August Birthstone 2021 – Peridot

LAST UPDATE ON: May 25th, 2023

August is a few days away and what better way to kickstart the new month than with an educational blog post on, one of three August’s birthstones, peridot. The other two August birthstones are spinel and sardonyx. Peridot stands out to us because of its unique yellow-green glow. Want to learn more about peridot? Read further.

About Peridot

Rough peridot. (Image Source: Star Gems). As mentioned in our introduction, peridot is a bright yellow-green color. Peridot is one of few gems that occur in only one color, green! Shades range from lime to olive. The percentage of iron contained in the crystal structure determines the intensity and tint of the green.

Peridot is listed as a 7 on the Mohs scale. Peridot is, therefore fairly hard. You can wear peridot in all sorts of jewelry including rings, pendants, brooches, etc. for everyday use.

Peridot is found throughout the world, including the United States, particularly New Mexico and Arizona. Peridot is also mined in Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and China.

Peridot History

Peridot was mined in Egypt from as early as 1500 BC. Emeralds were mined in Egypt as well which often led to the confusion between peridot and emerald.

Cleopatra, the actress, wearing peridot gemstones in her head jewels. — Elizabeth Taylor as Queen Cleopatra wearing a peridot jewel headpiece. (**Image Source:** Astley Clarke).

Peridot was loved by many, including Egyptian queen, Cleopatra.

Fun Facts About Peridot

Rough and polished peridot. (Image Source: GIA)

Peridot has been the official August Birthstone since 1912.
People in medieval times continued to confuse peridot with emerald. Such as, for centuries, people believed that the 200-carat gems adorning the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were emeralds. They are, in fact, peridots.
Peridot is known as Hawaiian Diamonds. the reason for this nickname is because peridots share something in common with the diamond. Peridot, like diamonds, is also formed with great heat deep beneath the Earth’s surface and they rise to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity.
Besides being called Hawaiian Diamonds. Peridot was also given the name Evening Emerald. As mentioned, peridot was often mistaken for emerald, and since it glows with luminous intensity under artificial light.
Peridot has been found on meteorites. Comet dust that was brought back to Earth in 2006 from the Stardust space probe contained peridot.
Peridot is the traditional 16th wedding anniversary

Browse Peridot Jewelry


Peridot Ring with Peridot and Diamond Halo in 14k Yellow Gold at Blue Nile.	Peridot Pendant with Peridot and Diamond Halo in 14k Yellow Gold at Blue Nile.	Peridot Earrings with Peridot and Diamond Halo in 14k Yellow Gold at Blue Nile.

Peridot Myth: Peridot, when set in gold and worn as jewelry, is considered as the tears of Pele, the Goddess of Fires and Volcanoes.

Peridot Forum Discussions

Natural Peridot?

Peridot Jewelry

Antique 14K Gold Peridot Earrings

Did I do well with this Peridot Purchase?

Unlike July, which only has one birthstone. August babies have three birthstones to choose from: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Are you an August baby? If so, which birthstone are you most drawn to? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to the PriceScope Blog, because next week Wednesday (4th August 2021) we’ll be talking about spinel.