Peridot

August's most popular birthstone, Peridot may not technically qualify as a Precious Gemstone, but it is certainly a shining star in the gem kingdom. 

The only gem material that has been known to form in outer space and travel the cosmos to find us, Peridot also forms deep within the earth's crust.  The latter variety,  forged by Mother Earth at great depths with immense heat, constitutes the vast majority of Peridot crystals available on the market. 

On certain Hawaiian beaches, tiny Peridot crystals that have weathered out from lava flows can be seen interspersed with black volcanic sands.  These magical, glinting treasures are said to be the tears of the great island Goddess Pele