August's Birthstone: Passionate Peridot

Scientific Information: Peridot is a gem-quality olivine mineral. It can be found near lava as well as in meteorites. Those found as a result of volcanic activity have high levels of lithium, nickel, and zinc, unlike those found in meteorites. Gem-quality peridot is rare due to it's chemical instability on Earth's surface.

Revealed by Man: Peridot was discovered as early as 1500 B.C. on an island in the Egyptian Red Sea. The miners on this island found peridot easily in the moonlight because of it's beautiful glow. Some speculate that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have actually been peridot.

Legend and Lore: Peridot is said to eliminate your nightmares and bring you power throughout the next year. This gem is a symbol of luck and light. The Egyptians called it "gem of the sun".