If you were born in August, peridot is the birthstone most closely associated with your birth month. Known for its fresh yellow-green to olive-green color, peridot has a distinctive look that is difficult to confuse with most other gemstones.
August is also unusual because it has three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is the best-known of the three and is the stone most people mean when they refer to the August birthstone.
Whether you’re choosing an August birthday gift, a meaningful piece of jewelry, or simply curious about the stone, here’s what to know about peridot’s meaning, color, history, durability, and care.
What Is the August Birthstone?
The primary modern August birthstone is peridot, a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine.
Peridot is unusual because its green color comes from iron within its mineral structure rather than from trace impurities. Its color ranges from yellowish green to olive green, with the most desirable examples showing a strong, saturated green appearance without obvious brown or yellow overtones.
Peridot also has an unusual origin story. It can form deep within Earth’s mantle and reach the surface through volcanic activity. Gem-quality peridot has also been found in some meteorites, making it one of the gemstones with an especially fascinating connection to both Earth and space.
For a broader look at the stones associated with every month, see this birthstones by month guide.
Peridot at a Glance
| Feature | Peridot |
|---|---|
| Birth month | August |
| Color | Yellow-green to olive green |
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 |
| Main symbolism | Protection, prosperity, strength and happiness |
| Common jewelry | Rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets |
| Anniversary | 16th wedding anniversary |
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of approximately 6.5 to 7, which makes it suitable for jewelry but somewhat less resistant to scratching and impact than harder gemstones such as sapphire and diamond.
What Does Peridot Mean?
Peridot has been associated with protection, happiness, prosperity and strength throughout its history.
Ancient cultures placed particular importance on the stone. GIA notes that peridot was used as a protective talisman and was historically believed to guard its wearer against evil spirits and nighttime fears. It was also used in religious jewelry and objects in different periods.
The symbolism surrounding peridot varies between cultures, but several themes appear repeatedly:
- Protection: Historically worn as a protective stone.
- Happiness: Its bright green appearance has long been connected with positive energy and joy.
- Prosperity: Its green color has contributed to associations with abundance and good fortune.
- Strength: Its long history and unusual geological origins give it a distinctive symbolic character.
These meanings are part of the cultural and historical tradition surrounding the gemstone rather than scientifically proven properties.
Peridot is also the traditional gemstone associated with a 16th wedding anniversary, making it an especially meaningful choice for anniversary jewelry.
What Color Is Peridot?
Peridot is naturally found within the green color family, but its exact shade can vary.
Common shades include:
- Yellowish green
- Lime green
- Grass green
- Olive green
- Slightly brownish green
The most desirable color is generally a rich, saturated green without strong brown or yellow undertones.
Unlike many gemstones, peridot does not have a broad range of natural color varieties. Its distinctive green appearance comes from its mineral composition, which is one reason the stone has such a recognizable look.
Peridot vs. Emerald Color
Peridot and emerald can sometimes appear similar, especially when a peridot has a stronger green color. However, emerald generally has a deeper green appearance, while peridot tends to have a noticeable yellow or olive undertone.
If you’re deciding between the two, our guide to emerald vs. peridot can help explain the differences in color and overall appearance.
Peridot History and Origins
Peridot has been valued for thousands of years.
Ancient sources connected the gemstone with the Red Sea island of Zabargad, historically one of its important sources. Peridot has also been found in ancient Egyptian jewelry and religious objects. GIA notes that some gems historically identified as emeralds were actually peridot.
One of the most interesting facts about peridot is that some specimens have an extraterrestrial origin. Peridot-like olivine crystals can occur in certain meteorites, giving the gemstone a connection to material from beyond Earth.
That unusual combination of ancient history, volcanic origins, and meteorite discoveries makes peridot more distinctive than its relatively accessible price might suggest.
Is Peridot a Good Stone for Jewelry?
Yes, but the type of jewelry matters.
With a hardness of 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is durable enough for many types of jewelry when treated with reasonable care. However, it is more vulnerable to scratching and impact than harder gemstones.
Peridot works particularly well in:
- Earrings
- Pendants
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Cocktail rings
- Birthstone rings
- Occasional-wear rings
Peridot can also be used in rings intended for regular wear, but a protective setting can help reduce the chance of damage from accidental knocks.
If you’re exploring different gemstone options for jewelry, you can also browse this complete gemstone guide for comparisons with other popular stones.
Best Jewelry for an August Birthstone
Peridot is versatile because its bright green color stands out without needing a particularly large gemstone.
Peridot Rings
A peridot ring is one of the most personal ways to wear an August birthstone. Because the gemstone is softer than diamond or sapphire, protective settings can be a smart choice for rings that will see frequent wear.
A bezel or halo-style setting can provide additional protection around the stone while still allowing its green color to remain the focus.
For someone specifically shopping for an August birthstone gift, August birthstone rings are a natural place to start.
Peridot Earrings
Earrings are particularly practical for peridot because the gemstone is less likely to experience the repeated impacts that a ring can encounter.
