August Birthstone: All About Peridot

August babies deserve gemstones that are as cheerful and vibrant as the month they were born in. Fortunately, their birthstone goes above and beyond. Dazzling peridot has been cherished by royalty and gem lovers for centuries. The August birthstone is prized for its lively hue and rich history. Learn all about the history and symbolism of peridot below!

THE HISTORY AND SYMBOLISM OF PERIDOT

This stunning gemstone is treasured for its bright lime green color. Peridot’s source of color is quite unique in the gemstone world. While most gems receive their hue from impurities, peridot gets its color from minerals. Specifically, the olivine mineral. Peridot is also one of the only gemstones that comes in a single color, though it does come in varying shades of green.

Peridot has long been associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune due to its color. Many believe that its particular shade of green resembles money. The enchanting gem is also linked to love, happiness, friendship, and freeing the mind from envious thoughts. Its name is thought to have two origins: faridat, the Arabic word for gem, and peridona, the Greek word for ‘to give in abundance.’

The vibrant gemstone has had special ties to Egypt for millennia. Peridot was first recorded in Topazios, a small volcanic island in the Egyptian Red Sea currently known as St. John’s or Zabargad Island. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the ‘gem of the sun’, and believed it had special healing powers. They would wear peridot while they slept, as they thought it would ward off the terrors of the night. Egyptian priests believed that it held the power of nature, and would use peridot-encrusted goblets to correspond with nature gods. Peridot still remains the national gemstone of Egypt.

Peridot has been considered a protective and healing stone throughout history. It was often used to repel evil spirits, help with respiratory ailments, cure insomnia, stop bleeding, improve memory, and ease labor. Today peridot is known as a stone of compassion and can be used to cultivate inner peace, restful sleep, and creativity.

THE EVENING EMERALD & OTHERWORLDLY FIRE GEM

Peridot is often called the ‘evening emerald’ because its green hue appears to glow at night. Unsurprisingly, peridots have often been confused for emeralds throughout history. Many gemologists and historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection likely included several peridots.

The one-of-a-kind gemstone has volcanic origins and is considered to be born of fire. In Hawaii, peridots were believed to be the tears of Pele, the goddess of volcano and lava. This powerful goddess is also the spiritual creator of the Hawaiian islands, making peridots an extra meaningful gem for Hawaii.

Peridot is not only found on our earth. Large peridots have been discovered in meteorites that have fallen onto our planet. Some were even big enough to create jewelry with! Whether your peridot jewelry comes from the earth or the stars, it will add an otherworldly elegance to your outfit.

PERIDOT CARE

With a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot has a good toughness. However, special care is still needed to prevent scratching and fractures. Be sure to store your peridot jewelry away from harder stones to keep its surface flawless.

Peridot is stable to light, but sensitive to acidity and rapid temperature changes.

Keep your peridot jewelry shiny and beautiful by regularly cleaning it in a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Briefly soak the jewelry in the soapy mixture; you can also use a soft bristle brush to clean hard to reach crevices. Once clean, dry your peridot jewelry thoroughly and enjoy its green brilliance.

AUGUST BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY

Planning on treating a loved one or yourself to some birthstone jewelry? August babies can use peridots to add a playful pop of colors to their looks for summer and beyond. You can still wear peridot jewelry even if you weren’t born in August - it’s also the traditional 16th wedding anniversary gift! 

Browse our full August birthstone jewelry collection here!

Writer: Maria Polansky