Peridot

Peridot is the traditional birthstone for August.

Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Most peridot is formed deep within the earth and is delivered to the surface by volcanoes. In extremely rare cases, extraterrestrial peridot falls to earth in meteorites.

The Egyptians called peridot the 'gem of the sun'. Some historians suspect that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection might actually have been peridot.

Healers believe that peridot can free the mind of envious thought and release burdens of guilt and obsession. Having many light properties, peridot has also been used to help counteract depression.