This stone, which is a magnesium iron silicate mineral and the gem form of olivine, is a member of the forsterite-fayalite mineral family. Bright yellow-green to deep olive or brownish-green are some of its lovely green hues. The birthstone for the month of August is a natural peridot stone. The history of the stone dates all the way back to 1500 BC. The stone has been gracing jewelry for ages and is still quite popular today.
