The birthstone color for August is peridot, which is a light green shade. Peridot is the only gemstone that comes in just one color, so there is no variation or secondary colors associated with the August birthstone. The vivid light green hue of peridot is striking and beautiful, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
What is peridot?
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. It is composed of the elements iron and magnesium, and often contains trace amounts of nickel as well. Peridot forms deep inside the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. Most peridot used for jewelry purposes is mined in Arkansas, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico, and China.
Peridot ranges from yellowish-green to olive but most gems used for jewelry are a bright lime green. It has an oily or greasy luster compared to other transparent gemstones. Peridot is not as hard as many gems but its durability makes it suitable for jewelry. With proper care, peridot jewelry can last for many years.
Chemical composition
The chemical formula for peridot is (Mg,Fe)2SiO4. This means it contains magnesium, iron, silicon, and oxygen. The iron content gives peridot its green color. The more iron a peridot contains, the greener the hue. Stones with less iron have a yellowish tint. Trace amounts of nickel also affect the intensity of the color.
Crystal structure
Peridot has an orthorhombic crystal structure. This means the crystal system is orthogonal, with three crystallographic axes of different lengths that intersect each other at right angles. The orthorhombic system tends to form three dimensional crystals with flat, rectangular faces.
August birthstone history
Peridot has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. It was popular among ancient Egyptians and was sometimes called the “gem of the sun” because of its brilliance. The Egyptians mined peridot on St. John’s Island around 1500 BC. Some jewelry from this era featuring peridots still exists today.
In ancient times, people believed peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits, aid sleep, and bring the wearer power and influence. Peridot was also said to strengthen the eyes if worn as an amulet. Objects decorated with peridot were brought back from the Crusades. For centuries, European royalty treasured fine peridot gems.
Peridot became the official birthstone for August in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers standardized the list we recognize today. It replaced sardonyx as the August birthstone. Before becoming the August birthstone, peridot was assigned to be the planetary stone for Saturn.
Notable peridots in history
- The shrine in Cologne Cathedral in Germany features a famous 200 carat peridot that legend claims was once the property of Cleopatra.
- The Vatican houses a tabernacle featuring fine peridots from the era of the Crusades.
- Queen Elizabeth II owns an elegant peridot and diamond tiara.
- Napoleon used golden peridots to adorn the crown jewels of France.
August birthstone colors
August’s birthstone peridot comes in various shades of light green. Here are some of the most common peridot color variations:
Lime green
Vivid lime greens are the most sought after peridot shades. They have a bright, almost neon appearance. Lime peridots really stand out in jewelry designs.
Olive green
Olives have more yellow undertones than limes. Peridots on the olive side have hints of yellow mixed in with the green color. Olive peridots have a deeper, richer shade than lime greens.
Grassy green
Grassy greens are muted, natural shades that resemble the color of fresh spring grass. This shade of peridot has an earthy, understated look.
Chartreuse
Chartreuse peridots veer more into yellow-green territory, named after the French liqueur. They are paler and brighter than grassy greens.
Forest green
Forest greens are the darkest peridot shades. They have a deep green color similar to pine trees. Forest green peridots are rare.
Yellowish green
On the other end of the spectrum, some peridots have more yellow than green. Their pale green-yellow color gives them a unique springtime vibe.
What makes peridot green?
Peridot gets its distinctive green color from its chemical composition. Specifically, the iron atoms in the crystal structure absorb red and violet light waves, leaving green light waves to be reflected back to the eye.
The amount of iron present determines how saturated the green color is. Stones with higher iron content appear deeper green while peridots with less iron look yellow-green.
Trace minerals
While iron is responsible for the main green color, trace elements can also impact the shade. Nickel, for example, intensifies the green. Chromium adds olive undertones. Manganese shifts the color toward yellowish-greens.
Natural variations
No two peridots have exactly the same shade. Natural variations in chemical makeup and trace minerals result in a wide range of green shades, even among gems mined from the same location.
Other August birthstones
In addition to peridot, two other gems are considered birthstones for August. These are spinel and sardonyx.
Spinel
Spinel is an underappreciated gem that comes in many colors including reds, pinks, purples, blues, and oranges. Red spinel is sometimes confused with ruby. August’s birthstones feature the green varieties of spinel.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a banded form of the mineral chalcedony. It features alternating layers of sard and onyx which create a striped appearance. Sard has a red-brown color while onyx is black.
August birthstone gifts
Here are some gift ideas that incorporate the August birthstone:
Peridot jewelry
One of the most traditional August birthstone gifts is peridot jewelry. Set in gold or silver metals, peridot makes for beautiful rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that the August-born will enjoy wearing.
Birthstone charm bracelet
For a customized gift, choose a charm bracelet featuring their birthstone. A peridot charm will sparkle alongside other charms representing their interests and personality.
August birth flower bouquet
The August birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy, which pair nicely with peridot’s green hue. Send a bouquet featuring these blooms accented with gems or jewelry featuring the birthstone.
