August

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The Birthstone For August Is Peridot

August Peridot

This months birthstone is Peridot. Peridot is a green magnesium-iron rich silicate mineral and is often mistaken for Emerald. Peridot is considered an olivine mineral. They are mined all over the world, and in the U.S.A. you can find them in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.

An excerpt taken from the USGS on Peridot:

Peridot is the best known gem variety of 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. 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. 

Peridot makes a great gift idea for anyone born in August. Peridot looks great in earrings, is lovely set in rings, and they look very elegant when set in a solitaire pendant and hung on a thin chain. You can also find Peridot beads and they make very lovely necklaces.