August’s Birthstone: The Lively Peridot

As late summer’s light turns golden, no gem captures August’s fresh, sun-kissed spirit quite like peridot. Known since antiquity for its lush green glow, peridot has adorned pharaohs, travelers, and modern romantics alike—earning the Egyptian epithet “gem of the sun.”

The Lively Peridot

Peridot is the vivid green gem variety of olivine, a mineral born deep in Earth’s upper mantle. Its color comes from iron in its crystal structure—yielding hues from bright chartreuse to rich olive. With a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, it’s suitable for regular wear with a bit of care. Peridot has even been found in meteorites and in dust returned by NASA’s Stardust probe—proof that its green fire is truly out of this world. 

KEY FEATURES OF PERIDOT

• Mineral family: Olivine (magnesium–iron silicate). 

• Color range: Yellow-green through olive green; color caused by iron. 

• Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs). 

• Clarity hallmarks: May show distinctive “lily pad” inclusions—disc-like features prized by gem lovers for their unique look. 

• Symbolism: Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” long associated with warmth, renewal, protection, and prosperity. 

Where it comes from: Today’s notable sources include Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Reservation (a globally important producer), as well as Pakistan (Kohistan), Myanmar, China, and the historic Zabargad (St. John’s) Island in Egypt. 

Styling Your August Peridot

• Sunlit Solitaire: A single bright green peridot in yellow gold channels August’s warm light with effortless elegance.

• Halo Glow: Surround peridot with white diamonds or white sapphires to amplify contrast and brightness.

• Gem-Green Duo: Pair with emerald or tsavorite accents for a verdant, garden-inspired palette.

• Modern Mixed Metals: Peridot’s green plays beautifully against both white and rose gold for contemporary looks.

Caring for Your Peridot

• Best cleaning: Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners—peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature changes and can fracture under heat. 

• Everyday precautions: Remove rings for heavy work, sports, or chemicals (bleach, chlorine). Store pieces separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratches. 

• Checkups: Have prongs and settings inspected periodically, especially for rings worn daily.

Beyond Peridot: August’s Other Birthstones

Modern lists also recognize spinel and sardonyx for August. Spinel—famous for vibrant reds, pinks, purples, and blues—was added in 2016 by Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association, joining peridot and the historic sardonyx to give August celebrants a spectrum of options.

Embracing August’s Glow

Let peridot’s lively green be your everyday talisman of renewal:

• Refresh & Restore: Wear it as a reminder to savor late-summer’s clear mornings and long golden hours.

• Confidence, Naturally: Its bright hue pairs easily with your wardrobe—effortless color therapy in gem form.

• Celebrate Your Story: Whether set in a sleek pendant, stackable ring, or delicate studs, peridot brings a joyful pop that feels distinctly August.