Everything to know about peridot — the primary August birthstone — plus a quick look at its co-birthstones, spinel and sardonyx.
Peridot is much more than a beautiful green gemstone — it's a remarkable gem with a rich history, captivating legends, and extraordinary natural origins. As the primary birthstone for August, peridot has long been treasured for its vibrant color, fascinating formation, and enduring symbolism of positivity, prosperity, and renewal.
At Jewelry Direct, we believe every gemstone should tell a story. As a workshop-first jewelry company, every piece is designed, cast, stone-set, polished, and quality-inspected in-house by experienced master artisans. That commitment ensures each gemstone is showcased in jewelry that's made to be worn for a lifetime — not just a season.
Jewelry Direct's focus on ethically sourced materials, factory-direct craftsmanship, and rigorous quality standards makes every piece a meaningful investment for years to come.
What Is Peridot?
Peridot (pronounced PEHR-ih-doh) is a beautiful green gemstone formed from the mineral olivine. Unlike many gemstones that appear in a range of colors, peridot naturally occurs only in shades of green — it's one of just a few gems that comes in a single color family. Its shade ranges from light yellowish-green to rich olive green, with the finest stones displaying a vivid, saturated green with excellent clarity, sometimes traded under the nickname "evening emerald" for the way it seems to glow after dark.
Peridot has been admired since ancient Egyptian times and was often called the "Gem of the Sun." Some historians believe Cleopatra's famed emerald collection may have actually included peridot, thanks to its striking green appearance — and the same mix-up shows up in Germany's Cologne Cathedral, where 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds later turned out to be peridot.
Today, peridot remains one of the most affordable natural gemstones while offering exceptional brilliance and unique character, making it an accessible entry point into fine colored-gemstone jewelry.
August's Three Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx
If you've looked up "what is the August birthstone," you may have noticed August is one of only three months — alongside June and December — with more than one official birthstone. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Peridot — the primary and most recognized August birthstone, prized for its signature lime-to-olive green color.
- Spinel — added as an official birthstone in 2016, spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including vivid reds, blues, and pinks, offering August-born shoppers more variety.
- Sardonyx — the traditional, historic August birthstone, a banded reddish-brown variety of chalcedony long associated with courage and strength.
Because peridot remains the most requested and most widely available of the three, it's the focus of this guide — and of Jewelry Direct's August birthstone collection.
Why Peridot Is August's Birthstone
Peridot has long been associated with August birthdays, symbolizing:
- Prosperity
- Good fortune
- Happiness
- Renewal
- Peace
- Protection
Many cultures believed peridot could ward off negative energy, encourage restful sleep, and bring harmony to relationships. Peridot is also traditionally linked to the zodiac sign Leo, and it's the gemstone associated with the 16th wedding anniversary, making it a meaningful gift well beyond birthdays. Whether or not you believe in gemstone symbolism, its fresh green color naturally represents growth, optimism, and new beginnings.
That makes peridot an ideal gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or anyone beginning an exciting new chapter in life.
Where Does Peridot Come From?
Part of what makes peridot so unique is its origin story. Most gemstones form in the Earth's crust — peridot forms much deeper, in the upper mantle, and is carried to the surface by volcanic activity. That's why peridot deposits are often found near ancient volcanic sites.
A few facts that make peridot stand out among birthstones:
- Arizona's San Carlos Apache Reservation supplies an estimated 80–95% of the world's peridot today.
- Peridot has been mined on Egypt's Red Sea island of Zabargad for roughly 3,500 years, and it remains the national gem of Egypt.
- Remarkably, peridot has also been found in meteorites and, in 2005, in comet dust collected by NASA's Stardust space probe — making it one of the only gemstones known to arrive on Earth from outer space.
Peridot's Beautiful Green Color
Peridot's refreshing green color comes naturally from the iron found within the gemstone — unlike gems such as emerald or ruby, whose color comes from trace impurities.
Depending on the amount and type of iron present, peridot can display a range of beautiful shades, including:
- Yellow-green
- Lime green
- Olive green
- Deep grassy green
Because its color is completely natural, peridot does not require artificial treatments to achieve its signature brilliance.
Looking for a timeless everyday necklace? The Peridot Cushion Vine Necklace in 14K Gold beautifully showcases the gemstone's vibrant green hue in an elegant vine-inspired design. Crafted in luxurious 14K gold, it's perfect for layering or wearing as a meaningful August birthstone pendant.
