Tomorrow, tomorrow... tomorrow is August, it's only a day awaaay. I do love me some August. The summertime wind-down coupled with the back-to-school mindset means pumpkins, cooler temps, and twinkle lights are just around the corner. So to welcome these do-not-fear-fall-is-near vibes and pregame the turn of the month tomorrow we're dedicating today's post to August's birthstone: Peridot.
Peridot is a yellowish-green gem that derives from the common mineral olivine, which forms inside the earth’s upper mantle and is brought to the surface by earthquakes or volcanoes. It is for this reason that the Gemological Institute of America nicknamed it the "extreme gem", as it is one of only two gems (diamonds being the other) that are not formed in the Earth's crust. And as if that weren't extreme enough, there's also the fun fact that Peridot is said to possess healing properties that protect against nightmares and evil. As one website put it:
"Associated with the sun, Peridot has been prized since the earliest civilizations for its protective powers to drive away the forces of darkness. Set in gold and worn around the neck or bound to the left arm, it was used as a charm against sorcery and magic, evil spirits, night terrors, and madness. It cured cowardice, calmed anger, as well as brightening the wit. Peridot is still celebrated for those virtues, protecting the aura, purifying the physical and subtle bodies, and alleviating emotional burdens, guilt and obsessions. It is particularly beneficial for overcoming fear, depression and other psychological disturbances, as well as releasing jealousies, resentment and spite in order to move forward. Peridot promotes responsibility and forgiveness, instilling confidence in one’s own abilities and reestablishing a sense of self-worth."
WELP, if that's not enough to rev up your Monday engine and get some Peridot in your shopping cart, I don't know what is.
