The August birthstone is peridot. This is a vibrant green gemstone that is actually formed through volcanic activity. Peridot was first found in Hawaii, and was easily seen because the sands from volcanic activity were black and these stones shimmered and shined green in a sea of black.

The August birthstone has long been connected with nature. Egyptian priests of the past usually drank from cups that were made of peridot, as they thought drinking from a chalice or cup of this substance brought them closer to nature, and Isis, the goddess of nature.

The name peridot actually comes from the Arabic language, and means gem. Egyptians called the peridot gemstones the gem of the sun because the stones would shimmer and shine in the desert sun. These people even though that the gems would continue to cast light when darkness fell upon the desert. As a result, peridot is often called the evening emerald.

Like most gemstones, peridot has symbolic meaning among those that value this type of thing. Peridot is often linked with strength, strong relationships, and the promise of new growth in the near future. Giving peridot is not just for those that were born in the month of August and would therefore like an August birthstone, it is considered by a gift of vitality.