August's Birthstone - The Peridot
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We love August and we are crazy about the August birthstone – the Peridot!!!
For all of you Leo and Virgo’s out there, here is a little history and insight on your unique birthstone.
August’s Birthstone – The Peridot
We love August and we are crazy about the August birthstone – the Peridot!!!
For all of you Leo and Virgo’s out there, here is a little history and insight on your unique birthstone.
This gemstone is truly unique – from its physical to metaphysical characteristics. It is the only stone that occurs in one color – green; ranging from yellowish green to olive to brownish green.
People have been mining peridot as early as 1500 BC; as far as scholars know, the Egyptians were the first to find the stone, mining it on St John’s Island in the Egyptian Red Sea1. The national gem of Egypt, it is known as the ‘gem of the sun’. This semi-precious gemstone is now found in Arizona, China, and Pakistan.
Physical Characteristics
While most gemstones are formed in the earth’s crust - peridot and diamonds are not. These gems are formed much deeper in the earth at a level call the mantle. Peridot is formed in magma from the top layers of the mantle – between 20 to 55 miles below the crust, while diamonds are formed much deeper in the mantle. The crystals are raised to the surface by volcanic activity or tectonic activity. 3
Made up of Iron and Magnesium, the amount of iron in the crystal is what gives this beauty its green hue. The more iron, the greener the gem.
Metaphysical Characteristics
Peridot is surrounded by legend and mystic. Several legends state this stone can prevent nightmares if worn at night; it is said to be more powerful if set in gold and worn on the right arm.
This stone is said to free the mind of envious thoughts, attracts lovers, and bring happiness. Peridot is said to foster emotional balance, security, and inner peace. It soothes nervousness, heals emotional and physical pain, and lightens suffering. Such usages date back to ancient Roman times when rings of peridot were worn to relieve depression. Because it is calming to the nervous system, peridot is also useful in promoting sleep. 3
To see some truly spectacular Peridot specimens, you do not have to travel far; we have several in the U.S. Some of the largest specimens can be found in the Museum of Natural History in New York City, the Field Museum in Chicago, and The Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.
The Bear Den carries a beautiful necklace and set of earrings in our handmade jewelry collection. Click on PERIDOT NECKLACE or PERIDOT EARRNGS to view!
1: https://www.jewelsforme.com/peridot-meaning
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