Peridot is one of the most distinctive gemstones in the world. It only comes in one color (green), it's almost never treated or enhanced, and some of it literally fell from outer space. If you're an August baby, a Leo or Virgo, or just someone who loves green gemstones, this guide covers everything worth knowing about peridot: its meaning, physical properties, history, care instructions, how it compares to emerald, and why the ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun."
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, an iron magnesium silicate with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)2SiO4. It scores 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for all types of jewelry with reasonable care. For comparison, that puts it just below quartz (7) and well below sapphire (9) and diamond (10).
What makes peridot unusual among gemstones is that it only comes in green. Most colored gemstones occur in multiple colors depending on trace elements, but peridot's green is caused by iron that is fundamental to the crystal's structure, not from trace impurities. The shade ranges from bright lime to warm golden-green to deep olive, depending on how much iron is present. Higher iron content produces a deeper, richer green.
Peridot also has a distinctive oily or greasy luster that gives it a warm glow, especially in evening light. This quality earned it the historical nickname "evening emerald" because ancient observers noticed it seemed to glow more vividly by candlelight and lamplight than in direct sun.
Peridot from Outer Space
Peridot has one of the most remarkable origin stories of any gemstone. Most peridot forms deep within the Earth's mantle, roughly 20 to 55 miles below the surface, and is brought up by volcanic activity. But some peridot has an even more extraordinary source: meteorites.
Peridot is one of only two gemstones known to form outside Earth (the other is diamond). Pallasite meteorites, which are iron-nickel meteorites containing pockets of olivine crystals, occasionally yield gem-quality peridot. A meteorite that fell in Siberia in 1749 contained peridot crystals large enough to be faceted into jewelry. Scientists also believe olivine (peridot's mineral family) makes up part of the moon's mantle and has been identified on Mars.
So when you wear peridot, you're wearing a gemstone that connects the deep interior of our planet with the wider solar system. Not many stones can make that claim.
Peridot History and Cultural Significance
Peridot has been treasured for over 3,500 years. The earliest known mining took place on the volcanic island of Zabargad (then called Topazios) in the Red Sea, where ancient Egyptians began extracting peridot around 1500 BC. The Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it had protective powers, especially against nightmares and evil spirits. Egyptian priests decorated their ceremonial robes with peridot, and the stone was so valued that the island's mining operations were closely guarded.
One of the most interesting historical footnotes about peridot involves Cleopatra. Many of her famous "emeralds" are now believed by historians to have actually been peridots. The two stones can look similar in certain shades, and ancient gem identification wasn't what it is today. Peridot remains the national gem of Egypt.
The ancient Romans called peridot the "evening emerald" because they noticed its green color remained vivid under lamplight rather than darkening the way some other green gems do. During the Middle Ages, European Crusaders brought peridot back from the East, and the stone was used to decorate churches and religious artifacts. A large peridot in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany was long thought to be an emerald before it was correctly identified.
In Hawaiian tradition, peridot crystals found on volcanic beaches are associated with the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. This connection makes sense given peridot's volcanic origins.
Peridot Meaning and Symbolism
Peridot symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, renewal, growth, and compassion. Its bright green color has been associated with nature's vitality and new beginnings across many cultures.
In crystal healing traditions, peridot is connected to two chakras: the Heart Chakra (4th Chakra), which governs love, compassion, and emotional balance, and the Solar Plexus Chakra (3rd Chakra), which governs confidence, personal power, and self-worth. This dual chakra connection makes peridot popular among those seeking both emotional openness and inner strength.
Peridot is also considered a stone of abundance, believed to attract prosperity and support positive financial outcomes. Ancient traders associated the green stone with gold and wealth. Beyond material abundance, peridot is thought to help release negative patterns like jealousy, resentment, and self-doubt, replacing them with compassion and a lighter perspective.
Peridot: The August Birthstone
Peridot is the primary birthstone for August and has held that designation since the original 1912 birthstone list established by the National Association of Jewelers. August is one of only three months (along with June and December) that recognizes three birthstones: peridot, sardonyx (the traditional stone), and spinel (added as a modern alternative in 2016).
Peridot is also the traditional gemstone gift for a 16th wedding anniversary. As a birthstone, it is associated with the zodiac signs Leo (July 23 through August 22) and Virgo (August 23 through September 22). For Leo, peridot is thought to enhance warmth, generosity, and self-confidence. For Virgo, it is said to promote healing, emotional balance, and stress relief.
Explore our August birthstone collection or browse birthstone gifts for every month.
Peridot vs. Emerald: What's the Difference?
Peridot and emerald are the two green gemstones buyers compare most often, but they're completely different minerals with different properties, different price points, and very different treatment histories.
