August
Birthstone : Peridot
Birthstone Color: Yellow Green
If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface
of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed
as a result of volcanic activity. Many years
ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black
sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears
shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Throughout
history, August's birthstone has been used as a means
to connect with nature. Early Egyptian priests
drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups
made of Peridot, believing this practice to draw them
closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.
The
name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat,"
meaning gem. Ancient Egyptians called them the "gem
of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance
when seen in the desert sun. It was believed
that the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness
fell, which is why miners were said to have scouted
for these gems during the night, marking their location,
and returning in the light of day to retrieve them.
Perhaps this legendary mining method is the reason
that the Peridot is sometimes called "evening
emerald."
Peridot
is a mineral named Olivine, which is found in a variety
of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a
dark olive. Early mining for this gem was done
on Saint John's Island near Egypt around 1500 BC.
The green crystal was considered protective against
evil and when set in gold, especially helpful against
night terrors. It was ground to powder and used
as a remedy for asthma and as a cure for thirst brought
on by fever. Today, Peridot is mined in Burma,
Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and
in Arizona.
The
force of nature is alive within a Peridot, making
a gift of this gemstone symbolic of vitality.
It signifies strength, both individual and within
a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth
in years ahead.
Alternate
August Birthstone
An alternate birthstone for August, Sardonyx is a
type of translucent or opaque quartz with alternating
parallel bands of brownish red and white. This stone
was worn as a talisman by the Egyptians to protect
against infections and evil. Today it is highly
polished and carved into beautiful beads and cameos.
Sardonyx is mined in India, Germany, Czechoslovakia,
Brazil and Uruguay. A gift of this stone is
considered symbolic of happiness within a relationship.
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