August Birthstone Guide: Peridot Meaning, Symbolism & History

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If you were born in August, or you're choosing a gift for someone who was, peridot is the birthstone for you. Its warm yellow-green glow sets it apart from every other gem and earned it an old, fitting nickname: the "gem of the sun."

Here's a closer look at peridot — what it is, where its color comes from, what it symbolizes, and how to wear it well.

What Is August’s Birthstone?

August's primary birthstone is peridot, the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine. It has been treasured for thousands of years, prized for a warm, vivid green that ranges from bright yellow-green to deeper olive.

Ancient Egyptians referred to it as the "gem of the sun," mining it from the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea as far back as 1500 BCE. Peridot earned its place through sheer visual presence: it was set into royal jewelry and religious treasures, and it remains one of the most recognizable green gemstones today, thanks to a sunlit yellow-green that few other stones share.

What Gives Peridot Its Green Color?

Peridot gets its signature green from iron — and here's what makes it unusual. Most gemstones borrow their color from trace elements that happen to be present. Peridot's green is intrinsic: the iron is part of the olivine itself, so the stone is essentially always green. It's one of the few gems that occurs in only one color.

Depending on how much iron is present, peridot ranges from a bright lime green with warm yellow undertones to a deeper, more olive tone. Even within that narrow range, the brighter, purer greens are the most prized for their rarity.

Peridot also holds its color beautifully across lighting. Whether in daylight or under lamps, a good stone keeps its lively brilliance — a glow that feels vibrant in almost any setting.

Where Peridot Comes From

Peridot has one of the most dramatic origin stories of any gem. It forms deep in the Earth's mantle and is carried to the surface by volcanic activity, which is why it's so often found near old lava flows. Peridot has also been discovered inside meteorites, giving the stone a genuine connection to outer space.

Its history follows the same volcanic thread. The ancient source at Zabargad in the Red Sea supplied prized stones. Today, the finest material comes from the Sapat Valley in Pakistan, alongside significant deposits in Arizona, Myanmar, and China.

Wherever it's mined, peridot's color arrives fully formed from the earth — no heat, no enhancement — which is part of what makes it feel so honest a stone.

 The Meaning & Symbolism of Peridot

Across cultures and centuries, peridot has been associated with renewal, protection, and emotional balance. Its green naturally evokes growth, fresh starts, and the energy of the natural world.

Ancient civilizations believed it could ward off negativity, ease fear and anxiety, and draw prosperity to its wearer. Over time, it also became linked with harmony and vitality — a stone of emotional clarity and personal growth.

Those meanings still resonate now. Peridot is often chosen to mark new beginnings, positive change, and the quiet optimism of moving forward.

Why Peridot Jewelry Remains Popular Today

Green gemstone jewelry has remained popular over the past few years, and peridot sits naturally within that shift. As fashion and interior design continue leaning toward earthy, nature-inspired tones like sage, moss, and olive, peridot's warm yellow-green color feels increasingly relevant.

Peridot feels lighter and more effortless; that’s why it complements both yellow and white metals (gold/silver), works in vintage and contemporary designs

This August birthstone also pairs beautifully with everyday outfits as well as special occasions, which makes it especially appealing to modern jewelry wearers. 

Minimalist jewelry trends have also helped bring attention back to gemstones like peridot. In delicate rings, subtle pendants, or layered necklaces, it adds a soft glow and sense of character without feeling overwhelming.

At the same time, more people are becoming drawn to gemstones with real history and individuality rather than stones chosen purely by convention. Peridot offers both: an ancient legacy, a unique color, and a level of accessibility that still feels special and refined.

 How Peridot Jewelry Is Styled Today

The easiest way to wear peridot is with gold. Its warm yellow-green sits beautifully against gold vermeil, a pairing that feels balanced and soft.

For every day, keep it simple. A single peridot necklace on a fine chain is often enough — worn alone for an understated look, or layered with other delicate pieces. The Mini Hoop Earrings, light open hoops made to live in, add just enough character to lift a plain outfit without feeling like a statement.

The key to styling peridot is simplicity. Its color already has strong visual character, so clean settings and balanced proportions usually allow the stone to stand out best.

