Peridot, a vibrant green gemstone, holds the distinction of being the birthstone for August. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they reveal a fascinating glimpse into the history, lore, and modern uses of this captivating gem. This article will explore the available information regarding peridot, focusing on its historical beliefs, its association with gift-giving, and its presence in contemporary wellness products.
History and Lore
The sources indicate that peridot has been steeped in lore for centuries. Specifically, it was once believed that green peridot crystals, found within volcanic ashes, were the “tears of the volcano goddess, Pele.” This connection to volcanic activity imbues the stone with a powerful and dramatic origin story. Further, the sources state that when set in gold, peridot was thought to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer protection in battle. This suggests a long-held belief in the gem’s protective qualities, extending beyond mere aesthetic appeal. While the sources do not detail the origins of this belief, it highlights the historical significance attributed to peridot.
Peridot in Modern Gift-Giving
Today, peridot is prominently featured in birthstone-themed gift sets. The sources detail “Geode Birthstone Gift Sets” which include peridot alongside other monthly birthstones, such as amethyst, ruby, and sapphire. These sets typically contain a geode bath bomb, a shower bomb, lotion, and bubble bath, all scented to correspond with the featured gemstone. The inclusion of peridot in these sets demonstrates its continued relevance as a symbol of the month of August and a thoughtful gift option. The “August Birthstone Bear” also features peridot green coloring, further cementing its association with the month and its use in personalized gifts. The bear’s tag specifically identifies the gemstone as the birthstone of August and associates it with the characteristic “brave.”
Gemological Properties and Associated Products
Although the provided sources do not offer detailed gemological properties, they do allude to peridot’s color. The descriptions consistently refer to it as a “green” gemstone, and the “August Birthstone Bear” specifically highlights a “peridot green coloring.” The bath bomb sets utilize the color to create a visually appealing product, suggesting that the vibrant green hue is a key characteristic of the stone’s appeal.
The sources also provide insight into the ingredients used in peridot-themed bath and body products. The “Geode Birthstone Gift Set” includes bath bombs and other items containing ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, non-GMO corn starch, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, fragrance, water, mineral pigment, sea salt, and mica. The “Chakra Bath Bombs” are infused with essential oils and embedded with healing crystals, with the Third Eye Chakra Bomb containing tumbled amethyst. While these ingredients are not directly related to the gemological properties of peridot itself, they demonstrate how the stone’s symbolism is incorporated into wellness and self-care products.
Symbolism and Wellness
The “Chakra Bath Bombs” source expands on the symbolic meaning of peridot, albeit indirectly through its association with the Third Eye Chakra. The description states that the Third Eye Chakra Bomb “blasts open your intuition, inner knowing and psychic abilities,” suggesting a connection between the color green (and by extension, peridot) and heightened perception. The inclusion of amethyst within the Third Eye Chakra Bomb further reinforces the idea of spiritual awakening and intuitive development. While the sources do not explicitly state that peridot directly enhances intuition, the association with the Third Eye Chakra implies a belief in its ability to facilitate inner exploration and psychic awareness.
Table of Birthstone Gift Sets
The following table summarizes the birthstone gift sets mentioned in the sources:
| Birthstone | Product Included |
|---|---|
| Garnet | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Amethyst | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Aquamarine | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Diamond | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Emerald | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Pearl | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Ruby | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Peridot | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Sapphire | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Opal | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Topaz | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Tanzanite | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
| Rose Quartz | Geode Bath Bomb, Shower Bomb, Lotion, Bubble Bath |
Conclusion
Based on the limited information provided in the sources, peridot is a gemstone rich in history and symbolism. From its ancient association with volcanic goddesses and protective powers to its modern-day presence in birthstone gift sets and wellness products, peridot continues to captivate and inspire. While a comprehensive gemological analysis is beyond the scope of these sources, it is clear that peridot’s vibrant green color and perceived metaphysical properties contribute to its enduring appeal as the birthstone of August. The sources highlight its role not only as a beautiful gem but also as a symbol of bravery, intuition, and spiritual connection.