August 2014

August 14, 2014

Waiting for Peridot, August’s Celestial Delight

Formed in the depths of volcanic activity and often found in meteorites as well, peridot, the August birthstone, is a pale green variety of chrysolite and one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color. The traditional color of peridot is lime green, but its color range depends on how much iron is contained within the crystal structure. Oscar Heyman’s pansies with their lovely peridot petals are a perfect accent for a summer wardrobe.

Frequently found in Egyptian jewelry and amulets, peridot has been mined for over four thousand years. Legend states that peridot was the favorite stone of Cleopatra and that some of her so-called emeralds were in fact peridots. Ancient Romans nicknamed the stone “Emerald of the Evening” for its ability to maintain its shine in all types of light.

Because of its volcanic origins, small pieces of peridot can be found scattered along the beaches in Hawaii. Folklore calls peridot crystallized tears of the Goddess of Volcanoes, Pele. Peridot is mined in locations across the globe with the highest quality found in Myanmar, Pakistan and Egypt. This gemstone is associated with love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty and is often given as a gift on a 16th wedding anniversary.