Peridot is more than just a gorgeous green gemstone—it is a gem shaped by history, mythology, and nature’s incredible forces. Recognized as the August birthstone, peridot has been admired for its unique origins, meaningful symbolism, and cheerful radiance.
Delve into fascinating peridot facts and discover its timeless appeal with this comprehensive guide from Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection in Erie, PA!
Unlike gemstones developed in the Earth’s crust, peridot is a gem variety of olivine that is formed deep within the Earth’s upper mantle. There, similar to diamonds, intense heat and pressure transform this mineral into brilliant yellow-green crystals.
This gemstone can be found in volcanic basalt and mantle rock fragments called peridotite xenoliths. However, gem-quality peridot is rare because it can become damaged or altered as it travels to the surface with volcanic activity.
Some of the rarest peridots arrive from space, delivered by pallasite meteorites that contain crystals of olivine formed beyond our planet. Today, most peridot used in jewelry is sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States.
This celestial theme was echoed by ancient Egyptians, where it was revered as the “gem of the sun” and believed to be a sacred gift from Ra, the god of the sun.
According to Hawaiian legends, the tears of Pele—the goddess of fire and volcanoes—formed these glowing crystals whenever she felt fiery rage or tremendous sorrow. Other Polynesian cultures thought peridots that washed ashore were the scales shed by a powerful sea dragon.
These myths helped shape how peridot was valued throughout history.
Ancient Egyptians were among the first to treasure this vibrant yellow-green gem, using it and mining from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea as early as 1500 BC. Priests used peridot-studded goblets in rituals to communicate with their nature gods.
Peridot was also believed to possess medicinal powers. During the Middle Ages, Apothecaries had this gem powdered as a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including asthma and insomnia. It was also said to improve memory and ease childbirth.
Beyond its legends, peridot became a treasured gemstone among royalty and religious institutions. Stones once thought to be emeralds in Cleopatra’s famous collection and in the Cologne Cathedral are now believed to be peridots.
Today, famous peridots can be admired in museums worldwide, including the remarkable 311.80-carat specimen from Egypt, named Green Goddess, displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Later traditions linked these stones with zodiac signs and months of the year, and many cultures believed gemstones carried protective or beneficial effects. By the 16th–18th centuries, wearing a single gem for one’s birth month became a popular practice, creating the foundation for today’s birthstone jewelry tradition.
Although peridot is now widely recognized as the August birthstone, its place on the calendar has changed a lot over time. Before standardized lists existed, August was associated with several stones, including sardonyx, carnelian, moonstone, and topaz.
Peridot was also synonymously used with the name “chrysolite.” It is a term once used for a wide variety of green gemstones, before modern gemology established peridot as its own distinct gem variety.
When the American National Retail Jewelers Association published the modern birthstone list in 1912, peridot was officially designated as one of August’s birthstones alongside sardonyx.
The gem’s vibrant green color, ancient association with sunlight, and origins in volcanic environments made it a natural symbol for a month known for warmth and brightness. Today, peridot remains a favorite choice for personalized birthstone jewelry, celebrating both tradition and individuality.
Peridot holds special significance as the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary as well, making it a meaningful choice for couples celebrating years of love and commitment. Believed by some to encourage understanding and ease tensions in relationships, peridot reflects the affection, devotion, and shared growth that define a lasting partnership.
From its uplifting symbolism to its timeless beauty, peridot remains a gemstone that celebrates both personal milestones and cherished bonds.
When selecting a stone, consider the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most prized peridots feature vivid grass-green hues, minimal visible inclusions, magnificent cuts, and larger sizes.
Still, peridot often contains natural inclusions that reveal its origin. For instance, the famous “lily pads” are reflective, disk-like inclusions that typically occur in certain peridots from San Carlos.
When designing peridot jewelry, durability should always be considered. It’s suitable for different jewelry but benefits from protective settings. From minimalist pieces to sentimental keepsakes, peridot offers endless design possibilities—a classic birthstone necklace, a statement ring, a pair of dangle earrings, and more.
White gold and silver settings create a crisp, modern look, while yellow gold and gold vermeil bring warmth and contrast. For a more personalized touch, add initials, meaningful dates, or unique design elements to your custom birthstone jewelry.
Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays first before putting on your peridot jewelry. Doing so helps protect the gemstone from potentially damaging chemicals. After wear, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove oils and residue.
For a more thorough cleaning, soak the piece briefly in warm water mixed with mild detergent. Then, carefully clean it with a soft-bristled brush. Finish by rinsing with warm water and drying with a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and hard blows, which can cause internal fractures.
Keep peridot pieces in a soft cloth pouch or felt-lined jewelry box to protect them from being scratched by harder gemstones and metals. Taking these small steps will help preserve your peridot’s luminous beauty, allowing it to remain a cherished piece for years to come.
Delve into fascinating peridot facts and discover its timeless appeal with this comprehensive guide from Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection in Erie, PA!
The Origin and History of the Peridot Birthstone
The word peridot is believed to come from the Arabic faridat, meaning “gem.” Some sources, though, trace it to Old French or Anglo-Norman origins. Regardless of its linguistic roots, this striking yellow-green gemstone has long captivated civilizations.Unlike gemstones developed in the Earth’s crust, peridot is a gem variety of olivine that is formed deep within the Earth’s upper mantle. There, similar to diamonds, intense heat and pressure transform this mineral into brilliant yellow-green crystals.
This gemstone can be found in volcanic basalt and mantle rock fragments called peridotite xenoliths. However, gem-quality peridot is rare because it can become damaged or altered as it travels to the surface with volcanic activity.
