Peridot - August Birthstone
Peridot is immediately recognisable. That vivid lime green — somewhere between fresh grass and olive — doesn't look quite like any other gemstone, and it's one of the very few that only occurs in a single colour. There's no blue peridot, no red peridot. Just that particular green, in varying depths from pale yellow-green to a rich, saturated olive. For anyone born in August, it's a birthstone with a distinctly individual character.
What Is the August Birthstone?
Peridot is the birthstone for August — one of the most distinctive stones in the birthstone calendar. Its vivid lime green is immediately recognisable and unlike any other gemstone colour. It's been associated with August since ancient times, connected to both Leo (which runs through most of August) and Virgo (which begins in late August). Both signs are associated with warmth, vitality, and clarity — qualities that have long been attributed to peridot.
For anyone born in August, peridot is a genuine talking point of a birthstone. Its colour is unusual enough to stand out, warm without being heavy, and it works year-round without feeling seasonally limited.
Browse our August birthstone jewellery — all handmade in our Chester studio in sterling silver and gold vermeil.
What Does Peridot Mean?
Peridot has been valued for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and mined it on a volcanic island in the Red Sea — some historians believe that Cleopatra's famous collection of emeralds may actually have been peridot. It's been found in medieval European church treasures, used in ceremonial objects, and historically associated with protection, good fortune, and clarity of mind.
The modern symbolism around peridot centres on positivity and renewal. It's often described as a stone that brings lightness — emotional clarity, a lift in energy, a clearing of old patterns. Whether or not you engage with crystal meanings, it's a stone that carries an undeniably uplifting quality simply in its colour.
Peridot Healing Properties
Peridot appears consistently in crystal healing traditions as a stone of positive energy and renewal. It's associated with the heart chakra and the solar plexus — in practice, it's often recommended for people going through transitions, releasing old habits, or looking to bring more optimism into their day-to-day. Its colour alone has a genuinely uplifting effect.
Its traditional associations include:
- Positivity and lightness — thought to lift mood and dispel negative thought patterns
- Renewal — associated with new beginnings, fresh starts, and releasing what no longer serves
- Clarity — historically used as a protective stone against confusion and anxiety
- Abundance — its warm green connects it to growth and prosperity in many traditions
For more on stones commonly worn for their energy properties, read our guide to healing crystals to wear around your neck.
Peridot — The Stone Itself
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, and unlike most gemstones, it forms deep within the earth's mantle rather than the crust. It reaches the surface via volcanic activity — which is part of why it was found on volcanic islands and, interestingly, has also been found in meteorites. It's one of only two gemstones (the other being diamond) known to form in this way.
On the Mohs hardness scale, peridot sits at 6.5–7 — slightly softer than amethyst or quartz, which means it's best worn in protective settings and kept away from harder stones in storage. For necklaces and earrings, this is rarely an issue. For bracelets or rings worn daily, a bezel or protective setting is worth considering.
The depth of colour varies by origin. The finest peridots — with the most intense green — come from Pakistan's Kashmir region. Arizona produces beautiful specimens too, as does China. Colour depth is the main quality indicator: a rich, saturated green is more valued than a pale or yellowish stone.
How to Wear Peridot Jewellery
Peridot's lime green sits naturally alongside gold — the warm tones complement each other without competing. Silver works too, giving the stone a cooler, more contemporary feel. The colour is strong enough that peridot pieces tend to work best in relatively simple settings — the stone is the focal point, and elaborate metalwork can distract from it.
As a necklace, peridot sits beautifully at collarbone length and works with most skin tones — its yellow-green undertones are particularly flattering on warm and olive complexions. As a bracelet stone, it adds a vivid note that catches the light in a way subtler stones don't.
Our most popular peridot pieces:
- Raw Peridot Necklace — a natural, uncut stone in sterling silver
- Peridot Necklace — August Birthstone — our signature birthstone pendant
- August Birthstone Peridot Bracelet — a delicate everyday piece
- Raw Peridot Ring — a bold, nature-inspired setting
- Peridot Stud Earrings — simple, wearable everyday studs
- Skinny Peridot Bracelet — perfect for stacking
Peridot as a Gift
Peridot makes a strong gift for anyone born in August, but it's also worth considering for:
- Leo or Virgo birthdays — the two signs that run through August both have a traditional connection to peridot
- Someone who wears green — the colour is specific enough that it suits people already drawn to it, particularly those with a warmer personal style
- A 16th wedding anniversary gift — peridot is the traditional stone for this milestone
- Someone going through a new chapter — the associations with renewal and positive energy make it a thoughtful choice for beginnings
All orders arrive in our signature Abiza gift box, ready to give as they are. Browse the full peridot jewellery collection for the complete range.
FAQs About the August Birthstone
What is the birthstone for August?
Peridot. It's August's primary birthstone on both the traditional and modern birthstone lists — one of the few months with a single stone rather than two or three alternatives.
What colour is the August birthstone?
Lime green to olive green. Peridot is unique among gemstones in occurring naturally in only one colour — always green, though the shade ranges from pale yellow-green to a deep, rich olive depending on the stone's origin and quality.
What does the August birthstone mean?
Peridot is traditionally associated with positivity, renewal, clarity, and protection. Historically called the "gem of the sun," it was used as a protective stone in ancient Egypt and has long been connected to good fortune and emotional lightness.
What is peridot good for?
In crystal healing, peridot is associated with the heart and solar plexus chakras. It's traditionally worn to lift mood, bring positivity, support new beginnings, and clear old emotional patterns. Its vivid green colour is considered inherently uplifting in many traditions.
Is peridot the only August birthstone?
Peridot is the primary and most widely recognised August birthstone. Some modern lists also include sardonyx and spinel as alternatives, but peridot is the one that's been associated with August longest and is most commonly used in August birthstone jewellery.
Is peridot expensive?
Peridot is one of the more accessible birthstones — considerably less expensive than rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. High-quality Pakistani peridot with deep, saturated colour is the most valued variety, but beautiful peridot jewellery is available at accessible price points. Browse our August birthstone collection for current prices.
Can peridot go in water?
Avoid prolonged water exposure. Peridot rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — moderately hard but susceptible to damage from repeated exposure to water, sweat, or cleaning chemicals. Remove peridot jewellery before swimming or showering.
Browse our full peridot jewellery collection and August birthstone range — or explore all twelve months in our complete birthstones guide.
Leave a comment