August Birthstone: Peridot a treasure sometimes found in Ant Hills

When we  travel many times we look for that special something that reminds us of our journeys. So. if you are visiting our great state of Arizona consider our state gemstone and also the birthstone for August. May we suggest something in Peridot?  It is a brilliant lime green gem when used in jewelry creates an excellent eye catching choice. Touchstone gallery has many selections in peridot from loose bagged stones, and as it is found in basalt matrix to wonderful jewelry made from the vivid green gemstones.
Although peridot can be found in several locations across the world, the bulk of it is found in Arizona,   from the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Southeastern part of the state. This deposit is on the Apache Indian Reservation and is mined by freelance tribal miners. Peridot Mesa is comprised of a huge basalt flow. Primarily by use of hand tools, tribal miners break the basalt/olivine rock and screen out the larger fragments of gem material.

A few areas in Arizona are well known for ant hill peridot. Where ants remove them when they are building or repairing their ant hills. People will collect them by picking the rough stones up by hand after the ants have excavated them out of their colonies. I would suggest doing this in winter when the ants are dormant. As you know how the saying goes "stirring a stick in an ant hill" can cause all kinds of ruckus!
Legend and Lore: The Native Americans discovered them long ago and marveled at their color and beauty. They regarded them as special and sometimes sewed them into ceremonial rattles or gave them as tokens of appreciation.
Care: To clean Peridot jewelry at home, soak pieces briefly in a solution of warm water and gentle dish detergent. Use a soft brush to clean around the setting and restore the gem's luster. Be sure that Peridot is never subjected to ultrasonic or steam cleaning, as these methods can easily damage the gemstone.

Peridot round facets set off the beauty of the range in colors in this set Black Lip oyster set.

Natural peridot pebbles with a abalone shell pendant and faceted round peridot.