PERIDOT

Stone of the Elves
From deep in Earth
Bring me abundance
Unto my Hearth

Beautiful green peridot is one of the birthstones for August.  Peridot is the gem form of olivine, magnesium iron silicate, with a Mohs hardness of 7.  This transparent green grystal is usually formed by volcanic activity, but it can also be found in meteorites and moon and Mars dust.  The Egyptians have been mining this this gem for 2500 to 3500 years from the island of Zabargad.  Peridot has also been found in Pakistan, Burma, Australia, Brazil, and the US.

Peridot is a stone of fire, sun, and summer.  It's first recorded use is by the Egyptian royalty.  The Greeks also saw it as a symbol of royalty.  In Europe, peridot has been a symbol of wealth and prosperity.  It projects a sense of power, intellect, and positivity by those who wear the stone.

For those who use stones in their energy practice, peridot is a good one to add.  In general, it is a stone of good luck, health, and harmony.  It can help ward off negativity and break negative patterns and emotions.  It can help release the old baggage and burdens of guilt, obsessions, and negative outside influences.  It is thought to bring together love and the will, enhancing the confidence and the courage to work towards your goals and ambitions.  It is believed to focus the mind and open it to growth and new levels of awareness. Over all, it is a stone of light and power.

Whether this is your birthstone or not, Peridot is a good gem to bring the power of the sun into your life.  It's cheery color and energy project positivity, power, and abundance.  And it speaks to the better part of ourselves.