Ranging from grassy green to yellowish green, peridot is the captivating birthstone of August. For thousands of years, peridot’s unique green hues have been treasured—and often mistaken for other gems! Today, we’ll learn a little bit about where peridot comes from, what makes it special, and how to care for it.
From the Sky to the Earth
Peridot is found across the world in places like China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and here the United States. Arizona is the main source in America, but Hawaii is home to the famous “Peridot Beach,” which awes visitors with its luminous green sands.
Most of these peridot deposits were formed under extreme conditions by the earth itself, but did you know that some came from meteorites? That’s right–some deposits of gem quality peridot actually traveled all the way from outer space!
14kt White Gold Peridot & Diamond Estate Ring
A stunning pear-shaped natural peridot set in white gold and surrounded by diamonds.
No matter its origins, peridot has been a favorite gem for thousands of years, but its various green hues have also caused confusion. Lighter peridot has often been confused for green topaz, while its deeper green shades have been mistaken for emerald. In fact, many famous collections of “emeralds” actually turned out to be collections of peridot!
Like many gemstones, ancient people believed peridot would protect them from evil spirits and nightmares. While we may not believe that today, peridot’s allure has remained unchanged. In addition to being August’s birthstone, peridot is also given to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary.
Care & Keeping
Peridot is around 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it’s a bit softer than other favorites like sapphires or rubies. While you might not want to choose peridot for an everyday ring, it’s an excellent choice for earrings, pendants, and formal wear rings.
14kt White Gold Peridot Earrings
Perfect for everyday wear, these oval cut peridot earrings are set in classic white gold.
Not only will you want to store peridot away from other gems (it could be scratched by tougher stones like diamonds), you’ll also want to take extra care when cleaning. Never use a steamer or ultrasonic cleaner, as these processes can permanently damage your stone! A gentle combination of warm water and mild soap will do the job just fine, but we can always do a thorough cleaning for you at our showrooms or corporate office!
If you’re in the market for the perfect August birthday gift or simply a peridot lover, why not drop by our showrooms and take a look? Or, if you’d rather shop from the comfort of your own home, take a look at our full collection online here! We hope to serve you soon!
