Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine and ranges from light yellowish-green to bottle-green in color. Here is a closer look at the peridot birthstone and what makes it special.
What is peridot?
Peridot is the gemstone variety of the mineral olivine. It is an iron-magnesium silicate mineral that crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Peridot occurs in igneous rocks such as basalts and is formed deep inside the Earth’s mantle. It is brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity where it can be mined. Significant deposits are found in the United States, China, Brazil, Norway, Australia, and Burma.
Peridots can range from yellowish-green to brownish-green to pure green. The most valued color is a deep olive-green. The intensity of the green depends on how much iron is present in the crystal structure. Peridot’s rich green color comes from the composition of the mineral itself and does not require any treatments to enhance its appearance.
Why is peridot the birthstone for August?
Peridot has been assigned as the modern birthstone for the month of August by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It was adopted as August’s birthstone due to the fact that the color green matches well with the lush late summer landscape. Peridot’s refreshing spring green tones evoke thoughts of nature renewing itself and the promise of new life as summer transitions into fall.
The peridot birthstone has a long history. It has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” because of its radiant green glow. They believed it harnessed the power of nature. Peridot necklaces, bracelets, and amulets have been discovered that date back as far as 1500 B.C. Peridot was also popular with ancient Romans. Large peridot gemstones have been found on Roman islands in the Red Sea dating back to the 4th century B.C.
What are the key traits of the peridot birthstone?
Some key traits and meanings associated with peridot include:
- Vibrant light green color
- Affordable compared to other gemstones
- Durable and resistant to scratches
- Associated with nature, renewal, and new growth
- Believed to possess healing properties and promote wellness
- Represents prosperity and good fortune
- Enhances confidence and reduces fear
- Promotes friendship and love
The vivid green color has long made it a popular gemstone. Peridot’s affordability compared to emeralds allows it to be set in a wide array of jewelry styles. Its resistance to scratches make peridot an ideal choice for rings and bracelets that take daily wear and tear. Throughout history, peridot has been valued for its protective powers and believed to ward off nightmares, evil, and storms.
What are some key facts about peridot?
Here are some key facts about the peridot birthstone that make it interesting:
- Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color – green.
- The most valued peridots have an iron content of less than 15%.
- Peridot crystals can grow to massive sizes – some more than 300 carats.
- Large peridots over 5 carats are rare.
- Peridot is named after the French word “peritot” meaning gold.
- It’s sometimes called “the evening emerald” for its light green glow.
- Hawaii was a significant source for high-quality peridots until recently.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only source for peridots in the U.S.
- The largest cut peridot weighs 310 carats and is part of the Smithsonian’s collection.
- August’s full moon is traditionally known as the Full Sturgeon Moon.
What is the story behind peridot?
According to legend, ancient people discovered peridot crystals on Hawaii’s black sands after volcanic eruptions. Pele’s tears and Pele’s green sand are Hawaiian names referring to peridot. Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire who likely caused the eruptions bringing the gems to the surface. Another mythology suggests that Hawaiian basalt flows carried peridot crystals that were dislodged from underground silica-poor lavas.
Some historians believe Cleopatra’s famed collection of emerald jewelry actually contained peridot gems from ancient Egypt instead. This is based on evidence that emerald deposits were not yet discovered in Cleopatra’s time. Peridot was mined on St. John’s Island around 1500 BC. So the legendary gems adorning Cleopatra’s royal wardrobe were likely the more accessible peridot stones mined in Egypt.
For centuries, people confused emeralds and peridots since they share a similar green color. But scientific gemology techniques eventually allowed gem experts to identify them as separate gemstones. Due to this long history of confusion with more valuable emeralds, peridot has been called the “evening emerald” when describing its green glow by lamplight.
Where is peridot found and mined?
Here are some of the leading sources worldwide for peridot mining and production:
| Location | Details |
| United States | Arkansas; Arizona; Hawaii |
| China | Largest producer; Hunan and Jiangsu provinces |
| Pakistan | Northern Pakistan; Kashmir region |
| Kenya | Significant small scale mining |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Mogok area historical source |
| Vietnam | Small production, limited gem quality |
| Norway | Discovered in 2005; small production |
| Brazil | Minas Gerais mines emeralds, aquamarines, tourmalines |
Today, China is the world’s leading producer of peridot supplying about 80-95% of the global production. The most significant deposits are located in the Hunan and Jiangsu provinces. Other key sources include the U.S., Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Norway, and Brazil.
How much does peridot cost?
High quality peridot gems over 5 carats are considered rare. The per-carat price increases significantly for larger stones. Due to its abundance, peridot is relatively inexpensive compared to other gems:
- Small peridot stones under 1 carat cost $10 to $80 per carat
- 1 to 5 carat stones run $80 to $150 per carat
- Large peridots 5 to 10 carats cost $150 to $400 per carat
- Premium peridot over 10 carats sells for $400 to $1,500 per carat
Well-cut peridot gems with a deep green color and high clarity will be at the higher end of the price ranges. Commercial quality stones used in less expensive jewelry sell for $10-50 per carat. Location of origin also affects value with fine Burmese peridots commanding premium prices. Overall, peridot remains very affordable and a great value compared to pricey emerald.
Conclusion
August’s vivid green peridot birthstone has a long history of use in jewelry and folklore. Its light green color is associated with renewal and growth as summer transitions into autumn. Fine peridots are rare in larger sizes but remain affordable for all sizes of budgets. This ancient yet stylish gem continues to be a fitting birthstone representing people born in August.
