Peridot: The Birthstone of August

Every birth month has a stone that seems to fit it perfectly, and for August, that stone is peridot. A vivid, sunny olive green unlike almost any other gem on the calendar, and steeped in more history than its casual reputation suggests. If you were born in August, or you're shopping for someone who was, here's what makes this stone worth knowing. 

The Story Behind the Stone 

Peridot has an origin story unlike almost any other gemstone. Instead of forming slowly in the earth's crust like most stones, peridot crystallizes deep in the upper mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic activity. Some peridot has even been recovered from meteorites, making it one of the very few gems known to arrive from outer space. Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad and called it the gem of the sun, believing it protected the wearer from nightmares and negative energy when set in gold. Sailors carried it as a talisman for safe passage, and the stone has long been tied to strength, protection, and lasting friendship. 

Why Peridot Makes a Meaningful Gift 

Beyond being August's birthstone, peridot is the traditional gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary, which makes it a natural choice for more than just August birthdays. It's a stone with a built-in reason to give it: a milestone, an anniversary, a birthday, or simply because that sunny green color says something other colors don't. 

How to Choose a Peridot 

Peridot is one of the only gemstones that occurs in just one color family, a warm olive to lime green caused by iron within its crystal structure. The most prized stones show a vivid, pure green with minimal brown or yellow undertone. Historically, the finest peridot came from Zabargad Island in Egypt and from Myanmar, though fine material is also sourced from Arizona and Pakistan's Kashmir region today. Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, suitable for everyday wear, though it's best kept away from ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, and harsh chemicals that can cause thermal shock or dull its surface over time. 

In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association added spinel as a second official August birthstone. Spinel shows up in a wide range of colors, including vivid red, pink, purple, and blue, and was historically mistaken for ruby. For August babies who want something other than green, spinel is a durable, richly colored alternative with its own centuries of history. 

The most important step, regardless of size or budget: buy from a jeweler who can tell you exactly what you're looking at. That's exactly what you get at Maddaloni. We've been sourcing, grading, and setting fine jewelry for Long Island families for over 45 years, with in-house gemological expertise and documentation provided on higher-value stones, so you know precisely what you're getting before you buy it, not after. It's the same personal, no-pressure guidance whether you're looking at a $300 pair of earrings or a custom-designed piece. 

Peridot Pieces We Love Right Now 

14K White 8mm Round Peridot & .05 CTW Diamond 16" Necklace: $1,279.98. Genuine round peridot in 14K white gold with diamond accents, on a 16 inch chain that layers easily or wears alone. View product 

14K Yellow Peridot & 1/3 CTW Diamond Earrings: $2,201.93. Peridot and diamond in 14K yellow gold, a bold, wearable pair that catches the light from every angle. View product 

14K Yellow Peridot 7.25" Bracelet: $1,462.33. A continuous line of genuine peridot set in 14K yellow gold, bright and wearable for everyday. View product 

14K White Peridot Stackable Ring: $1,029.70. Genuine peridot in 14K white gold, an easy everyday way to wear the stone or stack alongside other rings. View product 

See Peridot in Person 

Photos only tell you so much about a stone that changes character in different light. If you're curious about peridot, whether for an August birthday, an anniversary, or just because, stop by our Huntington showroom or book a private appointment. We've been helping Long Island families find the right piece for over 45 years, and we're happy to just talk stones with you, no pressure. 

Book an Appointment   | Call (631) 499-8800