August Birthstone

Peridot is the birthstone for August and it is sometimes originally presented as an anniversary gift on a couples 16th year of marriage.

Peridot is perhaps derived from the French word peritot which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large stones. It could also be named from the Arabic word “faridat” which means gem. Also mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah.

Peridot ranges in color from light yellow-green to the intense bright green of new spring grass to olive. The purer green a peridot is the higher the value. Any tinges of brown or visible flaws greatly diminish the price. Some of the finest Peridot Jewelry stones are called "evening emeralds" because they appear greener under artificial light.

Color is noted next to birth stone name.
Modern Birthstone - Peridot (Green)
Traditional Birthstone - Sardonyx (Brown)
Mystical Birthstone - Diamond (White, Clear)
Ayurvedic Birthstone - Sapphire (Blue)
15th-20th Century Birthstone - Carnelian (Orange), Moonstone (White), Sardonyx (Brown), Topaz (Blue or Yellow)
Other Birthstone - Jade (from elsewhere on net) (Green or Lavendar)


The Peridot was regarded since ancient times as the symbol of the sun. The Greeks believed that it brought royal dignity upon its wearer. During the Middle Ages, Peridot was pierced, then strung on the hair of an donkey and attached to the left arm to ward off evil spirits. The Crusaders thought that Peridot were emeralds, and brought them back to Europe where they were featured as ornaments in churches. The peridot was once thought to bring power and influence to the owner. Ground up, the gem was taken internally as a treatment for asthma. The stone has also been used to induce sleep, attract love and calm anger.

Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry | Peridot Jewelry

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