When you think of summer, you probably imagine golden sunshine, fresh greenery, and long warm evenings. Now, picture all of that beauty captured in a gemstone—that’s peridot. With its vivid green glow and sparkling history, peridot is one of the most cheerful gemstones you can wear.
Known as the official August birthstone, peridot carries centuries of meaning, lore, and symbolism. From being treasured by ancient Egyptian pharaohs to its modern place in fine jewelry, peridot has always been a gem of mystery, beauty, and positivity.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about peridot: what it is, its history, its role as the August birthstone, its healing properties, famous examples, and why it’s still a gemstone worth celebrating today.
What is Peridot?
A Gem Born from Fire
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of olivine, a mineral found deep in the Earth’s mantle. Unlike many gemstones that owe their colors to impurities, peridot’s green is all natural—it’s literally the mineral’s inherent color.
What makes peridot so fascinating is that it often forms in extreme conditions. You can find it in:
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Volcanic rocks: Peridot crystals are sometimes carried up during eruptions, especially from basaltic lava.
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Meteorites: Some peridots have literally fallen from space, discovered inside rare pallasite meteorites.
This makes peridot one of the few gemstones with both terrestrial and extraterrestrial origins.
The Color of Sunshine
Peridot ranges from bright yellow-green to deeper olive green tones. The most prized peridots have a rich, vibrant green without too much brown or yellow. Unlike emerald, which can have bluish tones, peridot is always on the warmer green spectrum, which is why it’s so often described as having a sunlit glow.
How Peridot Differs from Other Green Gems
It’s easy to confuse peridot with emerald or green tourmaline at first glance, but there are some key differences:
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Emerald: Darker, cooler green with possible bluish hues.
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Tourmaline: Comes in many green shades, but lacks the distinctive golden undertone of peridot.
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Peridot: Always has that warm, golden-green sparkle that seems to glow even in low light.
The History of Peridot
Ancient Egyptians: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot’s history stretches back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians mined it on the island of Zabargad (now called St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea. They believed peridot captured the energy of the sun and called it the “Gem of the Sun.”
Legend has it that some of Cleopatra’s famous “emeralds” may have actually been peridots. The stone was prized for its ability to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Roman Admiration
The Romans also adored peridot, calling it the “Evening Emerald” because its bright color didn’t fade at night. They loved its luminous quality, which made it stand out even in candlelight.
Medieval Europe
During the Middle Ages, peridot was used in religious artifacts and church treasures, believed to have protective powers. One of the most famous examples is in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, which houses large peridots mistaken for emeralds for centuries.
Hawaiian Origins and Volcanic Lore
In Hawaii, peridot is sometimes found in the sands of volcanic beaches. Local lore connects peridot with Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, who was said to cry tears of peridot that fell onto the land.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Peridot
A Stone of Protection
Throughout history, peridot has been associated with warding off evil. Ancient people wore it as a talisman to protect against dark forces, nightmares, and negative energy.
A Symbol of Renewal and Growth
Because of its green color, peridot is often linked with growth, renewal, and nature. It symbolizes new beginnings, positive energy, and harmony with the natural world.
Connection to the Sun and Light
As the “gem of the sun,” peridot carries symbolism of warmth, light, and vitality. It’s believed to bring optimism and dispel darkness from one’s life.
Emotional and Spiritual Significance
Peridot is often connected with the heart chakra, believed to encourage compassion, love, and emotional balance. Many crystal enthusiasts see it as a stone that helps open the heart and heal emotional wounds.
Peridot as the August Birthstone
Why August is Linked to Peridot
Peridot became the official birthstone for August in 1912, when the American National Retail Jewelers Association standardized the list of birthstones. Its warm green color perfectly complements the sunny, vibrant energy of late summer.
Astrological Significance
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Leo (July 23 – August 22): Peridot enhances Leo’s natural confidence, warmth, and leadership qualities.
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Virgo (August 23 – September 22): For Virgos, peridot is believed to encourage emotional openness and reduce overthinking.