Can Peridot Jewelry Be Worn Every Day?

Yes, with a little care. Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale — durable enough for regular wear, though it's softer than stones like ruby or sapphire and appreciates gentler handling.

A few simple habits will keep your peridot jewelry looking its best:

  • Cleaning: Warm water, a little mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush are all you need. Gently work around the setting and rinse thoroughly.
  • Skip ultrasonic cleaners: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, which can stress the stone.
  • Storage: Store peridot pieces separately from harder gemstones by keeping them in a jewelry box/pouch to avoid surface contact and protect them from prolonged direct sunlight.
  • Chemicals: Remove peridot jewelry before using household cleaners, chlorine, or harsh chemicals, which can dull the metal setting over time.

What Makes Peridot Jewelry a Meaningful Gift?

Peridot makes a quietly personal gift. Its symbolism — renewal, positivity, protection, fresh beginnings — connects naturally to life's meaningful moments.

In crystal healing traditions, this August birthstone is linked to the heart chakra and associated with emotional well-being: reducing stress, dispelling negativity, and promoting inner peace. Gifting it carries a quiet wish for the wearer's happiness. 

That makes it a natural fit for a few occasions in particular:

  • Birthdays — as the official birthstone, it captures the warmth and light of late summer
  • 16th wedding anniversaries — the traditional gemstone for the occasion, symbolizing joy and lasting love
  • Graduations, new jobs, and major life changes — its meaning of growth and renewal makes it an encouraging gift for any new chapter
  • Self-gifting — wearable year-round, and meaningful enough to buy for yourself without needing a reason

Is Spinel Also an August Birthstone?

Yes. Alongside peridot, spinel was officially added as an August birthstone in 2016 by the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association.

Spinel is loved for its brilliance, durability, and remarkable range of colors — red, pink, purple, blue, and grey. While peridot remains the more recognized August stone, spinel is a compelling choice for anyone drawn to deeper, richer color.

You'll find black spinel at the heart of our Carved Poppy collection, which incorporates the stone with red agate to mimic the poppy's two-tone appearance — a quiet nod to August wearing both its birthstone and its birth flower at once.

August's Birth Flower: The Poppy

August isn't marked by a stone alone. Its birth flower is the poppy — a symbol of strength, remembrance, and peace, long loved as an emblem of resilience.

Our Carved Poppy Necklace, Charm, and Stud Earrings bring that bloom to life in hand-carved red agate. Pair a poppy charm with a peridot pendant, or give the two together for a birthday gift that speaks to both the month and the person. Explore the full birth flower collection, with a flower for every month of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is August’s birthstone?

Peridot is the primary birthstone for August, known for its vivid yellow-green color and uplifting symbolism of renewal and light.

What is the birthstone theme for August?

August's theme centers on renewal, vitality, and harmony, inspired by peridot's luminous green. The stone has long been associated with protection, strength, and prosperity, which makes peridot jewelry a popular choice for marking new beginnings and meaningful milestones.

How did peridot get its green color?

Peridot's green comes from iron that is part of the stone's natural composition — not from an added trace element or any treatment. That's why peridot is one of the few gems found in only one color.

Can peridot jewelry be worn every day?

Yes. Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it wears well day to day with a proper care and gentle handling.

I wasn’t born in August — can I still wear peridot jewelry?

Absolutely. Many people wear peridot simply because they love its fresh green color, its nature-inspired feel, or its symbolism of renewal.

Is spinel also an August birthstone?

Yes. Spinel was officially added as a second August birthstone in 2016, alongside peridot. Known for its brilliance and wide color range — red, pink, purple, blue, and grey — it's a modern alternative for anyone who prefers richer color. You'll find black spinel at the centre of our Carved Poppy pieces.

What is a good gift for someone born in August?

Peridot jewelry is a meaningful choice — necklaces, charms, and earrings that carry its symbolism of renewal and positivity. It's especially loved for birthdays, 16th anniversaries, graduations, and celebrations for new milestones.

What is August’s birth flower?

August's birth flower is the poppy, symbolizing strength, remembrance, and peace. Many people pair peridot birthstone jewelry with a poppy piece for a more personal, layered birthday gift.

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