August Birthstone - Peridot

August has a special place in my heart.  Our youngest was born in August & my dad's birthday is August.  The weather is always spectacular here on the Central Coast of California and it seems that we have oodles of great marshmallow roasts and family chats sitting on the patio watching the stars. Peridot (pronounced per-i-doh) is a wonderful bright green color that is reminiscent of sunlight through the leaves.  My silly spell check doesn't even recognize Peridot as a word!  Whatever...I think it's beautiful.  Some of the amazing facts I found while researching the history of peridot include:

• Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years!
• Peridot is the only gemstone (other than diamond) that is created in the magma of the earth's upper mantle (about 20 - 55 miles below the surface of the earth).
• Peridot is brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions that push the magma up through the crust of the earth.
• Many believe the "emeralds" in the ornate jewelry of Cleopatra were actually peridot stones.

I find it interesting that some of the properties believed to be possessed by peridot are that it is thought to ward off anxiety and help with being successful in relationships. Whether or not the gorgeous pale green stone contains mystical properties is definitely out-shined by it's true beauty and earthiness.  If you're lucky enough to be born in August, you get to claim the beautiful peridot as your birthstone.