Mineral composition: Peridot is olivine (iron magnesium silicate). Emerald is beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate colored by chromium and/or vanadium). They form in entirely different geological conditions.
Hardness: Emerald scores 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than peridot (6.5 to 7). However, emerald is often more brittle in practice because it typically contains more internal inclusions and fractures.
Color: Peridot ranges from lime to golden-green to olive, always with a yellow or golden undertone. Emerald ranges from blue-green to deep green, usually with cooler blue undertones. The two greens are noticeably different side by side.
Treatment: This is the biggest practical difference. The vast majority of emeralds on the market are oiled or treated with resins to fill internal fractures and improve clarity. This treatment is considered standard and expected for emerald. Peridot, by contrast, is almost never treated. Its color and clarity are natural. For buyers who value knowing exactly what they're getting, peridot's untreated status is a significant advantage.
Price: Fine emerald is significantly more expensive than peridot, sometimes by orders of magnitude. High-quality peridot offers outstanding green gemstone color at a much more accessible price point.
Is Peridot Natural or Treated?
Peridot is almost always completely natural and untreated. Its green color comes entirely from iron within the crystal structure, not from any enhancement, irradiation, or heat treatment. This makes peridot one of the most straightforward gemstones on the market: what you see is what nature created.
In rare cases, lower-quality peridot may be treated with colorless oils or resins to reduce the visibility of inclusions, but this is uncommon. Synthetic peridot exists but is not widely available in the commercial jewelry market. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we use natural peridot and fully disclose all gemstone information.
Where Peridot Is Found
The most significant modern sources of peridot include the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona (the largest source of peridot in the world), the Kashmir region of Pakistan (which produces some of the finest, richest green peridot), Myanmar, and China. The historic source on Zabargad Island in Egypt is no longer commercially active but remains culturally significant.
Peridot is also found in volcanic regions of Hawaii, where small crystals wash up on certain beaches (known as "green sand beaches" or "olivine beaches"). While these Hawaiian crystals are usually too small for jewelry, they demonstrate peridot's volcanic origins in a visible and beautiful way.
How to Care for Peridot Jewelry
Peridot is durable enough for everyday jewelry but does need some basic care to stay looking its best.
Cleaning: Use warm soapy water (mild dish soap) and a soft cloth or very soft brush. Rinse and pat dry. This is the safest and most effective cleaning method for peridot.
What to avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners (can cause thermal shock). Harsh chemicals, acids (including some household cleaners), and prolonged contact with acid perspiration. Avoid leaving peridot soaking in any solution for extended periods.
Daily wear: Peridot (Mohs 6.5 to 7) is suitable for all jewelry types. Earrings and necklaces take the least wear stress. For rings, bezel settings offer extra protection. Remove rings before heavy manual work, exercise, or contact with harsh chemicals.
Storage: Store peridot separately from harder gemstones like sapphire, topaz, and diamond to prevent scratching. A fabric-lined box or soft pouch works well.
Shop Peridot Jewelry
Every peridot piece at Erin Gallagher Jewelry is handcrafted in Colorado using natural, untreated peridot set in 14K gold, gold-fill, or recycled sterling silver. Browse peridot necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms from $20, or design your own custom piece through GemBar. Every piece ships gift-ready in our eco-friendly packaging with gift bag, tissue, cleaning cloth, and card. Orders over $150 ship free.
Explore our full peridot collection and learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peridot the birthstone for August?
Yes. Peridot is the primary August birthstone and has held that designation since the original 1912 list. August also recognizes sardonyx (traditional) and spinel (modern, added 2016). Peridot is also the traditional gemstone for a 16th wedding anniversary.
Is peridot natural or treated?
Peridot is almost always completely natural and untreated. Its green color comes from iron in the crystal structure, not from any enhancement. This makes peridot one of the most straightforward gemstones on the market.
What is the difference between peridot and emerald?
Peridot is olivine (Mohs 6.5 to 7) with a yellow-green to olive color that is almost never treated. Emerald is beryl (Mohs 7.5 to 8) with a blue-green color that is almost always oiled or treated. Peridot is significantly more affordable than emerald.
Can you wear peridot every day?
Yes. Peridot scores 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for all jewelry types with reasonable care. Clean with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and contact with acids or harsh chemicals.
What does peridot symbolize?
Peridot symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, renewal, growth, and compassion. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun." It is connected to the Heart Chakra (love and compassion) and the Solar Plexus Chakra (confidence and personal power).
Can peridot be found in meteorites?
Yes. Peridot is one of only two gemstones (along with diamond) known to form outside Earth. Pallasite meteorites contain olivine crystals that occasionally yield gem-quality peridot. Scientists have also identified olivine on the moon and Mars.
For stone-specific buying guides and care instructions, visit our Birthstone Guides resource.