Traditionally, a gemstone is associated with each month of the year.
This concept of birthstone gems is believed to date back to the Bible and the Breastplate of Aaron.There were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.
There are other origins of birthstones, most notably of Tibetan origin and is over 1,000 years is the Mythical Birthstone List. Also, the Ayurvedic Birthstone List which relates to Ayurvedic Indian medicine is over 1500 years old.
There are many myths and legends that surround birthstones. Some cultures tended to wear the stone in which their birth month was in and other cultures owned a set of 12 birthstones. One set would cover each month of the year and people would wear their birthstones according to the date, regardless of their own date of birth. The thought was it heighten the healing powers if worn in the month of the birthstone.
August
August's birthstone is Peridot. Peridot, with it’s signature lime green color, is believed to instill power and influence in the wearer. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” and some thought that it protected against nightmares. It was also believed to bring the wearer confidence, power, and general good luck and health. Spinel is a secondary birthstone for August and is available in a brilliant range of colors and is believed to protect the owner from harm and soothe away sadness.
Peridot
Peridot is known as the stone of compassion and is believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind. This friendly bright green stone also has the uncanny ability to inspire eloquence and creativity; it also brings delight and good cheer.
It is believed to be a powerful cleanser and alleviates jealousy, resentment, spite, bitterness, irritation, hatred and greed. Reduces stress, anger and guilt. Peridot is thought to open our hearts to joy and new relationships. To enhance confidence and assertion, motivating growth and change. Sharpen and open the mind to new levels of awareness. Banishes lethargy, apathy and exhaustion. Peridot may help you to take responsibility for your own life and strengthen the immune system, metabolism and benefits the skin.
Spinel
Spinel is believed to assist you to appreciate the beauty of life and the world around you. It helps you take more time to relax and enjoy the true abundance of life, instead of chasing the illusion of financial security. Spinel is a stone of new hope, it can relieve the burden of negative thought patterns and it reminds you that life is a gift. Spinel enhances all the positive aspects of your personality. It helps in achieving and accepting success with humility.