Peridot

Peridot is the birthstone for for the month of August & anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot, the volcanic gem, is the best known gem variety of mineral olivine, a species name for a series of magnesium-iron rich silicate minerals. This bright yellow-green to green gemstone has caught the fancy of humans for thousands of years.

• Some historians even suspect that at least some of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were actually peridot.

• The Romans called peridot "evening emerald," since its green color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight.

Much of its recent popularity can be explained by its currently being recognized as the birthstone for the month of August, people wear the stone because it is supposed to bring the wearer success, peace, and good luck.

The earliest recorded production of peridot was in about 70 A.D. from St. Johns Island in the Red Sea, about 24 miles off the coast of Egypt. Most of the earliest known peridot gems came from this location and small amounts of material are still being produced from there today. Later, very large, fine-quality peridot was produced from deposits in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and India. These deposits were well known for their 20- to 40-carat cut stones of superb color and clarity.