August has two birthstones, but peridot is the star of the show with its unmistakable yellow-green glow. At Lilliane’s Jewelry, clients in our Leawood showroom are often struck by how peridot seems to hold onto sunlight, glowing even in low light.
A Gem Born of Fire
Unlike most gemstones that form deep within the earth’s crust, peridot actually crystallizes in magma from the earth’s upper mantle, and is even found in some meteorites that have fallen to earth. It is one of the few gemstones that comes in essentially just one color: a distinctive yellowish-green caused by iron within its crystal structure.
The Gem of the Pharaohs
Peridot has been mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad for more than 3,500 years, and historians believe some of Cleopatra’s famed emeralds were actually peridot. Ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun, believing it protected its wearer from nighttime fears and evil spirits.
Volcanic Origins
Some of today’s finest peridot comes from Arizona’s San Carlos Apache Reservation, as well as Myanmar and Pakistan. Because peridot forms in volcanic rock, larger, high-quality stones over 10 carats are quite rare, which is why peridot jewelry typically features more moderately sized stones.
Durability and Care
Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for most jewelry, though it should be treated with a bit more care than diamond or sapphire. Sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals like chlorine can damage the stone, so it is best to remove peridot jewelry before swimming or cleaning.
Lilliane’s Tip: Peridot’s warm, yellow-green tone looks especially beautiful in yellow gold, which enhances its sunny glow. It also pairs surprisingly well with purple gemstones like amethyst for a striking color contrast.
Quick Facts About Peridot
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7
- Color Range: Yellow-green to olive green
- Symbolism: Strength, protection, and good fortune
- Zodiac Connection: Leo and Virgo
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does peridot only come in one color?
Peridot’s green color comes from iron within its own crystal structure, rather than trace impurities like most other gemstones. This is why it does not occur naturally in other colors.
Q: Can peridot be worn in an everyday ring?
Yes, though because it is softer than diamond or sapphire, we recommend removing peridot rings before activities that could expose them to hard knocks or harsh chemicals.
Visit Us in Leawood
If you were born in August or simply love peridot’s sunny glow, we invite you to visit our Leawood showroom to see this vibrant gem in person.
