HISTORY AND LORE OF PERIDOT

    The birthstone associated with the month of August and as an anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

     Peridot name derives from Greek, but the meaning is uncertain.  The dictionary says that it's etymology is from French.  The name chrysolite (Greek for gold stone) was formerly applied not only to period but also to many similarly colored stones. 

    Peridot is a transparent lime or olive green stone.  Italian peridot is olive in color. American peridot is a light yellow-green. 

     Peridot is given as a symbol of fame, dignity, and protection. Legend has it that pirates favored it to protect them against evil. When the peridot was set in gold it also protected the wearer from terrors in the night. It has been mined from St John's Island in the Red Sea for over 3500 years. 

     Peridot is the created during volcanic action. Occasionally, its crystals are found on the black sands of Hawaii. Peridot is said to be used to help dreams become a reality.