Is Peridot Durable Enough for Everyday Wear?
Peridot measures 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for regular wear with proper care.
While it's durable enough for rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, it's best to avoid hard impacts and store it separately from harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. Peridot is also sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so a few care habits go a long way:
- Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
- Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Remove jewelry before heavy lifting, sports, or swimming.
- Store pieces individually to prevent scratching.
With proper care, peridot jewelry can remain beautiful for generations.
Why Craftsmanship Matters
The beauty of any gemstone depends not only on the stone itself but also on how it's crafted into fine jewelry.
At Jewelry Direct, craftsmanship isn't outsourced — it's the foundation of everything we create. Every piece is manufactured under one roof, allowing complete quality control from casting and stone setting to polishing and final inspection. Materials are ethically sourced, gemstones are selected by our experienced in-house gem team, and every finished design undergoes a comprehensive quality review before shipping.
This workshop-first approach allows us to offer heirloom-quality jewelry at factory-direct pricing without compromising on craftsmanship or transparency. Every purchase is also backed by our Lifetime Warranty, reflecting our confidence in the quality of every piece.
How to Style Peridot Jewelry
Peridot is incredibly versatile and complements nearly every wardrobe.
For everyday elegance, choose a delicate peridot pendant or a simple gemstone ring that adds a refreshing pop of color without overwhelming your outfit.
For those who love romantic designs, the Heart Shape Peridot Solitaire Ring in 14K Gold offers a fresh take on the classic solitaire. Its heart-shaped natural peridot makes it a meaningful gift for August birthdays, anniversaries, or anyone who appreciates unique gemstone jewelry.
For formal occasions, pair peridot with diamond accents and yellow gold to create a sophisticated statement.
Peridot also layers beautifully with other birthstones, including:
- Diamond
- Citrine
- Blue Topaz
- Amethyst
Its bright green color makes it especially popular during spring and summer while remaining elegant enough to wear throughout the year.
Choosing the Right Peridot Jewelry
When selecting a peridot, keep these three factors in mind:
Color. Choose a stone with a vibrant, rich green hue and minimal yellow or brown undertones. Color is the most important indicator of quality.
Clarity. Look for eye-clean stones with excellent brilliance. A well-cut peridot will maximize its natural sparkle.
Style. Whether you prefer a bold statement piece or a subtle everyday design, choose a peridot setting that complements your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions About the August Birthstone
What is the birthstone for August? Peridot is the primary and most widely recognized birthstone for August. Spinel and sardonyx are also official August birthstones, giving August-born shoppers additional color and price options.
How do you pronounce peridot? Peridot is pronounced PEHR-ih-doh, with a silent "t."
What does peridot symbolize? Peridot is traditionally associated with prosperity, good fortune, happiness, renewal, peace, and protection. It's also given as a gift for the 16th wedding anniversary.
Is peridot a real, natural gemstone? Yes. Peridot is a naturally occurring gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Its green color is entirely natural and does not require treatment or enhancement.
Can you wear peridot every day? Yes, with reasonable care. Peridot rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it holds up well to daily wear in necklaces, earrings, and rings, but it's best removed before sports, swimming, or heavy manual work.
What's the difference between peridot and emerald? Both are green gemstones, but they come from different minerals. Peridot is an olivine gem with a warmer, yellow-green to olive tone and no need for treatment, while emerald is a beryl gem typically deeper green and commonly treated to improve clarity.
Celebrate August with Timeless Beauty
August-born individuals are fortunate to have the brilliant peridot as their birthstone. There's no better way to celebrate your birth month than with handcrafted, made-to-order August birthstone jewelry. This timeless collection offers a variety of elegant styles that showcase the vibrant color and lively energy of peridot.
Whether you're building your own birthstone collection or searching for the perfect gift, consider completing your look with the Retro Peridot Teardrop Earrings in 14K Gold. Featuring graceful teardrop-shaped peridot gemstones and an elegant vintage-inspired design, these earrings effortlessly transition from everyday wear to special occasions.
At Jewelry Direct, every piece reflects decades of manufacturing expertise, ethical sourcing, and in-house craftsmanship. From selecting exceptional gemstones to performing detailed quality inspections, our goal remains the same: creating jewelry that's designed to last a lifetime.
Whether you're searching for your first birthstone piece or adding another treasure to your collection, peridot is a timeless reminder that true beauty never goes out of style.