Studs, drops and small hoops can all showcase the stone’s green color while keeping it away from many of the everyday knocks associated with rings.
Peridot Necklaces and Pendants
A pendant is another excellent option for someone who wants to wear peridot regularly but prefers a lower-maintenance piece.
Because the stone sits away from most hard surfaces, pendants can be a good choice for displaying larger peridot without exposing it to as much impact.
Peridot Bracelets
Peridot bracelets can create a colorful August birthday gift, although bracelets can experience more contact with hard surfaces than necklaces or earrings. For that reason, they should be worn and stored with some care.
Which Metal Looks Best With Peridot?
Peridot can work with several jewelry metals, and the best choice depends on the look you’re after.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold and peridot create a warm, traditional combination. The yellow tones in the metal can emphasize the warmer side of peridot’s green color.
This pairing works particularly well for vintage-inspired and classic jewelry.
White Gold
White gold creates more contrast against peridot’s green color. It can give the gemstone a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.
Rose Gold
Rose gold creates a softer contrast with peridot. The pinkish metal can make the green stone feel more modern and distinctive.
Silver
Silver is another accessible option for casual peridot jewelry. Its neutral appearance lets the green gemstone remain the main visual focus.
How to Care for Peridot Jewelry
Peridot needs more careful handling than very hard gemstones.
The safest cleaning method is warm, soapy water and a soft brush. GIA specifically recommends this approach and advises against ultrasonic and steam cleaners because peridot can be vulnerable to heat and sudden temperature changes.
Follow these basic care tips:
- Clean gently: Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: They are not recommended for peridot.
- Avoid steam cleaning: Heat can create additional risk.
- Protect it from hard impacts: Peridot can fracture if struck.
- Store it separately: Harder gemstones can scratch it.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Peridot can be affected by certain acids and chemicals.
If you’re choosing a peridot ring for frequent wear, these care considerations are especially important.
Is Peridot Valuable?
Peridot is generally more accessible than many high-end gemstones, but value still depends on several factors.
The most important considerations include:
- Color: Strong, attractive green generally increases desirability.
- Clarity: Eye-clean stones are often preferred.
- Size: Larger, attractive stones can become considerably more valuable.
- Cut: A well-cut stone can show better brightness and color.
- Origin: Some sources are known for producing particularly desirable material.
Price should not be judged by size alone. A smaller peridot with excellent color can be more appealing than a much larger stone with a pale or overly brown appearance.
What Are the Other August Birthstones?
Peridot isn’t the only gemstone associated with August.
The three recognized August birthstones are:
Peridot
The best-known August birthstone, peridot is characterized by its yellow-green to olive-green color.
Spinel
Spinel occurs in several colors, including red, pink, blue and other shades. Red spinel has historically been confused with ruby, making it an interesting alternative for someone who wants an August birthstone with a different appearance.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony characterized by layers or bands, commonly featuring contrasting reddish, orange, brown, black or white tones.
These three stones give August birthdays considerably more choice than months associated with a single birthstone.
If you’re comparing the August stones specifically, this peridot vs. spinel vs. sardonyx comparison provides a useful next step.
Peridot vs. Emerald: Which Should You Choose?
Peridot and emerald are both green gemstones, but they offer very different looks.
Choose peridot if you prefer:
- Bright yellow-green color
- A lighter, more energetic appearance
- An August birthstone connection
- A generally accessible gemstone
- A distinctive alternative to deeper green stones
Choose emerald if you prefer:
- Deeper green tones
- A classic luxury-gemstone appearance
- Stronger association with traditional fine jewelry
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on the color, style and meaning you want from the jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the August birthstone?
Peridot is the best-known modern August birthstone. August also has two other recognized birthstones: spinel and sardonyx.
What color is the August birthstone?
Peridot is green, ranging from yellowish green and lime green to olive green. Its most desirable color is generally a saturated green without strong brown or yellow overtones.
What does peridot symbolize?
Peridot has historically been associated with protection, happiness, prosperity and strength. Different cultures have attached different meanings to the gemstone over time.
Is peridot a durable gemstone?
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7. It is suitable for jewelry but requires more care than harder gemstones such as sapphire or diamond.
Can you wear peridot every day?
You can wear peridot regularly with reasonable care, but rings require particular attention because the gemstone can be scratched or damaged by hard impacts. Earrings and pendants generally face fewer risks.
How should you clean peridot?
The safest approach is warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended.
Is August’s birthstone only peridot?
No. August has three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is simply the stone most commonly associated with the month.
Final Thoughts
Peridot stands out among birthstones because of its naturally vivid green color, unusual geological origins and long history.
For an August birthday, it offers a meaningful combination of color, symbolism and individuality. Its moderate hardness means it deserves some care, but with the right setting and cleaning routine, it can make beautiful rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry.
And if peridot isn’t quite your style, August gives you two additional choices, spinel and sardonyx, making it one of the most versatile birthstone months.
