August Birthstone: The Complete Guide to Peridot

Every August, one gemstone takes center stage: peridot, prized for its vivid, unmistakable green and its long history as a stone of light and protection. If you're shopping for an August birthday, a meaningful gift, or simply a gemstone that photographs as beautifully as it wears, here's everything worth knowing before you buy.

What Is Peridot?

Peridot (pronounced PEH-rih-doh) is the gem-quality form of a mineral called olivine. Unlike most colored gemstones, whose color comes from trace impurities, peridot's signature lime-to-olive green is part of its basic chemistry — which is why peridot is almost always a consistent, natural green from stone to stone, with no need for heat treatment or enhancement.

It's one of the few gemstones known to have formed deep in the Earth's mantle and been carried to the surface by volcanic activity, and — remarkably — tiny peridot crystals have even been found in meteorites and returned by NASA's Stardust mission. Today, fine peridot is mined in Pakistan, Myanmar, China, and the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, with historic sources tracing back over 3,500 years to Egypt's St. John's Island in the Red Sea.

The Meaning and History of Peridot

Peridot has been treasured since antiquity. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and reportedly mined it by night, when its glow was said to be easiest to spot against the dark volcanic rock. Some historians even believe that a number of the "emeralds" worn by Cleopatra were, in fact, peridot.

• A stone of light: Because peridot rarely shows a strong color change under different lighting, ancient cultures associated it with the sun and with warding off darkness and negative energy.
• A symbol of strength: Peridot has long been given as a token of courage and confidence, making it a popular gift for milestones and new beginnings.
• A gem of good fortune: In many traditions, peridot is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and restful sleep to those who wear it.

Why Is Peridot the August Birthstone?

Peridot has been recognized as a birthstone for centuries, and it was formally listed as the modern August birthstone by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 — a tradition that continues today. For anyone born in August, peridot offers a distinctive alternative to more common gemstones: a bright, affordable, all-natural stone with a color found in very few other gems.

What to Look for When Buying Peridot

Like any gemstone purchase, a little knowledge goes a long way. Here's what actually affects a peridot's beauty and value.

Color

The finest peridot shows a pure, vivid green with minimal brown or yellow undertone — sometimes described as "olive" or "lime" green. Larger stones tend to show richer, deeper color than smaller ones, since the depth of the stone allows more color to develop.

Clarity

Peridot typically forms with very few visible inclusions, so eye-clean stones are common and reasonably affordable even at larger carat weights — one of the reasons it remains such an accessible gemstone.

Carat Weight and Cut

Peridot is most often cut as an oval or cushion to maximize its brilliance and show off its color evenly. Because the rough material is typically found in modest sizes, peridot over 10 carats is considered rare and especially collectible.

How to Care for Your Peridot Jewelry

Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale — a little softer than sapphire or ruby — so it benefits from some extra care to keep it looking its best for years to come.

• Remove peridot jewelry before exercising, cleaning, gardening, or any activity with a risk of knocks or scratches.
• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause any gemstone to crack under stress.
• Store separately from harder gemstones and metals that could scratch its surface while in a jewelry box.

A Meaningful Gift for August

Whether you're marking a birthday, an anniversary, or simply celebrating someone special, peridot's story — a stone of the sun, carried up from deep within the Earth — makes it a gift with genuine substance behind its sparkle. Its bright, wearable color also makes it a versatile choice: equally at home in a pair of everyday studs or a striking statement ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is peridot a valuable or rare gemstone?

Peridot is generally more affordable than gemstones like sapphire or emerald, which makes it an accessible way to own a large, vividly colored natural stone. That said, larger sizes with rich, pure color are genuinely rare and sought after by collectors.

Can peridot get wet, or be worn every day?

Peridot can be worn regularly and can get wet from everyday activities like handwashing. However, prolonged exposure to household chemicals, chlorine, or extreme heat should be avoided, and it's best removed before swimming or bathing.

What does peridot symbolize?

Peridot is traditionally associated with light, strength, and good fortune. As the August birthstone, it's also become a modern symbol of confidence and new beginnings.

Is peridot always natural, or is it often treated?

Peridot's color comes from its fundamental chemistry rather than trace impurities, so unlike many colored gemstones, it is almost never heat-treated or artificially enhanced. Every peridot in Jamsora's collection ships independently certified to confirm its natural origin.

Find Your Peridot at Jamsora

Every peridot in our collection is natural, untreated, and independently certified before it ships — so the stone you choose is exactly as described, with nothing hidden. Browse our certified Peridot collection to find the piece that's right for your August celebration.