August Birthstone
Peridot
The gem of the sun — a vibrant 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, celebrated for its vivid lime-green color, extraterrestrial origins, and ancient reputation as a stone of strength and protection.
What Is the Birthstone for August?
The August birthstone is peridot. This striking gemstone is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, treasured for over 3,500 years for its distinctive lime-green glow. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color — green — though its shade ranges from bright yellow-green to rich olive depending on iron content.
The name "peridot" is believed to derive 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 radiant green protected against the terrors of the night.
What makes peridot truly extraordinary is its origin: it forms deep in the Earth's mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic eruptions. It has even been found in pallasite meteorites and in comet dust — making it one of the only gemstones with an extraterrestrial pedigree.
Peridot Meaning & Symbolism
Across cultures and millennia, peridot has been revered as a stone of light, renewal, and summer vitality.
Strength & Resilience
Born from volcanic fire and extreme pressure deep in the mantle, peridot embodies inner strength and the power to endure challenges.
Good Fortune
Known historically as the "merchant's stone," peridot is believed to attract prosperity, success, and abundance to its wearer.
Peace & Harmony
Peridot's soothing green color is associated with calm, emotional balance, and restful sleep — easing anxiety and promoting well-being.
Protection
Ancient Egyptians set peridot in gold as a talisman against nightmares and evil spirits. It remains a protective stone for travelers.
Healing & Renewal
Crystal healers associate peridot with the heart chakra, using it to promote physical recovery, emotional release, and spiritual renewal.
Light & Joy
Called the "gem of the sun," peridot radiates warmth and positivity — inspiring confidence, happiness, and openness to new experiences.
Peridot Colors & Varieties
While peridot only comes in green, the range of shades and sources creates distinct varieties prized by collectors and jewelers alike:
Zabargad Peridot
Rich Olive Green
From the legendary Egyptian island — the original source prized for over 3,500 years. Deep olive tones with exceptional clarity.
Pakistani Peridot
Vivid Lime Green
Himalayan stones known for exceptional size and the most desirable saturated lime-green color.
Arizona Peridot
Yellow-Green
Smaller but brilliantly 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 and popular in commercial jewelry for their good clarity.
Meteorite Peridot
Olive Green
Extraordinarily rare extraterrestrial gems found in pallasite meteorites — the same mineral composition as Earth-born peridot.
Cat's Eye Peridot
Green with Chatoyancy
An exceptionally rare phenomenon where parallel inclusions create a luminous band of light across the stone.
Why Is Peridot the August Birthstone?
Peridot's connection to August is rooted in its ancient association with sunlight and the height of summer. The Egyptians began mining peridot on Zabargad Island around 1500 BCE, calling it the "gem of the sun" because of its radiant green glow. They believed the stone harnessed the power of sunlight itself — making it a natural fit for the warmest, brightest 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 — honoring millennia of tradition linking this green gem to the late-summer season. In 2016, spinel was added as an additional August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association.
Peridot also aligns with both August zodiac signs: Leo's fiery confidence is amplified by this sun-powered 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 dating back to 1500 BCE. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on Zabargad Island (also called St. John's Island) in the Red Sea — a site 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.
Throughout antiquity, peridot was frequently confused with emerald. Cleopatra's legendary emerald collection may have actually consisted of peridots, and many "emeralds" brought back to Europe during the Crusades were later identified as large peridots. Several 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 tiny 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 exceptional size and color that reinvigorated the global market for this ancient 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 requires a bit more care than harder gemstones, but with the right habits it will stay vibrant 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, prioritize stones with a vivid, saturated green color free of brownish or yellowish tint. The finest peridots display an intense lime green that seems to glow from within. Eye-clean clarity is standard and expected for peridot.
- 1. Color first: Look for a bright, vivid 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: Well-cut peridots maximize the stone's natural 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's energy:
August 1–10
Leo
Early August births channel peridot's solar energy, amplifying Leo's natural confidence, warmth, and creative spirit.
August 11–22
Leo
Mid-August connects to peridot's themes of abundance and prosperity — the peak of summer's generosity.
August 23–31
Virgo
Late August harnesses peridot's healing and grounding qualities, complementing Virgo's analytical and 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, resilience, and vibrant energy. The gladiolus represents integrity and moral character, while the poppy symbolizes imagination and remembrance — qualities that pair beautifully with peridot's protective warmth.
Explore August's Birth Flowers
