A piece of jewelry gets a little more meaningful if it can bring a new meaning to the wearer's life. Birthstones, associated with each month, come with certain qualities which positively affect people born in the respective month. Peridot, the August birthstone, is known for its healing powers and its ability to bring good luck. Peridots oscillate between shades of olive and lime green. This translucent gem, derives its name from Greek word, 'faridat' which means gem. This is one of the rare gemstones which is found only in green color, with the shades changing in accordance with iron content. As it is commonly confused with emerald because of its color, it also known as 'poor man's emerald'. Let's see what peridot birthstone actually brings to the wearer. Peridot Birthstone Properties Peridot, the gemstone represents the month of August, making it the birthstone for the zodiac sign, Leo too. This birthstone for August, is related to love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty. "Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity, The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved alone.' is a poetic representation what this stone stands for. Apart from this, the stone also bestows the wearer with fame, dignity and protection against the evil. Peridots help the wearer to see past the hurt, understand relationships in a better light and many times, heal the wounded ego. As this lustrous green rock allows one to go beyond judgments and reach the bigger picture of life, peridot birthstone also gets a connotation of a visionary gemstone. Its association with love is such, that it adds intelligence to romantic liaisons, which steers it away from confusions and misunderstandings. This in turn protects the August born from unnecessary heartache. One of the notable points of peridot meaning, is that the stone releases negativity and it sets in clarity of thought and well-being. For ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, and Incas, the stone could bring about healing of lungs, lymph, breasts, spleen and intestinal tract. An amulet of peridot is known to be an effective remedy for sinus and asthma. Since then, peridots are known for their nursing powers for the eyes, stomach, liver, thyroid and other infections. Peridots also alleviates emotional stress, depression, anger, fear, feelings of jealousy, anxiety, nervousness and nightmares. It enhances relaxation, comfort, openness of the mind, sleep, invigorates health and inspires healing. Some Facts

• The Egyptian high priest used to wear a peridot birthstone ring as a guard against jealousy of Pharaoh's power.
• The ancient Romans wore this stone to get out of depression.
• As peridots have a tinge of yellow, they are known as the Sun stones which are known to bring warmth and happiness.
• In Hawaii, Peridot is treasured as goddess Pele's tears.
• Ancient Egyptian priests would drink from peridot cups, as they believed it would bring them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature.
• Peridot helps in finding the spiritual bliss which is lost beneath the clutter of our day-to-day lives.
• The faint glimmer of Peridot is usually under a moonlight or a lantern. This is why, Peridots were dug up in the night, which also earned it the name Evening Emerald in ancient Egypt.

Birthstones - colors and meanings distinguish these stones and make them unique to each person. For centuries, these stones have been worn by priests, pirates and commoners in an endeavor to see the life in a brighter way. In more ways than one, birthstones work their spells to bring luck to the wearer. Besides being a birthstone, Peridots make for great gifts to be exchanged between friends, as it is known to bring an openness, warmth and happiness. If you are really enamored by the Peridot birthstone, but cannot own as it is not your birthstone, then gift it to you lover on your first anniversary. After all, it is the stone of love, known to foster love which is still young and growing!