August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot is the primary birthstone for August, prized for its distinctive lime-green to olive-green colour. Unlike most gemstones that get their colour from trace elements, peridot's green is an inherent part of its chemical composition, meaning it always occurs in shades of green.
Quick Facts
Colour
Lime green to olive green
Hardness
6.5–7 Mohs
Symbolism
Strength, healing, and good fortune
Alternate Stones
Spinel, Sardonyx
What is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, an iron-magnesium silicate. It is one of few gemstones that forms deep in the earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Remarkably, peridot has also been found in meteorites and in samples from Mars, making it one of the few gemstones of extraterrestrial origin. August also claims spinel as a birthstone, a vibrant gem available in red, pink, blue, and other colours that was historically confused with ruby.
Properties
Colour
Ranges from yellow-green to olive green, with the most valued shade being a vivid, saturated lime green without brownish undertones. The colour is determined by the amount of iron present.
Hardness
6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Reasonably durable for jewellery but benefits from protective settings for rings, as it can scratch over time with heavy wear.
Origins
Major sources include the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona (USA), Pakistan, Myanmar, China, and Vietnam. The Pakistani stones from the Kashmir region are particularly fine.
Lustre
Vitreous, oily lustre. Peridot has a characteristic warm glow, and its strong double refraction creates a visible doubling effect when viewing facet edges through the stone.
History
Ancient Egyptians called peridot "the gem of the sun" and mined it on the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea as early as 1500 BC. Many historians believe that some of Cleopatra's famous "emeralds" were actually peridots. In medieval times, peridot was used to decorate churches and was believed to ward off evil spirits. The crusaders brought peridot to Europe, where it was used in cathedral treasures.
Meaning & Symbolism
Peridot symbolises strength, healing, and good fortune. It has long been associated with the sun and with light, believed to dissolve darkness, fear, and guilt. In Hawaiian mythology, peridot is said to be the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. It is thought to promote prosperity, growth, and positive transformation. As a healing stone, peridot is associated with the heart chakra and emotional well-being.
How to Care for Peridot
Clean peridot with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as peridot can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes and vibration. Protect from hard knocks and scratches by storing separately from harder gemstones. Remove peridot rings during physical activities. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and acids.
Peridot Jewellery Ideas
Peridot's vibrant green adds a fresh, cheerful element to any jewellery collection. It pairs especially well with yellow gold for a warm, vintage-inspired look. Peridot pendant necklaces and drop earrings make excellent everyday accessories. For rings, choose a bezel or halo setting that provides extra protection for the stone. A cluster of peridots in varying sizes creates a beautiful, nature-inspired design.
Shop Peridot Jewellery
Looking for jewellery featuring peridot or similar stones? Explore our handcrafted collections designed with ethically sourced stones.