Peridot: August’s birthstone

Our incredible August birthstone, peridot, is often confused with the emerald. Although this striking coloured gemstone is also a beautiful shade of green, it is often much lighter and tends to be a vibrant olive colour when compared to the deep hue of the emerald. This mystical gemstone has many interesting properties and is considered to be steeped in meaning.

Most are uncertain as to how the peridot gained its name. Some believe it is a french word that derived from the arabic word “faridat”, which simply translates to mean gem.

How peridot is formed

Unlike the emerald, peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine. It is a mineral that occurs in basalt and peridotite rocks and it is the iron within this gemstone that creates the peridot’s signature green hue. Peridot can vary in colour, from zesty lime to richer olive tones, and it is the amount of iron present within this gem that determines its hue.

Typically peridot is formed in a similar way to a diamond as it is made in the earth’s mantle. It is created in magma in the upper mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic or tectonic activity.

Where it can be sourced

Peridot was originally brought to Europe, where it was often used for religious purposes, in the Middle Ages. It travelled from Egypt in the Red Sea, where it had been mined for over 3,500 years previously. Peridot is in fact the national gemstone of Egypt and is thought to be one of the oldest coloured gemstones, as it dates back as far as 1500BC.

In recent years it has been found and mined in places such as China, Egypt, Brazil, Russia and Australia, and it is used to adorn all types of jewellery from necklaces to earrings.

Symbolism and properties

Peridot is considered to be a highly spiritual gem, it used to be believed that it could protect and keep away evil spirits. This protective stone is also thought to be able to prevent illnesses and health problems due to its ability to cleanse and neutralise toxins within the body. It is said to have the ability to regenerate tissues and for many years it has been used to help with liver and gallbladder problems.

Peridot is also thought to alleviate resentment, jealousy and reduce stress, whilst also being believed to enhance confidence and make the wearer feel happier within themselves.

Traditions

If you are celebrating a 16th wedding anniversary you may wish to gift your loved one with a peridot-adorned piece of jewellery. It is tradition after all.

Celebrities born in August

Charlize Theron, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams are among the many celebrities that were born in August and share the unique gem, peridot, as their birthstone. Those born in August are thought to be confident, strong and charismatic, which is probably why this month is such a star-studded one.

Did you know?

• There is such a thing as extraterrestrial peridot. In very rare instances, peridot has been found in meteorites.
• This beautiful gem used to be referred to as “the gem of the sun” by the Egyptians.
• Often peridot is mistaken for other gems such as emerald or topaz. This has happened many times throughout history and it is even believed that the famous emerald collection owned by Cleopatra may have, in fact, been peridots.

If you are searching for a special gift for a loved one on their birthday this August, why not discover our selection of earrings, pendants and bracelets, that are designed to make the moment truly unforgettable.