Peridot: August's Green Birthstone

As summer draws to a close, we're exploring the world of August's birthstone. Peridot is believed to impart harmony in relationships and provide protection from evil spirits. Let's take a closer look at this cheerful green gemstone.

Peridot History and Lore

Peridot was first discovered on St. John's Island in the Red Sea, circa 340 to 279 B.C.

In ancient times, peridot was called the "gem of the sun." It was believed to have the power to drive out evil thoughts.

Peridot is the 16th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Mahana Beach on Hawaii's Papakolea coast is known for its green sand. The sand contains the mineral olivine, giving it a verdant hue.

Peridot was widely used in jewelry crafted during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Peridot Characteristics

Peridot is gem quality of the mineral olivine. It is often found in basalt, which is hardened lava from a volcano. Occasionally, peridots have been found in meteorites. The presence of iron in the peridot's crystal structure correlates with the strength of its green hue - the more iron content, the greener the hue. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, meaning it should be worn with care.

Peridot Information

Hardness	6.5 -7
Color	Yellow-Green
Treatment	None
Top Countries of Origin	China, Myanmar

Peridot Care

Gentleness is key when it comes to cleaning peridot jewelry! Since peridots are a softer gem, peridot jewelry should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner. It's best to clean peridot jewelry with a soft brush and warm soapy water.

Find the perfect peridot piece here.