One of August's Birthstone - Peridot

One of Augusts’ birthstones is the beautiful green peridot which has been a favorite since ancient times. 

An ancient legend states that peridot crystal found in volcanic ashes are the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Peridot has been cherished for over 4000 years and together with the emerald was one of Cleopatra’s favourites. Cleopatra thought both the peridot and the emerald slowed aging and granted eternal youth. 

 

The Romans called the peridot the evening emerald because its green color did not grow dim at night but was still visible by candlelight. Some peridots which are over 200 carats in size decorate the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral.

Peridot is regarded as a powerful protective stone protecting against evil spirits.  Peridot is also believed to have commanding magical powers bringing the wearer power, influence, and success by enhancing  prosperity and growth. 

The traditional metaphysical properties for the peridot are fame, dignity, and protection. It also helps to prevent outside influences from affecting alignment and balance and openness. Peridot provides strength and physical vitality.

The peridot symbolises love and it is thought that peridot pendant worn over the heart will attract love and happiness into your life as well as truth, faithfulness and loyalty. It emits a warm welcoming energy working on both the heart and solar plexus chakras. It helps the wearer to find internal happiness and over come anger and jealousy. Peridot can  be used to heal tension in a relationship, hurt feelings and bruised ego. It amplifies vibrational energies and installs a positive emotional outlook.

Peridot also has strong healing properties, helping to provide muscle relaxation and reduce fear, anxiety, nervousness and to protect against nightmares.  The healing properties of the peridot relate to diseases of the lungs, lymph, breast, liver, sinuses and adrenal function.

Peridot crystals form deep inside the Earth and it is only brought to the surface by volcanoes. It is particularly prevalent in the volcanic parts of Hawaii. Similar to emeralds, peridot only comes in green with color from yellowish green to brown, but most customers prefer the bright lime greens and olive greens. As August's birthstone, they make fabulous jewellery and engagement rings.

 Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved alone.