Peridot is August’s birthstone, and is a light green, ancient, cosmic birthstone that has been found in locations as diverse as volcanic lava in Hawaii, and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth.
The Egyptians named peridot the “gem of the Sun” and believed it had special healing powers.
It’s a unique birthstone because it is always a shade of green and unlike other semi precious stones, comes in no other color. The intensity of color depends on the amount of iron it contains, the more iron, the deeper green it will be (and, generally, the more valuable).
Peridot is associated with harmony, good health, restful sleep, and peacefulness., and is known as the stone of compassion, calming anger by giving renewal to all things.
When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares, and it frees the mind of envious thoughts that can damage and strain relationships. It is also believed to help depression.