The birthstone for August is Peridot. It is the official stone of Egypt and is rumored to have been Cleopatra’s gem of choice.
In ancient times, it was believed that the Peridot was a gift of Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world. It is thought to contain positive energy and healing properties, especially when gifted. Said to instill power, and influence through the wearing of it. A symbol of fame, dignity, and protection it is associated with spirituality and self-expression.
The green’s intensity and tint depends on the percentage of iron that is contained in the crystal structure. The color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow, to olive, to brownish-green. A peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It belongs to the forsterite-fayalite mineral series and is a 6.5-7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
John Bead has a limited selection of semi precious peridot beads and chips. We do however, have over 500 items that are a peridot colour.
