August Birthstone
Peridot
The gem of the sun, a green stone born from volcanoes and found in meteorites
Quick answer: The birthstone for August is Peridot.
Peridot is the primary modern birthstone for August, known for its lime-green color, meteorite origins, and ancient reputation as a stone of strength and protection.
What Is the Birthstone for August?
The August birthstone is peridot. Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, used in jewelry for over 3,500 years for its lime-green color. It is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color (green), though the shade ranges from bright yellow-green to olive depending on iron content.
The name "peridot" likely comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea and called it the "gem of the sun," believing its green glow protected against terrors of the night.
Peridot forms deep in the Earth's mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic eruptions. It has also been found in pallasite meteorites and in comet dust, making it one of the only gemstones with an off-world origin.
Peridot Meaning & Symbolism
Peridot has long been seen as a stone of light, renewal, and summer energy.
Strength & Resilience
Formed under heat and pressure deep in the mantle, peridot is associated with inner strength and the ability to push through hard times.
Good Fortune
Historically called the "merchant's stone," peridot was thought to bring prosperity and success to whoever wore it.
Peace & Harmony
Peridot's green color is linked to calm, emotional balance, and better sleep.
Protection
Ancient Egyptians set peridot in gold as a talisman against nightmares and evil spirits. It is still considered a protective stone for travelers.
Healing & Renewal
Crystal healers link peridot to the heart chakra and use it for physical recovery, emotional release, and renewal.
Light & Joy
Called the "gem of the sun," peridot is associated with warmth, confidence, and openness to new experiences.
Peridot Colors & Varieties
Peridot only comes in green, but the range of shades and sources creates distinct varieties:
Zabargad Peridot
Rich Olive Green
From the Egyptian island that has been mined for over 3,500 years. Deep olive tones with strong clarity.
Pakistani Peridot
Vivid Lime Green
Himalayan stones known for large size and the most saturated lime-green color.
Arizona Peridot
Yellow-Green
Smaller but very clear stones from the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The most commercially available variety.
Chinese Peridot
Yellow-Green to Olive
Widely available in a range of sizes. Common in commercial jewelry for its good clarity.
Meteorite Peridot
Olive Green
Rare gems found in pallasite meteorites. Same mineral composition as Earth-born peridot.
Cat's Eye Peridot
Green with Chatoyancy
A rare effect where parallel inclusions create a band of light across the stone.
Why Is Peridot the August Birthstone?
Peridot's connection to August comes from its ancient association with sunlight and high summer. The Egyptians began mining peridot on Zabargad Island around 1500 BCE, calling it the "gem of the sun" because of its green glow. They believed the stone held the power of sunlight, which made it a natural fit for the warmest month of the year.
The modern birthstone list was standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America), and peridot was formalized as the August birthstone. In 2016, spinel was added as an additional August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association.
Peridot also fits both August zodiac signs: Leo's confidence pairs with this sun-linked stone, while Virgo's grounded nature benefits from peridot's association with healing and emotional balance.
The History of Peridot
Peridot has one of the longest documented histories of any gemstone, with mining records going back to 1500 BCE. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on Zabargad Island (also called St. John's Island) in the Red Sea. The site was so closely guarded that legend says anyone approaching without royal permission was killed on sight. Miners were reportedly forced to collect stones at night, when the gems were said to glow and reveal their locations.
In antiquity, peridot was often confused with emerald. Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have actually been peridots, and many "emeralds" brought back to Europe during the Crusades were later identified as large peridots. Several of the prominent green stones in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral are confirmed peridots.
In Hawaii, peridot crystals found on volcanic beaches are known as "Pele's tears," named after the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The small gem-quality fragments form when lava cools rapidly, releasing olivine crystals onto the shore. In the Middle Ages, peridot was worn as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and to bring the wearer eloquence and good fortune.
In the 1990s, a major new source of fine peridot was discovered in Pakistan's Himalayan mountains, producing stones of unusual size and saturation that revived the global market for this gem.
Peridot Properties
⚗️Physical Properties
- Mineral
- Olivine ((Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄)
- Hardness
- 6.5-7 on Mohs scale
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
- Refractive Index
- 1.654-1.690
- Chemistry
- (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
- Color Range
- Lime to olive green
🌍Where Peridot Is Found
Peridot is sourced from volcanic regions around the world, and even from outer space:
How to Care for Peridot Jewelry
Peridot needs a bit more care than harder gemstones, but with the right habits it will hold up for generations:
Clean peridot jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, which can potentially damage the stone due to thermal shock.
Avoid exposure to acids and harsh chemicals.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Store separately to prevent scratching from harder gemstones.
Remove peridot jewelry before engaging in activities that might subject the stone to harsh chemicals or physical impact.
How to Choose Peridot Jewelry
When shopping for peridot jewelry, look for stones with a saturated green color free of brownish or yellowish tint. The best peridots show an intense lime green. Eye-clean clarity is standard for peridot.
- 1. Color first: Look for a bright lime green. Avoid overly yellow or brownish stones. Pure green commands the best value.
- 2. Clarity: Peridot should be eye-clean. Visible inclusions, especially dark spots, lower the value significantly.
- 3. Cut: A well-cut peridot brings out the stone's brilliance. Oval, cushion, and round cuts are most popular.
- 4. Setting: Choose bezel settings or low-profile prongs for rings to protect this moderately hard stone during daily wear.
Fascinating Facts About Peridot
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that has been found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, making it literally extraterrestrial. It has also been discovered in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.
In ancient times, peridot was sometimes called "evening emerald" because its color did not darken at night and was still visible by lamplight, unlike true emeralds which can appear black in low light.
Peridot is formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. In Hawaii, tiny peridot crystals can sometimes be found on beaches, believed to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele.
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, which was shrouded in mystery and heavily guarded. Miners were forced to collect the gems during nighttime because it was said the stones were invisible in daylight but glowed at night.
August Birthstone by Date
No matter which day in August you were born, peridot is your birthstone. Here's how each part of the month connects to peridot:
August 1–10
Leo
Early August births tap into peridot's solar associations, which complement Leo's confidence, warmth, and creativity.
August 11–22
Leo
Mid-August connects to peridot's themes of abundance and prosperity at the peak of summer.
August 23–31
Virgo
Late August leans into peridot's healing and grounding side, which fits Virgo's analytical, nurturing nature.
View All August Dates
August Birth Flower: Gladiolus & Poppy
August's birth flowers, the gladiolus and poppy, share peridot's themes of strength and resilience. The gladiolus represents integrity and moral character, while the poppy symbolizes imagination and remembrance.
Explore August's Birth Flowers