Some of the rarest peridots arrive from space, delivered by pallasite meteorites that contain crystals of olivine formed beyond our planet. Today, most peridot used in jewelry is sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States.
Creation Myths
Myths surrounding peridot’s creation are as brilliant as the stone itself. Some believed peridot was created when the sun exploded, scattering glowing fragments across Earth—which is not too far from the truth.This celestial theme was echoed by ancient Egyptians, where it was revered as the “gem of the sun” and believed to be a sacred gift from Ra, the god of the sun.
According to Hawaiian legends, the tears of Pele—the goddess of fire and volcanoes—formed these glowing crystals whenever she felt fiery rage or tremendous sorrow. Other Polynesian cultures thought peridots that washed ashore were the scales shed by a powerful sea dragon.
These myths helped shape how peridot was valued throughout history.
Supposed Benefits & Historical Uses
For thousands of years, peridot has been admired as a gemstone of light, protection, and prosperity. Various old civilizations claimed that wearing peridot could bring happiness and good fortune. It was also said to help ward off evil spirits and protect against fear and nightmares.Ancient Egyptians were among the first to treasure this vibrant yellow-green gem, using it and mining from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea as early as 1500 BC. Priests used peridot-studded goblets in rituals to communicate with their nature gods.
Peridot was also believed to possess medicinal powers. During the Middle Ages, Apothecaries had this gem powdered as a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including asthma and insomnia. It was also said to improve memory and ease childbirth.
Beyond its legends, peridot became a treasured gemstone among royalty and religious institutions. Stones once thought to be emeralds in Cleopatra’s famous collection and in the Cologne Cathedral are now believed to be peridots.
Today, famous peridots can be admired in museums worldwide, including the remarkable 311.80-carat specimen from Egypt, named Green Goddess, displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
How Peridot Became the Birthstone for August
The tradition of birthstones has evolved over thousands of years, blending ancient beliefs, religious symbolism, and cultural traditions. Many historians trace its origins to the Book of Exodus, which describes Aaron’s breastplate adorned with 12 gems for the tribes of Israel.Later traditions linked these stones with zodiac signs and months of the year, and many cultures believed gemstones carried protective or beneficial effects. By the 16th–18th centuries, wearing a single gem for one’s birth month became a popular practice, creating the foundation for today’s birthstone jewelry tradition.
Although peridot is now widely recognized as the August birthstone, its place on the calendar has changed a lot over time. Before standardized lists existed, August was associated with several stones, including sardonyx, carnelian, moonstone, and topaz.
Peridot was also synonymously used with the name “chrysolite.” It is a term once used for a wide variety of green gemstones, before modern gemology established peridot as its own distinct gem variety.
When the American National Retail Jewelers Association published the modern birthstone list in 1912, peridot was officially designated as one of August’s birthstones alongside sardonyx.
The gem’s vibrant green color, ancient association with sunlight, and origins in volcanic environments made it a natural symbol for a month known for warmth and brightness. Today, peridot remains a favorite choice for personalized birthstone jewelry, celebrating both tradition and individuality.
The Meaning Behind Peridot as the August Birthstone
The luminous green color of the August birthstone, peridot, has made it a symbol of renewal, strength, abundance, and safety for centuries. Its natural clarity and glow have inspired associations with confidence, peace of mind, emotional balance, and clear thinking, making it a gemstone often linked to inner calm and positive energy.Peridot holds special significance as the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary as well, making it a meaningful choice for couples celebrating years of love and commitment. Believed by some to encourage understanding and ease tensions in relationships, peridot reflects the affection, devotion, and shared growth that define a lasting partnership.
From its uplifting symbolism to its timeless beauty, peridot remains a gemstone that celebrates both personal milestones and cherished bonds.
Peridot Birthstone Jewelry for August Babies
Compared with deeper-toned gems like the emerald, peridot delivers a fresh bubbly look at a more affordable price point.When selecting a stone, consider the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most prized peridots feature vivid grass-green hues, minimal visible inclusions, magnificent cuts, and larger sizes.
Still, peridot often contains natural inclusions that reveal its origin. For instance, the famous “lily pads” are reflective, disk-like inclusions that typically occur in certain peridots from San Carlos.
When designing peridot jewelry, durability should always be considered. It’s suitable for different jewelry but benefits from protective settings. From minimalist pieces to sentimental keepsakes, peridot offers endless design possibilities—a classic birthstone necklace, a statement ring, a pair of dangle earrings, and more.
White gold and silver settings create a crisp, modern look, while yellow gold and gold vermeil bring warmth and contrast. For a more personalized touch, add initials, meaningful dates, or unique design elements to your custom birthstone jewelry.
Common Lookalikes
While choosing or designing the perfect gift, it is also helpful to know that some jewelry may feature imitation peridot. Such substitutes include green glass, synthetic spinel, cubic zirconia, or other green gemstones created to imitate its appearance.Peridot Jewelry Care and Cleaning
Peridot is more delicate than some other gems, with a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7. Because of this, it is best to avoid wearing peridot jewelry daily and during activities where it may be scratched, bumped, or exposed to harsh conditions.Apply perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays first before putting on your peridot jewelry. Doing so helps protect the gemstone from potentially damaging chemicals. After wear, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove oils and residue.
For a more thorough cleaning, soak the piece briefly in warm water mixed with mild detergent. Then, carefully clean it with a soft-bristled brush. Finish by rinsing with warm water and drying with a soft lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and hard blows, which can cause internal fractures.
Keep peridot pieces in a soft cloth pouch or felt-lined jewelry box to protect them from being scratched by harder gemstones and metals. Taking these small steps will help preserve your peridot’s luminous beauty, allowing it to remain a cherished piece for years to come.