All About Unboxing Peridot

Peridot is a species of forsterite in the olivine group but can often be decribed as "olive green." It's the yellowish-green birthstone for August. While ranking 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, peridot varies in toughness. Peridot gets its green hue from trace amounts of iron; the more iron present, the greener the stone. Egyptians once called this gemstone "the gem of the sun," while others named it "the evening emerald" due to how it shines in the dark. It's believed that peridot was mined in the 3rd century by the Egyptians near the Red Sea.

The pure green gemstones tend to be more valuable, but peridot is one of the most affordable birthstones on the market. The origins of peridot are global, but the primary current source is Arizona, while other significant sources are found in Asia and other parts of the globe. Although peridot is found globally, specific peridot locations have been given names, such as Ludwigite peridot and Manchurian peridot being some of the most popular. Pallasitic peridot is found in outer space! August's birthstone alternatives are spinel and sardonyx.