August Birthstone: Peridot
The word "peridot" is derived from the Arabic word faridat, which means gemstone. Many ancient and medieval cultures valued this August birthstone.
Peridot appeared in priestly jewelry as early as the 2nd century BC, and later in chalices and churches in medieval Europe.
Some peridot came to Earth in meteorites, while others come from exotic places like Hawaii's Peridot Beach, where the sand shimmers bright green. Here are 5 of our favorite facts about Peridot:
First used as amulets in the ancient world, peridot has a long-standing mystical reputation. It was once thought to stave off anxiety, make men more expressive and promote successful relationships and marriages.
It is also believed to remove enchantments. To achieve its full potential, this gemstone is set in gold. If it is to protect people from evil spirits, it must be pierced, strung on donkey hair, and worn on the left arm.
Peridot has long been believed to help build friendships and purify negative thoughts, especially those of jealousy.
Additionally, peridot is believed to bestow pleasure on the wearer while attracting lovers and enhancing the eyes.
As a testament to willpower and focus, Napoleon Bonaparte, who nearly conquered the world and loved the peridot, gave his bride-to-be, Josephine, a peridot jewel as a token of love.
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