Tháng 8: Peridot

Peridot, sometimes also called chrysolite is the birthstone for the month of August.  The olive-green colored stone is sometimes mistaken for emeralds and is the national gem of Egypt known to locals as the Gem of the Sun.  It was believed by ancient Egyptians that peridot was sent to earth by the explosion of a star and carried its healing powers.  Peridot has been prized since the earliest civilization for the belief that its protective powers would drive away fears and nightmares.  Given that the tint and intensity of the green depends on the percentage of iron in its crystal structure, the colors of the individual peridot can vary from yellow, to olive, to a brownish-green.  The peridot is commonly paired with both yellow and white gold seen in rings, bracelets and necklaces.