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August Birthstone: Peridot – Origins & Symbolism

May 08, 2025 3 min read

August Birthstone: Peridot – Origins & Symbolism

What Is the Birthstone for August?

Peridot is the birthstone for August—a stone that doesn’t try to impress with rarity or flash, but wins you over with something quieter: its glow. It’s always green, though never quite the same green twice. Sometimes it's golden, sometimes it leans into olive or lime, but it always carries warmth.

That makes sense for August. The month is full and a little heavy, like the air before rain. This precious thing doesn’t fight that—it fits right in. Ask what is August birthstone, and the answer is clear, but not just by name. This August birthstone actually feels like August. Full of heat and light, but with something calmer underneath.

Historical Background

This August birthstone goes way back. The earliest known source was a tiny island in the Red Sea, what we now call Zabargad. The Egyptians mined it there as early as 1500 BCE. That island had a reputation—it was remote, guarded, and according to legend, its peridots were only visible by night. The Egyptians called it “the gem of the sun.” They believed it held protective power, not just beauty.

There is good reason to think that some of Cleopatra’s famous emeralds were peridot. This August birthstone was that valuable and, in the right light, the confusion would be understandable.

Later, the Romans prized it for its ability to hold colour in low light—calling it an “evening emerald.” During the Middle Ages, August birthstone was set into religious objects, crowns, chalices. People believed it drove away darkness—not just the physical kind.

Eventually, the Zabargad mines faded into history, but new sources brought the August birthstone back into the spotlight: Arizona, Pakistan, China, Myanmar. Different origins, same glow.

Symbolism and Meaning

This beautiful August birthstone has always carried the reputation of being a protective stone—something that keeps negativity at bay, steadies the spirit, and helps clear the mind.

It’s not a heavy symbol. There's nothing forceful about it. More like a gentle reminder. Over time, August birthstone has come to represent openness, growth, and the quiet strength it takes to stay steady when things shift.

As the August gemstone, it reflects the season perfectly. August is a turning point. The light is still strong, but you feel change on the horizon. This birthstone isn’t about transformation—it’s about clarity. Seeing where you are, and stepping forward without rushing.

It’s often given as a gift for new chapters or fresh starts. Not with drama or intensity, just a quiet encouragement to keep going, clear-eyed and steady.

Physical Properties and ColoUr Variations

Peridot is the gem form of olivine, a mineral that forms deep in the Earth’s mantle and comes to the surface through volcanic activity. That alone sets it apart. Most gems grow under pressure in the crust. This summer birthstone comes from deeper.

It ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it's hard enough for jewellery but can scratch if you’re not careful. Unlike sapphires or garnets, this birthstone doesn’t come in a range of colours. It’s always green, but within that are hundreds of variations.

The key features to know:

  • Colour: The classic August birthstone colour is bright yellow-green—vivid, warm, unmistakable. Stones with brown or muddy undertones are less valuable, but still have charm.
  • Clarity: Peridot tends to be fairly clean. The best stones are transparent, without clouds or visible flaws.
  • Cut: Ovals, cushions, and rounds are most common. The cut is usually designed to show off the stone’s light, not its size.
  • Origin: The most well-known sources are Arizona and Pakistan, though peridot is found in other volcanic regions around the world.

There are even peridots that arrived on Earth by meteorite, though those are more scientific curiosities than jewellery-grade material.

Peridot Care and Maintenance

Peridot may look sunny and strong, but it doesn’t like rough treatment. It’s not fragile—but it is sensitive. Heat, acids, sharp impacts—none of them are friends to this stone.

To keep your peridot in good shape:

  • Clean gently. Lukewarm water, mild soap, a soft cloth or brush. That’s all it needs. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Take it off when working with your hands. Gardening, housework, sports—best not to risk knocking it against something hard.
  • Store it separately. Harder gems, such as sapphire or diamond, can scratch the surface.
  • Avoid chemicals. That includes perfumes, hairspray, and household cleaners. All can dull or damage the stone over time.

With simple care, peridot keeps its colour and sparkle without much effort. What you notice when you wear it long enough isn’t just how it looks—it’s how it feels: light, warm, and quietly grounding.


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