Peridot, the modern and Swarovski Crystal birthstone for August, is a pale green variety of chrysolite. The depth of green depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure.
To some it is considered to be the underdog to the emerald. However, this gemstone sets itself apart from the emerald with its' exclusive sea grass color.
Peridot is transparent with subtle color in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. The purer green a peridot is, the higher the value. Any tinge of brown greatly diminishes the value of a peridot, as well as visible flaws. The peridot is occassionally referred to as the "poor man's emerald".
The origin of the name peridot is derived from the Greek word "faridat" which means "gem".
The Ancient Egyptians called the Peridot "the gem of the sun" and believed it had the power to ward off evil. It was popular for peridots to be set in gold (gold being the metal of the sun) to dispel the terrors of the night.
The Romans referred to the peridot as "The Evening Emerald" because they noticed that its' green color was so vivid in the evening lamplight that it resembled the deepest green of emeralds. They also wore peridots for protection from enchantment and against melancholy and illusion.
From Ancient times wise men and healers have believed that gemstones have mystical powers. During the Middle Ages peridots were worn for foresight with regard to future events, for divine inspiration and eloquence.
Giving a piece of jewelry containing the peridot birthstone of August is said to bring the wearer good luck, peace and success, its' powers also include health, protection and sleep.
Peridot has been mined as a gemstone for an estimated four thousand years or better and is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah. It was used by the Egyptians as early as 1500 BC.
Peridot use peaked during the Baroque era, but the gemstone fell out of favor over time until the 1990's when a new source in Pakistan re-ignited interest in the forgotten gemstone.
Historical legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra.
August Birthstone poem - the Peridot
"Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved alone."
