August: Peridot

August Birthstone: Peridot

Birthstone Color: Vibrant Green

Peridot Myths & Historical Facts

Peridot is the birthstone for August. Some say that fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the stone; this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity.  Many years ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess.

The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Ancient Egyptians called them the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun.  It was believed that the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness fell, this is the reason that the Peridot is sometimes called  "evening emerald." 

The force of nature is alive within a Peridot, making a gift of this gemstone symbolic of vitality.  It signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead.

Peridot Facts:

Peridot’s color ranges from light yellow to green to darker shades of olive.

Peridot was once thought to contain rays of sunshine, an observation likely borne from its golden to deep green glow when in sunlight. The Egyptians first found peridot at Zabargad, a Red Sea island; the first written reference of it was in 300 B.C. Peridot was thought to protect its wearers from evil spirits.

Peridot has a hardness of 6.5-7.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.