August Birthstone Peridot
Three different gems are associated with the month of August: Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel, with Peridot being the traditional stone. Peridot, pronounced PEAR-A-DOE or PEAR-A-DOT is the gem we will focus on today. Peridot comes from the arabic word “faridat” which means “gem.” It has been associated with love, peace, success, prosperity and used to ward off evil. Peridots are referred to as “evening emeralds” because of the glow they emit at night. Unlike other gemstones, peridots are only found in shades of olive to green due to its chemical makeup. You’ll usually find hints of yellow or brown within it but the most desired gems are purely green.
Peridots were first found in Egypt where they were coveted. They often get mistaken for emeralds and it’s quite possible that part of Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection included peridots. Over time churches throughout Europe began to incorporate peridot as protection against “terrors of the night.” Cologne Cathedral in Germany houses an artifact called The Shrine of the Three Kings which holds over 200 carats of peridot. In Hawaii, tiny shards of peridot can be found on its beaches and make the sand shimmer. This is because peridot can be found in volcanoes and hardened lava. Sometimes the Hawaiian refer to the gem as the tears of the goddess Pele. Also within the US, Arizona is the largest supplier of peridots in North America. Outside the US, peridots are usually found in China, Pakistan, Myanmar and Africa. On rare occasions traces of peridot can even be found in meteorites!
Not only is peridot a birthstone, it’s also the 16th wedding anniversary gift.
Are you shopping for someone with an August birthday or a wedding anniversary? Shop our August Birthstone Collection to find yourself something bound to bring good luck and prosperity!
Want to know more? From mining diamonds in South America to hand-selecting thousands of loose stones for our showrooms, our Founder & President Keith Leclerc has done it all. Speak with one of our local diamond experts at any of our locations today!
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Resources: https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/august-birthstones