August Birthstone: The Peridot Gemstone

The August Birthstone is the peridot. Peridots come in only one color – olive green, with slight yellow and brown undertones. Pure green peridots are exceptionally rare.

In this article, Afshin Shaddaie will teach you everything you need to know about peridot birthstone. He will also give you tips on shopping for the August Birthstone and cleaning them. 

What is the Birthstone for August?

August’s birthstone is the peridot, and unlike other months, which have multiple birthstones, August only has one birthstone.

Important Note: Some have recently tried to add spinel and sardonyx as August’s birthstones. This is incorrect information. There is only one birthstone for August.

Meaning, Myths, and History of the August Birthstone 

The word peridot derives from the term “faridat,” which can be translated from Arabic as “gem.” 

The stone dates back to Ancient Egypt when it was believed that peridots symbolized light. Hence, people from that period called peridots “the gems of the sun.” 

The first records of mining peridots refer to an island called Topazios, located in the Red Sea. Today, it’s known as Zabargad Island or St. John’s Island. 

In ancient times, people mistook peridots for emeralds and other green gems. Cleopatra was the first ruler to claim those peridot mines, making some historians believe that her famous gem collection consisted of peridots, not emeralds. Peridots were treasured to the extent that the locations of the mines were kept secret. 

Peridots have been used for jewelry by Ancient Egyptians and many other civilizations. Romans referred to peridots as “evening emeralds.”

Mining Locations of Peridot

As mentioned earlier, the first records of peridot mines date back to Ancient Egypt, where they were mined on the island of Topazios. The island got the name due to the abundant sources of topaz that were found there. According to some sources, it’s believed that Ancient Egyptians started to mine peridots here around 300 B.C. 

Interestingly, this island remained a secret even after the Ancient Egyptian era. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was once again the center of attention as a major peridot mine. Unfortunately, the peridot stones have been mined since then, leaving the mine depleted. 

Today, the biggest mine to produce peridots is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, located in Arizona. What’s more, 80% of peridots have been mined there. Other locations in Arizona have produced peridots, but not as abundantly. Other sources of peridots in the United States include Nevada, Arkansas, Hawaii, and New Mexico. 

Peridot mines can be found all over the world. Apart from the mines in the United States, peridots also exist in Egypt, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Norway, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, Sri Lanka, and many more locations. 

Mining peridots can be challenging, given that they are usually embedded in basalt, a type of volcanic rock. Various mining methods must be employed to extract the peridots from the rock without damaging them. 

Although few, peridots have been found in meteors, earning them the nickname “extraterrestrial gems.”

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Physical Properties of Peridot

What makes peridots so special is that they are one of two kinds of gems that weren’t formed in the Earth’s crust. Rather, they were formed during volcanic activity in the Earth’s upper mantle. Due to the extremely high temperature and pressure that created them, peridots were formed at a greater depth than other gems. 

In other words, peridots were molded in fire. Volcanic activity draws them to the Earth’s surface and makes mining them possible. Miners usually find peridots in solidified molten rock, such as basalt.

Another factor that makes peridots stand out is that they can be found in pallasite meteorites. These types of peridots are very rare. The most notable meteorite that carried peridots is the Esquel meteorite, found 50 years ago in Argentina. 

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August Birthstones in Jewelry 

Peridots have been used for jewelry since ancient times. Since they are generally soft gemstones, peridots can be used in many ways. This gemstone is popular for earrings, rings, pendants, pins, and brooches. 

Peridots are often in various sizes, making them compatible with different settings. What makes peridots even more fascinating is that designers usually make the entire piece around the peridot. They are often combined with gold or silver, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Designers often place peridot inside a gold frame to highlight the yellowish tone. Alternatively, if you want to bring out the olive green color, then it’s best to pair it with sterling silver. 

Since peridots are usually found in larger sizes, they are most suitable for pendants and brooches. When it comes to rings, the peridot has to have at least one carat to be faceted. Therefore, the most common peridot cut is a polished cabochon. Other popular peridot cuts include the oval, emerald, round, cushion, princess, baguette, and trillion cuts. 

One of the most popular types of peridots is Arizona peridots. Not only do they have a vivid lime-green color, but they come in various irregular shapes. These characteristics give designers plenty of freedom to style them. 

Unlike other types of gems, peridots are rarely enhanced. Colorless oil can be added to fill the minute cracks in the gem for aesthetic purposes, but they are usually sold in their pure form. 

Peridots can also make stunning necklaces and bracelets. No matter how you wear a peridot stone, it will make a wonderful addition to your jewelry collection. 

Price and Value of Peridot 

Due to their availability, peridots are somewhat more affordable than other types of gemstones. Of course, the price of the peridot will always depend on the carat weight and other quality-determining factors. This makes a peridot a great alternative to diamonds and emeralds if you want to purchase an engagement ring. 

If you want to buy a well-cut peridot stone that has one or two carats, then be prepared to spend around $400. As with all gemstones, the larger the stone and the purer the color, the more it will cost.