Spa products
Pamper them with lotions, bath bombs, perfumes, or candles in earthy green peridot shades. This relaxing self-care gift helps them treat themselves.
Birthstone wine glasses
For wine lovers, try etched glassware featuring the August birthstone colors. Use them for water, wine, juice, or mocktails so they can enjoy their birthstone daily.
August birthstone facts
Here are some interesting facts about the August birthstone, peridot:
- Peridot is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color: green.
- The largest known peridot gem weighs 311 carats and resides in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.
- Peridot is sometimes called “the evening emerald” because its green hue looks brilliant any time of day.
- The name peridot comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning gem.
- Peridot is associated with prosperity, fame, and good health.
- Hawaii is a leading producer of peridot gems.
- Meteorites that contain peridot crystals are called pallasites.
- Peridots form deep inside the Earth’s mantle at extreme temperatures.
- Olivine sand beaches in Hawaii contain tiny peridots eroded from basalts.
- Peridot is relatively affordable as far as precious gems go.
Where to buy August birthstone jewelry
Here are some reputable places to buy genuine August birthstone jewelry:
Online retailers
- Blue Nile – Large online jewelry retailer with extensive birthstone selection.
- Gemvara – Customizable jewelry including peridot pieces.
- Brilliant Earth – Ethically sourced birthstone and peridot rings, necklaces, etc.
Jewelry stores
- Kay Jewelers – National jewelry chain stores with August birthstone options.
- JCPenney – Department store with birthstone jewelry available.
- Local jewelers – Check independent stores for unique peridot designs.
Etsy shops
- Vast selection of handmade, customizable August birthstone jewelry.
- Artisan peridot rings, pendants, bracelets and more.
- Unique statement pieces with peridot accents.
How to care for peridot jewelry
While peridot is relatively durable for everyday wear, some care is recommended especially for rings, bracelets, and pendants prone to knocks and abrasion. Here are some peridot jewelry care tips:
- Avoid exposing peridot to heat or drastic temperature changes.
- Clean using mild soap and water. Ultrasonic cleaners are also safe for peridot.
- Store peridot separately to prevent scratches from other gems.
- Take off peridot jewelry before doing housework, swimming, exercising, etc.
- Consider insuring valuable peridot pieces.
- Have peridot checked by a jeweler once a year to assess condition.
August birthstone meaning
Here’s an overview of August birthstone meanings:
Peace and harmony
The soothing green hue of peridot evokes feelings of harmony, calmness, and emotional balance. It has a relaxing energy.
Growth and rebirth
The verdant green of new growth and nature’s bounty connect peridot to themes of renewal and new beginnings.
Protection and safety
Historically, peridot was believed to shield the wearer from harmful forces. People carried peridot talismans for spiritual and physical protection.
Prosperity and luck
Peridot’s connection to nature’s abundance gives it connotations of prosperity, success, and good fortune.
August birthstone uses
In addition to being used in jewelry and ornamentation, peridot has some other notable uses:
Lasers
The mineral olivine, when formed into peridot, has useful optical properties. Olivine crystals have been studied for applications involving lasers, fiber-optic cables, and other optics technology.
Gemstone Therapy
In gemstone therapy, peridot is associated with the heart chakra. Placing peridot over this energy center is believed to help cleanse and balance the chakra and promote inner healing.
Meteorite identification
The presence of peridot crystals in a meteorite rock sample helps scientists identify if it originated from a rare type of asteroid called a pallasite.
Hawaiian culture
On the islands of Hawaii, peridot symbolizes Pele’s tears, referring to the goddess of volcanoes. According to legend, she caused precious peridot stones to form out of her sorrowful tears.
August birthstone superstitions
There are some interesting traditional beliefs and superstitions associated with the August birthstone:
- If the peridot gem was set in gold, it would promote sleep and ward off nightmares.
- The peridot birthstone could defeat the thirst for wealth and bring about fame instead.
- Peridot could dissolve enchantments and spells when held against the skin.
- Ground into a powder, peridot was used in folk medicine to treat asthma.
- Peridot was considered able to strengthen the eyes and vision if used as a ritual amulet.
While these associations are based on traditional folklore, the vivid light green beauty of peridot remains an appealing August birthstone.
August birthstone poem
This is a simple poem in honor of the August birthstone:
Verdant Peridot
Lively lime green
Crisp as new clover
Renewing, serene
August’s bright stone
Uplifting, sunshine
Nature’s glad tiding
In this gem’s pure shine
Good luck residing
Through summer’s last blaze
Keep peridot near
To your heart, always
This stone so dear
Conclusion
With its vivid light green shades, peridot is a fitting birthstone for the month of August. Its renewing energy captures the spirit of summer’s final days. Peridot’s rich history and unique mineral composition add to its appeal. From Egyptian royalty to the modern birthstone charts, peridot continues to shine as the bright green August gem.
