• The month of August that includes the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo has an assortment of 13 stones listed as birthstones.
• The birthstones marked for August are peridot, sardonyx, diamond, sapphire, ruby, alexandrite, and carnelian.
• The zodiac signs add on six more birthstones: tourmaline, onyx, citrine, zircon, jade, and jasper.

The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Its olive green color with a hint of gold connects it to nature from ancient times and makes it a valued gemstone.

Chemically Peridot is Magnesium or Iron Silicate with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. Peridot is a variety of a mineral named Olivine or chrysolite, which is found in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. Its hardness ranges from 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. Peridot is also one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color: basically an olive green.

The earliest mining of this gemstone was carried out in Egypt. Very good quality gemstones were recently discovered in the Himalayan region of Pakistan. Other places known for the occurrence of peridot include Myanmar, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Pakistan, and Arizona and Hawaii in the USA.

• In ancient Egypt, this gemstone was known as the 'gem of the sun' owing to their dazzling brilliance in the desert sun.
• It was said to glow in the dark. Thus, the miners went in the night to mark its locations and then came back during the day to retrieve this gemstone. This is perhaps also the reason for its alternate name 'evening emerald'.
• In ancient Egypt, Priest drank a beverage called soma from cups made of this gemstone as it was believed it would bring them closer to nature.
• It was used in powder form as a remedy for asthma and fever.
• They were discovered as crystals glowing in the black sands of Hawaii, thus were thought to be the tears shed by pele, the volcano goddess.
• They were believed to be the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra, although at that time they were known as emeralds.

• Peridot is given to commemorate the 16th wedding anniversary.
• The gemstone is believed to be a remedy for night terrors when set in gold.
• It is gifted as a popular symbol of vitality.
• It is also considered a symbol of strength and used to achieve individual growth as well as prospering relationships.
• The stone is believed to have miraculous effects on people suffering from AIIDS and cancer.
• It is also said to be effective against feelings of egoism and jealousy.
• It has a positive influence on the circulatory system, digestive system, organs and glands.
• It is known for its magic when one wants to attract love, wealth and success.

Carnelian, reddish brown gemstone is known as another birthstone for people born in the month of May. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color it sometimes exhibits. Carnelian is a form of chalcedony, a member of the quartz family. It is a semiprecious gemstone with colors ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. Carnelian was recovered from Bronze Age Minoan layers at Knossos on Crete in a form that demonstrated its use in decorative arts dating back to 1800 B.C. It is used for treating infertility and to enhance passion.