August Birthstone — Peridot, the Evening Emerald
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://gemfyi.com/iframe/entity//" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://gemfyi.com/entity//Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://gemfyi.com/entity//)Use the native HTML custom element.
Peridot, the August birthstone, is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. Its distinctive olive to lime green, caused by iron in its crystal structure, has earned it the nickname 'evening emerald' because its color does not darken in artificial light. Peridot is also one of only two gems formed deep in the Earth's mantle rather than the crust.
Traditional Birthstone
Peridot (historically called chrysolite) is the traditional August birthstone with roots stretching to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (Topazios) in the Red Sea, which was the primary source for nearly 3,500 years. Ancient texts often confused peridot with topaz and emerald; many 'emeralds' in medieval church treasuries are actually peridots.
Modern Birthstone
The modern August birthstone list includes peridot (primary), spinel (added in 2016), and sardonyx. Today, most gem-quality peridot comes from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, with fine specimens also from Pakistan (Suppat and Sapat), Myanmar, and China. Pakistani peridot, discovered in the 1990s at elevations above 4,000 meters in the Himalayas, is prized for its intense color and large crystal sizes.
Symbolism & Meaning
Peridot symbolizes strength, protection, and good fortune. Ancient Hawaiians believed peridot was the tears of the goddess Pele. In medieval Europe, peridot was used as a talisman against nightmares and was thought to dissolve enchantments. It is associated with warmth, openness, and prosperity, making it a traditional stone for those seeking positive energy and renewal.
Historical Significance
Zabargad Island in the Red Sea was the world's primary peridot source from 1500 BCE until the 20th century. Crusaders brought peridot to Europe, where it was used to decorate medieval churches. The 200-carat peridots in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings at Cologne Cathedral were long thought to be emeralds. Extraterrestrial peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites, making it one of the few gems that literally falls from space.
August Birthstone Gems
Gift Guide
Peridot makes a vibrant August birthday gift and is the traditional gem for the 16th wedding anniversary. Its bright green pairs beautifully with yellow gold settings. Peridot earrings and pendants showcase the gem's lively color while avoiding the wear concerns of ring settings. Larger peridots (over 5 carats) from Pakistan offer impressive size at moderate prices.
Care & Handling
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it moderately durable but susceptible to scratching by harder gems. Avoid rapid temperature changes, which can cause fracturing. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on peridot. Clean with lukewarm soapy water and a soft brush. Store separately from harder gemstones and remove peridot rings during physical activities.