Happy birthday, August babies!
You've got a most fascinating birthstone: the peridot. Peridots traditionally symbolize strength, and were once thought to protect the wearer from nightmares. Peridots, also known as Evening Emeralds, have interesting origins, and an even more unusual history. Peridots, along with one other gem, the diamond, are formed deep below the Earth's crust. While diamonds are formed by pressure, peridots are formed in magma and brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
The first documented source of peridots was on an Egyptian owned island 4,000 years ago. It's said that peridots were well loved by Cleopatra and some of her famous "emeralds" were actually peridots.
Peridots are found all over the world, but the largest sources are in Arizona, Hawaii, Norway, Burma, and in the Red Sea. There have even been peridots found in meteorites!
Fortunately, you don't have to wait on a meteorite to crash in your backyard to get your very own peridot. Griner Jewelry has a beautiful selection of peridot jewelry for birthstone sets and special occasion jewelry, no meteor shower necessary.