Peridot – The August Birthstone

THE GEMSTONE:

Peridot is the child of volcanic action.  The earliest deposits were found on the volcanic island of St. John in the Red Sea over 3500 years ago.  Today the most important source of Peridot in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near Globe Arizona where it is mined by native Americans.  Fine Peridot should be a lively lime green, free of any brownish or olive cast.  Peridot is not very hard and lacks toughness so should be worn with care.

THE LORE:

Peridot (pronounced pear’-i-doe) was favored by pirates, considered powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night.  They had medicinal uses also.  If fashioned into a chalice, from which the medicines were drunk, they intensified the effects of the drug. It is the gemstone of the 16^th wedding anniversary.