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Peridot is the birthstone for August and 16th anniversary gemstone. The Zodiac stone for the constellation of Leo and Virgo. Its name comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Peridot is the gemstone form of the mineral olivene, formed deep in the earth under extreme heat and pressure. Some has also been found in fallen meteorites. Due to its chemistry, it always is some shade of green in a wide range from very pale yellow greens through to lime and darker olive green. Peridot is transparent with subtle color in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. The purer green a peridot is, the higher the value. Any tinge of brown greatly diminishes the value of a peridot, as well as visible flaws. The August birthstone, peridot, was called an evening emerald by Romans since the color didn't darken at night and could be seen in lamplight. August’s birthstone, also known by the ancient Egyptians as the “gem of the sun,” peridot has enjoyed a mystical reputation with its alleged powers including: warding off anxiety, enhancement of speech articulation, and success in relationships and marriage. Powdered peridot has been used to cure asthma and a peridot placed under the tongue of someone in the grip of a fever will lessen their thirst. Legend has it that drinking from a peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines.
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