August
birthstone

Gem facts

Identity, color, and durability

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color - olive green. It's formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to surface by volcanic activity. Some peridot even comes from meteorites!

Names in use

Olivine · Evening Emerald

Mohs hardness

6.5-7 on Mohs scale

Typical color palette

• #9ACD32
• #6B8E23
• #ADFF2F
• #808000

Symbolic tradition

Meanings and crystal traditions

Peridot symbolizes strength, prosperity, and protection from evil. Its vibrant green color represents nature's renewal and is said to bring success and peace to the wearer.

• Crystal traditions associate peridot with renewal and optimism
• Symbolic readings connect peridot with abundance
• Ancient traditions carried peridot as protection from night fears
• Its bright green color is often linked with growth and harmony
• These interpretations are traditions, not scientific effects

Interpretation label: Personality words such as strong, positive, protective, abundant, harmonious belong to symbolic birthstone readings. They are not traits caused by a gemstone or birth month.

Context

History and cultural variations

Ancient Egyptians called peridot 'the gem of the sun' and mined it on Zabargad Island. Cleopatra's famous emeralds may have actually been peridots. The name possibly comes from the Arabic 'faridat' meaning gem.

Variation note: Historical beliefs are presented as beliefs. A source can document a tradition without proving a physical or medical effect.

Practical guide

Jewelry care and gift ideas

1. Clean with warm soapy water only
2. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
3. Protect from hard impacts
4. Store separately from harder gems
5. Avoid extreme temperature changes

Care note: Treatments, inclusions, and settings can change safe cleaning methods. Ask a qualified jeweler when a stone's treatment history is unknown.