Peridot ~ Birthstone of August

  Peridot belongs to a family of minerals known as "nesosilicates". This includes a larger family called olivine, and also the garnets. Olivine is usually used to describe the more opaque version of this mineral; peridot is clear light green. According to the Smithsonian book, "Rock and Gem", olivine is "...applied to any mineral belonging to the forsterite-fayalite solid-solution series in which iron and magnesium substitute freely in the structure. Fayalite is the iron end member, and forsterite is the magnesium end member....peridot is about 90 percent forsterite." There are also varieties of peridot which range into pale yellow; this is a result of the presence of different minerals.

Peridot was mined over 3500 years ago; the Egyptians made peridot beads as early as 1580 B.C. Although this gemstone is ancient, very little folklore exists around its properties.

It was thought to convey dignity to the wearer, as well as protection from evil spirits. Peridot is also thought to  bring calming sleep and to soothe anger.

Among Life's precious jewels,
Genuine and rare,
The one that we call friendship
Has worth beyond compare.
                               ~Author Unknown



So, such are the Elements of Life!


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