Peridot

Peridot is August's birthstone and is a beautiful olive green stone. It is much less expensive than green tourmaline. It is worn in necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets.

Peridot is a transparent lime or olive green. It has a hardness of 6.5.

As with all gems, protect peridot from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it be a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Peridot is found in Australia, Brazil, China, Eygpt, Myanmar, Norway, and USA (Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, and New Mexico).

Peridot is the August Modern Birthstone

Peridot is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality.

Peridot is given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection.

Legend has it that pirates favored peridot to protect them against evil. When the peridot was set in gold it also protected the wearer from terrors in the night.

Peridot has been mined from St John's Island in the Red Sea for over 3500 years.

Peridot is the created during volcanic action. Occassionally, Peridot crystals are found on the black sands of Hawaii.