August’s birthstone, Peridot, is a light green gem with a mystical history.

Pronounced “pear-a-doe, ” Peridot belongs to a mineral group known as Olivines. The yellowish green kind is called Chrysolite, a gem mentioned in the Bible as one of the decorations on the high priest’s breastplate. The olive-green version is called Olivine.

Sometimes called “the poor man’s emerald, ” the name Peridot comes from a Greek word “faridat, ” which means “gem.” It is also often referred to as “poor man’s emerald”.

The traditional lime-green color associated with the Peridot makes it a popular gemstone for jewelry. How deep its green color will be depends on how much iron is in the crystal structure. Whatever its shade, through the ages its color was thought to reflect many spiritual aspects of life.

The first documented source of Peridot was 4, 000 years ago on an island off Egypt now called Zabargard. Early Crusaders called the isle on St. John’s Island, and brought its green gems with them back to Europe.

The ancients thought of Peridot as a springtime stone and considered it one of Mother Nature’s gifts. However, if someone dreamed about Peridot, the dream was said to be a sign of coming danger.

Christians also considered Peridot sacred. Today, Catholic bishops traditionally wear rings encrusted with Peridot and Amethyst, symbolizing the purity and morality of their church office.

As the stone assigned to those born in August, Peridot is said to impart love, faithfulness, truth and loyalty to its wearers. It’s also thought to enhance prosperity, growth, and openness.

Many New Age healers believe that Peridot is one of the few stones to which no negative energy will cling. It’s said to improve mental clarity and to have a beneficial effect on the gall bladder and the liver, as well as the lungs, lymph system, breasts and sinuses.

Today Peridot has moved far beyond the Egyptian isle where it was first discovered. The lovely green gem is mined in Arizona and Hawaii, Myanmar, Australia, Norway, South Africa and Brazil, making Peridot a citizen of the world.

John S. Brana designs and handcrafts Beaded Gemstone Jewelry collections in Hammered Silver, Copper, 14K Gold, 18K Gold, Vermeil, and Large Faceted Colored Gemstones. Handcrafted Designer Jewelry

Eternally Haute Hematite and Peridot Green Crystal Macrame Bracelet $41.99 This Macrame bracelet is adorned with faceted hematite and green crystal beads. This Macrame bracelet closes with a string pull clasp.

Eternally Haute Hematite and Peridot Green Crystal Eternity Macrame Bracelet $55.99 This Macrame bracelet is adorned with nine paved 10mm crystals and two 8mm beads all the way around, giving it an eternity look. This lively bracelet closes with a string pull clasp.?

Maurice Peridot Amethyst – Cubitas Avignon Collection (Made in France, Hand-set Swarovski Crystals, Claw Clip) $119.00 Big and beautiful! Live life to the fullest with this large and luxurious hair ornament… you more than deserve it! Blanketing every available space of the Maurice Peridot Amethyst clip are at least 250 hand-set Swarovski Crystals in purple and green tones. Accentuating this bonanza of sparkle are many, many more tiny silvery studs. The black base and 14 interlocking teeth of this extra-large cla…

Fable Peridot Gold – Cubitas Avignon Collection (Made in France, Hand-set Swarovski Crystals, Claw Clip) $69.00 Go big or go home.Our mega-watt Fable Peridot Gold sparkles with look-at-me style, the perfect hair accessory for larger-than-life personalities or those who aspire to be. Fabulous for a formal affair but equally memorable for everyday, this claw clip will keep your tresses flawless both day and night. Designed with a curved silhouette, every surface of this amber claw clip is shimmering in hundre…

Peridot Green Crystal Flower Barrette – (Child) $9.00 These fun peridot green crystal flowers will enhance any hair color or hairstyle. Dress it up or wear it with jeans, either way your special girl will feel a special sense of style while wearing this fun and fashionable barrette….

BLACK GREEN PERIDOT Swarovski Crystal Havaianas Flip Flops Sandals Thongs sizes 5-11 Havaianas are imported from Brazil and are made of 100% butter-soft rubber. They are considered to be the finest rubber flip flop in the world thanks to a secret rubber formula that promises they will be the most comfortable flip flop you will ever own! Swarovski crystals are unmatched in brilliance. Every crystal is absolutely flawless and made using state of the art machinery producing a crystal…

iPhone 4 & 4s Swarovski Crystal Bling Diamante Case Cover – GREEN RIVER $115.00 OMG Crystals creates cases that are completely unique in design and quality. We pride ourselves on using only the highest quality Swarovski Crystals and embellishments to create designs that are not only beautiful but also completely new to the mobile phone accessories world. All our cases are handcrafted in house by our design team in London and are made as one off pieces created to your require…