A bright green, olive or yellow-green, that seems to hold a ray of sunshine: peridot is one of the few gems that comes in only one color. It's the August birthstone, born in volcanoes and sometimes even fallen from the sky, and it brings a fresh touch to peridot jewelry. Here's a look at its geology, the origin of its name, its history and meaning, and how to wear it and care for it.
What is peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality form of olivine, a magnesium iron silicate that's very common deep inside the Earth. Iron gives it its color, and that color is always green: from olive to yellow-green, and sometimes as deep as bottle green in the richest stones. Unlike most gems, peridot doesn't come in any other shade.
It rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, so it's comfortable to wear as long as you're a little careful with knocks. It forms in deep volcanic rock and rises to the surface with lava, which explains where it's found: Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, mined since antiquity, the San Carlos reservation in Arizona, Pakistan, Burma, China and Vietnam. And here's something no other gemstone can claim: peridot also turns up in some meteorites, called pallasites, where its green crystals are set in metal. It's a gem from outer space.
Where does the name peridot come from?
Nobody knows for sure. The word is traced back to the medieval French peritot, which may come from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem, or from the Greek peridona, meaning giving plenty. One thing is certain: the name is old, and the stone is even older.
Peridot history and legends
The ancient Egyptians were already mining peridot on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, and they kept its location a closely guarded secret. Legend has it the miners worked at night: invisible in the sand by day, the stone showed itself in the glow of their lamps. That link with nighttime light earned it the nickname "evening emerald." Unlike many gems, its green keeps all its sparkle under artificial light.
For centuries, people mistook peridot for emerald. Several "emeralds" in European church treasuries, including those on the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne, turned out to be peridots. Brought back by the Crusaders, taken for emerald by some and for chrysolite by others, the stone took a long time to go by its own name.
Peridot meaning and symbolism
Green like new shoots, peridot is the stone of renewal, lightness and fresh momentum. Its light doesn't fade when evening comes, which also makes it a symbol of constancy and clarity. In the chakra system, it's linked to the heart chakra, the center of openness and harmony, and to the solar plexus chakra for its touch of yellow.
It's the birthstone for August, and it's often named as a stone for Leo and Virgo. Find it in our jewelry for Virgo selection.
Peridot properties in crystal lore
Peridot is the stone of fresh starts. Choose it when you're turning the page, so you can face what's next with a light heart and confidence. It's said to help you let go of what weighs you down, grudges and regrets included, and to support an open, positive mindset.
Its green makes it a heart stone, and it's also linked to simple joy and self-confidence. All of this is symbolic. Peridot doesn't promise anything; it's a reminder you carry with you. Find it in our self-confidence and balance and harmony pieces.
Peridot is known as the stone of renewal and lightness, like a green light that doesn't fade at nightfall.
How to wear peridot
Peridot looks lovely near the face, where its bright green flatters every skin tone. The amethyst and peridot earrings pair its green with purple, a much-loved combo. For an August birthday, the Birth Month bracelet comes in peridot. At home, the peridot and malachite orgonite brings two greens together around a tree of life.
Since it keeps its glow after dark, peridot also makes a great evening piece that still sparkles under the lights. Browse all our peridot jewelry to find the style that suits you.
Crystals that pair well with peridot
Peridot goes well with heart stones and bright, luminous stones. A few favorite pairings:
- Peridot and amethyst: green and purple, two complementary colors for a serene duo.
- Peridot and aventurine: two greens of renewal, linked to luck and fresh starts.
- Peridot and malachite: light green and deep green, for a subtle tone-on-tone look.
- Peridot and citrine: two sunny stones, known for joy and confidence.
To build your own combinations, see our guide to stone compatibility.
How to clean and care for peridot
Peridot is a bit more delicate than quartz. Keep it away from knocks, sudden temperature changes and household cleaners, which can dull its surface. To clean it, rinse it under clean lukewarm water, rub it gently, then dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
To bring back its shine, crystal lore suggests leaving it in soft morning light or on a selenite plate. Store it separately in its pouch. You'll find all our tips in our guide to cleaning and caring for your stones.
Peridot at a glance
- Family: olivine (magnesium iron silicate)
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 (Mohs scale)
- Crystal system: orthorhombic
- Deposits: Egypt (Zabargad), United States (Arizona), Pakistan, Burma, China, Vietnam
- Color: olive green to yellow-green, always green
- Meaning: renewal, lightness, confidence
- Chakras: heart and solar plexus
- Birthstone: August
Frequently asked questions
What color is peridot?
Always green: from olive to yellow-green, and as deep as bottle green in the finest stones. It's one of the few gems that comes in only one color, because of the iron it contains.
What's the difference between peridot and emerald?
They're two green stones from different families. Emerald is a beryl, with a bluer green, and it's rarer. Peridot is an olivine, with a yellower, brighter green, and it was mistaken for emerald for a long time.
What are the properties of peridot?
Peridot is known for renewal, lightness and confidence. These meanings come from crystal lore, so take them as symbolic support for your day-to-day.
Is peridot the August birthstone?
Yes. On the modern birthstone list, peridot is the stone for August, which makes it an easy birthday gift for anyone born that month.
How do you care for peridot?
Rinse it in lukewarm water, dry it with a soft cloth and store it separately. Avoid knocks, sudden temperature changes and household cleaners.
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