Peridot

The birthstone for the month of August, we have Peridot! It can be pronounced either PeriDOT or PeriDOH, apparently. We always pronounced it DOH, but Steven Universe's character confused us enough to wonder. Peridot are one of the few gemstones that occur only in one color - olive green!

Peridot is one of only two gems observed to be formed not in Earth's crust, but in the molten rock of the upper mantle - to me, this makes sense, what with August being RIDICULOUSLY hot in the northern hemisphere. Gem-quality peridot is rare due to its chemical instability on Earth's surface. Large crystals of forsterite, used to cut peridot gems, are also rare. Peridot can be found in meteorites and can be differentiated by size and composition.

Symbolizing strength, the peridot is apparently sometimes known as the “evening emerald" due to its light green color. The origin of the word peridot is uncertain, possibly derived from Anglo-Norman or Arabic words. Peridot has been prized for its purported protected powers to drive away nightmares, and believed by some to carry the gift of "inner radiance" (wow, so Leo coded). 

The San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona is the principal source of peridot olivine today, with other sources around the world. 

Our Peridot is a light olive green, with yellow undertones. We'd put it between Pop and Matcha Latte. For pairings, we'd recommend Leo and Virgo (obviously!), Lake Erie Monster, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Honk, Loveland Frogman, Lake Michigan, If It Weren't for the Wind, Yeah No, No Yeah, Pink Drink, and really, most of our tonals. 

BASES:

Mini Skein: 20g, 87 yards, 75% super wash merino/25% nylon
Hattie Floof: 50g, 437 yards, 70% Superkid mohair/30% silk (lace weight)
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Gladys Shawl: 100g, 438 yards, single ply blend of 70% superwash merino/30% silk
Tortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silk
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 150g, 82 yards, 100% superwash merino, single ply
Summer Fingering: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 438 yards
Summer DK: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 246 yards
Summer Worsted: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 181 yards
Piper Fiber: 85% Polwarth Wool/15% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc