All About Peridot: August's Birthstone

Peridot only comes in green, but we’re not complaining. The color of peridot varies from yellowish-green to dark olive. It all depends on iron content within the individual gemstone. The more iron in the peridot, the darker it will be. A yellow tint of peridot gives it spring-time vibrancy, while darker olive stones radiate sophistication and longevity. 

The name “olivine” is mentioned with peridot, but peridot is simply gem-quality olivine. Olivine that isn't gem quality can have a greenish tint to it, but usually mixed in with browns and greys. 

Peridot is found in numerous places all over the earth. Arizona is the main source of peridot today, but that hasn’t always been the case. Other countries around the world have peridot mines too, such as Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, China, Tanzania and Vietnam.

Most gemstones form in the Earth’s crust, but peridot is not like most gemstones. Peridot forms in the mantle of the earth’s core, from 20 to 55 miles beneath the earth’s crust. Shifts in the earth’s crust push peridot closer to the surface, where it can be mined and cut into gemstones. 

And not all peridot lies deep within the Earth. There are only a few places in the world that can boast of green sand beaches: Hawaii, Guam, Norway and Floreana Island in the Galapagos. These sands aren’t gem-quality peridot. But it’s made of the same substance, olivine, which still has that lovely green tint.

Peridot can be found in many places around the globe, but some of these locations have enough of a reputation to earn a title. Here's a couple of the types of peridot we think are worth knowing about:

• Ludwigite peridot - This type of peridot can have many inclusions and needles, but it contributes to the beauty of this peridot in a strange way. While it isn't as clear as other peridot may be, there’s something fascinating about how these magnesium rich needles alter the transitional green of peridot.
• Manchurian peridot - Found in the Manchuria region of northern China, this type of peridot has also been known as Changbai peridot, named after the mountain range in which it is found. This peridot is green like all other peridot but has lime-colored flashes of light when examined.

Peridot is said to heal many things, but its key healing component is how it cleanses. This gorgeous green stone repels the negative feelings that cause you to feel exhausted, overwhelmed and not yourself. In doing so, the positive vibes take their rightful place in your heart, mind and your personal relationships. 

Peridot is a gemstone that is also great for recentering your focus. Studying the apple-green hue of peridot is said to help you re-energize your mind and find the clarity to keep moving forward, step by step. 

When set in gold jewelry settings, it’s said that peridot becomes a talisman to destroy night terrors and to endow strength to the wearer. Egyptian priests lined their ceremonial goblets with peridot. Isis, one of their goddesses, is connected with peridot and is known for magical healing. For this reason, Egyptians believed that drinking from a peridot-lined goblet could heal.

A major connection to the spiritual meaning of peridot is friendship. Peridot is said to bring peace to relationships as well as helping maintain and mend friendships. The cool colors of this gemstone also encourage relaxation and soothe anger. Looking into peridot is said to help when processing thoughts and feelings, encouraging kindness and understanding.