Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
August is a month of golden sunlight, warm evenings, and late summer abundance. It’s soft, glowing energy produces both lively and relaxed feeling. This gentle, sunlit atmosphere is beautifully reflected in peridot, one of the official birthstone for August. Its bright, lively colour and ancient symbolism make it a perfect match for the height of summer.
Jump to:
Why Peridot is August’s Birthstone
Like many birthstones, peridot’s connection to August comes from a blend of ancient tradition and later standardisation. Early birthstone systems are often linked to the twelve gemstones set into the biblical breastplate of Aaron. These lists varied across cultures and centuries, but stones associated with protection, strength, and prosperity were commonly included, and are sometimes thought to be peridot.
Peridot became firmly linked to August in 1912, when the American National Association of Jewelers created a standardised birthstone list. Their aim was to unify historical traditions with gemstones that were recognisable, durable, and commercially available. With its distinctive green colour, long cultural history, and strong visual appeal, peridot was chosen for August.
Today, peridot is the most widely recognised August birthstone, but it’s not the only stone for august babies. Spinel was added as a modern option in 2016, offering an alternative with a broader range of colours.
🔗 Explore the History of Birthstones to learn more about this timeless tradition
History and Lore of Peridot
Peridot has one of the oldest recorded histories of any gemstone. It was mined as far back as ancient Egypt, particularly on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. The Egyptians called it the gem of the sun and believed it protected its wearer from nightmares and evil spirits.
Some historians believe that many ancient “emeralds” described in Egyptian texts were actually peridot, as true emerald deposits were not discovered in the region until much later. Legend even suggests that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included many peridot stones.
Throughout the medieval period, peridot was used to decorate churches and royal objects across Europe. It was believed to ward off evil, bring good fortune, and strengthen the heart and mind. In some traditions, peridot was also set in gold to enhance its protective powers.
Through centuries of history, from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, peridot has carried a reputation for protection, light, and positive energy.
🔗 Dive deeper into Peridot Myths and Legends
Peridot’s Meaning, Symbolism, and Energy
Peridot is strongly linked to themes of growth, renewal, prosperity, and emotional balance. Its fresh green colour is often associated with nature, new beginnings, and the gentle vitality of late summer.
In crystal traditions, peridot is believed to help release negative emotions such as jealousy, resentment, and anxiety. It is often thought to promote confidence, clarity, and a sense of emotional lightness. Many people view peridot as a stone of positivity, abundance, and personal growth.
Because of its August connections, a month that sits between the height of summer and the approaching change of seasons, peridot is sometimes seen as a stone that encourages appreciation of the present moment while gently preparing you for new cycles ahead.
🔗 Discover the Symbolic and Spiritual Meanings of Peridot Crystals
Shades, Varieties, and Buying Tips
Peridot is a single colour gemstone that only occurs in green. Its tone can range from light yellowish green to deeper olive tones. The exact hue depends on the amount of iron present in the crystal structure.
The most desirable peridots display a bright, vivid green with a slight golden undertone. Stones that are too yellow or too dark may be considered less valuable, though personal preference always plays a role here.
Peridot belongs to the mineral family olivine and is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity, which is why many peridot deposits are found in areas with a volcanic history.
When buying peridot, colour is again the most important factor. A lively, well saturated green will usually be more appealing than a pale or overly brownish stone. Clarity is also important, as high quality peridot is often relatively clean to the eye. However, some stones may contain distinctive inclusions known as lily pads, which are considered a identifying characteristic of natural peridot.
Unlike many gemstones, peridot is rarely treated. There are very few treatments that have any real effect on this stone, and those that do tend to offer only limited improvements. As a result, most peridot on the market is completely natural, which adds to its appeal for those who value untreated gems.
🔗 Working with peridot gemstones? Have a read of my Jewellers Guide to Peridot
Fun Facts About Peridot
- Peridot is sometimes called the evening emerald because its green colour stays bright even under artificial light.
- Peridot crystals have been discovered in meteorites, making them extraterrestrial gemstones.
- Peridot has strong double refraction, which means the back facets can sometimes appear doubled when you look closely into the stone.
Modern Alternatives for August’s Birthstone
Although peridot is thought of as the primary birthstone for August, some lists include alternative options:
Spinel was added as a modern alternative in 2016, offering a wide range of colours including red, pink, purple, and even grey.
Sardonyx, a banded variety of onyx, is considered a traditional August birthstone as historically it was more commonly associated with August then any other gemstone.
Peridot’s Enduring Place in August Birthstone Lore
Peridot stands as a gemstone of sunlight, growth, and gentle positivity. Its fresh green colour, ancient history, and natural beauty make it a perfect symbol for August birthdays. Whether you are a collector, a jeweller, or simply someone who loves luminous green gemstones, peridot brings a bright and uplifting presence to any piece.
🛍️ Interested in using pre-owned peridot in your next design? View our current Peridot selection
📌 Save this post so you can revisit Peridot, August’s Birthstone, whenever you need inspiration.
