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Wednesday

August’s Birthstone: the Peridot

Post a Comment July 1, 2009 – 12:11 pm | Share and Save | Permalink |  Print This Post |

Peridot and Diamond Milgrain Ring

Laura Gibson necklace

Peridot, August’s birthstone, is a very interesting gemstone.

*It’s the only gemstone found in meteorites.

*The largest, most valuable stones are found in Pakistan and Burma but are difficult to acquire due to civil unrest.  Most commercial stones today are mined in Arizona by Native Americans from the San Carlos Apache tribe.

*Some Hawaiian beaches are actually made of small grains of peridot, too small to cut as gemstones, and are thought to be the tears of the  volcano goddess, Pele.

*Ironically enough, the gems are formed during volcanic activity and the stone ranges in color from dark to light green.  The darker the color, the more valuable the stone.  Lime green stones are very popular in jewelry.  Peridot is the only gemstone that is found in only one color.

*Ground peridot was once swallowed as a cure for asthma.

*Peridot has been referred to as the “evening emerald” and historically, been confused with emeralds.  In fact, some religious relics proported to be encrusted with emeralds, are actually encrusted with peridot.

*Peridot is said to bring power and influence to the wearer.

Peridot gemstones make eye-catching rings, earrings and bracelets.  Smaller stones are quite affordable and are great gifts for those born in August or any other time of the year.