The
traditional birthstone for August is PERIDOT, usually pronounced “perry-doh”.
The gemstone quality version of the mineral olivine, this stone varies in color
from shimmering, light gold-green, through refreshing zesty lime green to
brownish-green. The color derives from the presence of traces of iron. Peridot
has a long history of starring as a decorative stone. It is mentioned in the
bible, under its ancient name of chrysolite, as being one of the stones set in
the breastplate of Aaron, brother of Moses and High Priest of the Israelites. Jewelry set with peridots has been found in Egyptian tombs from
the early 2nd millennium B.C. The stones mined at that time came from a deposit
on a small volcanic island called Zabargad located in the Egyptian
Red Sea near Aswan. The ancient Romans, too, enjoyed this gemstone with its
radiant green shine which still shimmers and glows from within even in
starlight or lamp light, hence its old nickname, “emerald of the evening”.
Peridot is
associated with prosperity, growth, dignity and love, and the belief that it
has the power to ward away evil and nightmares, bestowing calming peace. Lime
green is a cleansing, healing color, and this is the gemstone associated with
the 16th wedding anniversary.
