The stone that introduces us to the month of August is peridot, also known as olivine, because of its yellow-green hue, reminiscent of an olive.
This fascinating gemstone is found in different parts of the world, but the most historically significant deposit is on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea about eighty kilometres off the coast of Egypt (the same gemstone is called in Arabic zabargad indeed).
Olivine owes its particular colour to the presence of magnesium and iron, the balance of which also determines the hue of the stone, which can take on a range of hues from deep green to shades more akin to yellow. This combination of pleasant light colours allows one to leave one's thoughts free to fantasise and run through summer meadows.
Ancient traditions hold that this stone is capable of clarifying the mind of those who wish to approach the Divine, of protecting them from spells, curses and evil spirits, and of attracting good fortune and success. Its power would increase in accordance with the rise and fall of the Moon.
Even today in crystal therapy, olivine is considered a valuable resource for finding one's inner light, banishing fear, doubt, guilt and all those emotions that impede spiritual evolution. It wraps the body in a protective shield, freeing it from waste and negative energies.
An ideal stone, in short, to enter the hottest month of the year and recharge our energy for a new beginning.
Happy August to all!
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