special name too (moldavite) to speak to its otherworldly origins.
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​GEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Peridot occurs in silica-poor igneous rocks, such as basalts. Some peridot is found in volcanic areas, while some are found embedded in meteorites. These stones are not usually of gem quality, but a few have been faceted and mounted in jewelry settings. New sources of peridot include Arizona, Mexico, Oregon, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, and Sri Lanka. The Canary Islands, China, Brazil, Norway, Hawaii, Australia, Brazil, and South Africa provide the finest gem quality peridot stones.
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​METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep, and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind. This friendly bright green stone also has the uncanny ability to inspire eloquence and creativity; it also brings delight and good cheer. It attracts love and calms anger by giving renewal to all things. The epic metaphysical powers that peridot possesses have been written about much throughout the ages. Legend says that if the gem is set in gold, the stone will develop its full potential as a talisman and will have the power to eradicate terrors of the night such as fearsome visions and nightmares. Peridot has been long considered a powerful aid to repairing and maintaining friendship and, supposedly, it frees the mind of envious thoughts that can damage and strain relationships. It has also been used to protect believers from the evil eye.
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Note: All properties listed have been collected from various sources. This information is not meant to treat medical conditions. You should always follow the advice of medical professionals per their diagnoses. Tracey’s Treasures LLC does not guarantee the validity of any of the information collected.