Famous Examples of Peridot Jewelry 

Peridots have been a favorite gem option for many designers for many years. Although they are not as rare as Burma Rubies or Kashmir Sapphires and as expensive as diamonds, peridots are the ideal alternative for purchasing an elegant yet striking gemstone. 

Many rulers and monarchs adored peridots and kept collections of these green gemstones. They were especially popular during the Edwardian and Victorian eras. Peridots were even Edward VII of England’s favorite gemstone. 

Here are some of the most famous examples of peridot jewelry: 

• Cleopatra’s emeralds – As mentioned before, Cleopatra’s emerald collection is one of the most famous in the world. It was later discovered that most of her gem collection consisted of peridots, not emeralds. 
• The largest peridot ever found – With a stunning number of 310 carats, the biggest peridot in the world can be found in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. What’s interesting about this piece is that it also came from Zabargad Island, where Cleopatra’s jewels were mined. 
• Austrian Grand Duchess Isabella’s collection consists of a tiara, a necklace, and earrings. The tiara alone has five large peridot stones. 
• Russia’s Diamond Fund peridot – At approximately 192.75 carats, this piece used to belong to the Russian Royal Family. Today, it is in the Kremlin Armory. 

Shopping Tips for the August Birthstones 

There are a couple of factors you should take into consideration when you’re shopping for a peridot. Whether you’re looking to buy an engagement ring, a pair of earrings, or a pendant, you shouldn’t rush the process. Instead, think about the following factors: 

1. Authenticate the Peridot Gemstone

The most important question you must ask yourself when buying a peridot is whether it is real. It’s easy to imitate a peridot. These fake gemstones are usually made from colored glass. If you’ve found a peridot but are unsure if it’s real, consult a gem expert. 

Shop with a reputable store to avoid purchasing a fake peridot. Do online research and see that they have a solid reputation.

2. Check for Peridot Enhancements

As mentioned before, quality peridots won’t undergo any color enhancement or heat treatments. Rather, they are usually enhanced with colorless oil or wax, which fills the small inclusions inside the gemstone. Many stores sell enhanced gemstones, so it’s up to you to purchase a natural or slightly enhanced peridot. 

In any case, a quality gemstone will always come with a certificate. This information may also be stated in the appraisal or invoice.

If you’re spending real money on a gemstone-grade peridot, do not purchase until they provide you with a reputable certificate.

3. Inspect Gemstone Integrity

Peridots come in various shapes and sizes. While the gemstone’s cut should depend on your preference, it would be best to search for a well-cut, “brilliant-style” peridot. The way the stone is cut can determine its overall value. Regarding cuts, peridots can usually be found with emerald, oval, and cushion cuts. 

Additionally, you want to check the stone carefully to ensure there aren’t any imperfections that could jeopardize the strength of the gemstone.

4. Search for Secondary Undertones

The color intensity will always impact the stone’s price. All you need to know is that the greener, the better.

Not only does color saturation matter, but the peridot’s clarity also does.

Before buying the peridot, find out if it has visible inclusions. Also, research if there are secondary yellowish or brownish undertones. Remember that pure green peridots with no visible secondary hues are more expensive. 

5. Complementary Features to the Peridot

Finally, you need to think about the stone’s settings. Will you pair it with yellow gold or sterling silver? Is it framed with diamonds or a sapphire halo? Will you choose one with diamond shoulders or prongs? 

If you’re unsure what look is best, consult a gem specialist. Here at Estate Diamond Jewelry, our gem experts would be happy to answer any questions about peridot engagement rings or any other type of jewelry. You can contact us here if you have any queries. 

What Color is the August Birthstone?

The August Birthstone is an olivine color, officially termed a “moderate yellow-green” color. It’s a lot softer than olive-green and olive-drab. The HEX website color for the August Birthstone is #9ab973.

Cleaning the Peridot Jewelry 

Once you go home with a peridot, you should know how to clean it properly. Since peridots are soft gemstones, they require special treatment. They can be especially susceptible to drastic changes in temperature and scratching from household dust. 

When you want to clean your peridot jewelry, you must handle it carefully. Use warm water and mild soap to clean your gemstone. Note that you can also use a gentle dish detergent instead of soap. You should only soak your peridot in warm water for a short time. When it’s time to dry it, gently pat it with a towel. To clean the settings afterward, you can use a soft brush. 

Important: Never expose your peridot stone to ultrasonic or steam cleaning. These cleaning methods will do more harm than good. In addition, avoid any commercial chemical cleaning products. 

Another way to preserve your peridot for as long as possible is to avoid wearing it too often. If you wear it daily, it will lose its glow much faster. 

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If you want to gift someone born in August, look no further than our Peridot jewelry collection.

As the birthstone of August, getting them peridot jewelry would be the perfect gift. It’s a beautiful gemstone that doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a fortune. With its enchanting properties, it’s sure to put a smile on your significant other’s face. 

Learn About Other Birthstones

Each month has a fascinating birthstone (or birthstones) associated with it. Click the links below to learn more about each month.

January Birthstone | February Birthstone | March Birthstone | April Birthstone | May Birthstone | June Birthstone | July Birthstone | August Birthstone | September Birthstone | October Birthstone | November Birthstone | December Birthstone