Peridot
Those born in August have Peridot as their birthstone, and they are usually gifted in celebration of the 15th wedding anniversary.
The ancient Egyptians called it “the stone of the sun,” and believed that it could keep night ghosts and evil spirits away.
The word Peridot is of French origin, but the original root comes from the Arabic “faridat” which means “treasure”. Hence its association with good fortune, luck and prosperity.
This mineral is known in Mineralogy by the name of olivine, but in gemology the name Peridot is used more frequently. The word olivine refers to the green color of the olive.
Spinel
The Spinel is the latest stone to become part of the list of birthstones. In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association included the Spinel as the birthstone of August.
In antiquity, Spinels have been owned by kings, princes and emperors; have served to fund battles, people have been killed for them, and they have been used as war booty.
As a result of all these fabulous stories, Spinels have adorned the most beautiful crowns that can be found today in the best museums around the world, although under another name: Ruby (an example is the Black Prince’s Ruby, which is actually a red Spinel).
The variety of colors of a Spinel is great:
We can find it in beautiful Red colors.
As well Pink, orange (“Flame” Spinels), Blue, purple, violet, mauve, Grey, green, almost colorless, black. Sometimes it can present asterism (of 4 or 6 rays), a change of color and a cat’s eye effect.
In recent years the gray spinel are being used for engagement rings, the mount being made with a dark spinel, surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