A Stone for Special Milestones
Beyond birthdays, peridot is also the traditional gem for the 16th wedding anniversary, symbolizing love, harmony, and long-lasting happiness.
Gifting Peridot
Giving peridot as a gift isn’t just beautiful—it’s meaningful. It shows a wish for protection, joy, and prosperity for the recipient.
Lore and Legends Surrounding Peridot
Myths from Ancient Civilizations
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Egyptians: Believed peridot protected wearers from evil and ensured prosperity.
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Romans: Thought peridot glowed in the dark and could ward off enchantments.
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Medieval Europeans: Used peridot in church treasures to symbolize divine light.
Hawaiian Legends
In Hawaiian mythology, small peridot crystals are seen as the tears of Pele, scattered across beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Religious Significance
Peridot has been found in biblical references as one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate in the Old Testament.
Healing and Metaphysical Properties
Emotional Healing
Peridot is often called a stone of compassion. It is believed to:
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Calm anger and reduce jealousy.
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Relieve stress and boost positivity.
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Encourage forgiveness and healing in relationships.
Physical Associations
Historically, people believed peridot helped with:
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Digestion and metabolism.
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Detoxifying the body.
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Strengthening the immune system.
Chakra Alignment
Peridot is linked with the heart chakra, helping balance emotions, encourage love, and promote spiritual growth.
A Modern Crystal Healer’s Perspective
While scientific evidence doesn’t back these metaphysical claims, many people who work with crystals say peridot brings a sense of lightness, warmth, and joy.
Famous Peridots in History and Jewelry
The Cologne Cathedral Treasure
One of the most famous collections of peridots is in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. For centuries, the large peridots were mistaken for emeralds.
Cleopatra’s Collection
Although debated, some historians believe Cleopatra’s legendary emerald collection may have actually been peridots.
Museum Collections
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The Smithsonian Institution houses one of the world’s largest cut peridots, weighing over 300 carats.
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Other significant peridots can be found in museums around the world, often displayed alongside emeralds and garnets.
Modern Jewelry Houses
Today, peridot is featured in designs by leading jewelry houses and is becoming more popular in both fine and fashion jewelry due to its lively, refreshing color.
Buying and Caring for Peridot Jewelry
What to Look For
When shopping for peridot, consider the 4 Cs:
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Color: Bright, pure green with minimal brown or yellow.
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Clarity: Eye-clean peridots are most desirable.
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Cut: Peridot is often cut in round, oval, or cushion shapes to maximize sparkle.
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Carat Weight: Larger peridots are available but more rare.
Durability and Wear
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable but still softer than sapphires or diamonds. Rings and bracelets may need extra care, while pendants and earrings are safer choices for daily wear.
Caring for Peridot
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Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
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Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
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Store separately from harder stones to prevent scratches.
Peridot in Modern Fashion & Jewelry Trends
A Summer Favorite
Peridot’s fresh green makes it a perfect gemstone for summer jewelry collections. It pairs beautifully with gold for a luxurious look or silver for a modern twist.
Minimalist & Vintage Styles
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Minimalist jewelry: Peridot shines in simple solitaire settings.
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Vintage-inspired: Antique designs with peridot are popular among collectors.
Rising Popularity in Bridal Jewelry
While diamonds remain the most popular for engagement rings, some couples are choosing peridot as a unique, symbolic alternative, especially for August weddings.
Celebrity Love for Peridot
Celebrities have been spotted wearing peridot on red carpets, further boosting its popularity as a fashionable, lively gem.
Conclusion
Peridot isn’t just a gemstone—it’s a story of sunshine, resilience, and timeless beauty. As the official August birthstone, peridot captures the spirit of summer with its radiant green sparkle. From its ancient history as the Gem of the Sun to its modern place in fine jewelry, peridot has always been a symbol of light, protection, and renewal.
Whether you’re celebrating an August birthday, a milestone anniversary, or simply drawn to its positive energy, peridot jewelry is a meaningful way to carry a little sunshine wherever you go.
