August's Birthstone--The Beautiful Peridot ~ by Grace Augustine

The word "Peridot" is Arabic in origin. This beautiful yellowish green gem is a variety of the mineral olivine. Olivine originates deep inside the earth's mantle and is pushed into the world through fissures in the earth's crust. Volcanoes erupt, lava flows and cools into basalt rocks, and that is where you can find the peridot. Gem miners locate irregular nodules in lava flows in the USA as well as China, Vietnam, Finland, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the island of Zabargad. 
It has also been found in meteorites that have fallen to earth. In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust that was brought back to earth by the Stardust Space Probe.
Peridot has always been associated with light. Early Egyptians called

it the "gem of the sun." It is believed that when this stone is set in gold, it offers protection from night terrors. 
"Early records indicate that the ancient Egyptians mined a beautiful green gem on an island in the Red Sea called Topazios, now known as St. John’s Island or Zabargad. Legend has it that the island was infested with snakes, making mining unpleasant until an enterprising pharaoh drove them into the sea. From the earliest times, people confused this stone—now known to be peridot—with other gems. It was one of many labeled as “topaz.”
"Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might actually have been peridot. People in medieval times continued to confuse peridot with emerald. For centuries, people believed the fabulous 200-ct. gems adorning the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were emeralds. They are, in fact, peridots." (information from gia.edu)

Peridot ranges in price from $50.00 per carat to $450 per carat, depending on the graded quality. The Mohs hardness scale has this gem at a 6.5-7, so it is a fairly hardy gem.
The metaphysical properties of the peridot are many:

1. Good health

2. Restful sleep

3. Peaceful relationships

4. Inspires creativity 

5. Brings good cheer

6. Helps people understand destiny and spiritual purpose

7. Sharpens the mind

8. Opens the mind to new levels of awareness

9. Diminishes anger

Ultrasonic and steam cleaning may damage your peridot. Therefore, a short soak in a mild dish detergent and water, and a soft bristled toothbrush to get around the setting of the gem will restore its luster. Air dry or use a soft cloth.

All photos used are by permission of Riddle's Jewelry.