August Birthstone: Peridot
The word Peridot (pronounced pear-a-doe) is derived from the Greek word “faridat” which means “gem.” It is the birthstone of the month of August and also the wedding anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.
It is one of the few gemstones that come in only one color – green – but in a wide range of natural shades of lime, yellowish green, olive green or medium dark green. The favored color is the vivid green color with just a slight hint of gold.
The Peridot is a very old gemstone, dating back to Egyptian jewelry (1500 B.C.), with the ancient Romans and in European medieval churches (Cologne Cathedral is adorned with peridots). With its radiant green shine, which does not change even in artificial light, it has been given the name ’emerald of the evening’.
Peridots are believed to be associated with love, truth, fame and dignity, and to enhance prosperity and growth.
