Sister to the sapphire, the ruby is red corundum. The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies, which are considered the finest. Rubies are believed to protect their owners. Some thought its protective powers were intensified when set in jewelry, and worn on the left side. August s birthstone is peridot, a transparent lime or olive green stone.
Peridot is found in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Myanmar, Norway, and the United States.
According to lore, the peridot intensified the effects of the drug if the medicine was taken from a cup made of peridot. . Pirates considered peridot powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night. Although sapphires come in a rainbow of shades the most recognized color is blue. Sapphire is found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India. Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring.