A Bright Stone with a Long Story
Peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones, and yet it still feels fresh—thanks to its vivid green hue and natural glow. Unlike many green stones that rely on deep saturation, Peridot carries a lighter, more citrus-toned green that feels both earthy and luminous. It’s a stone that doesn’t try to be bold, but still manages to stand out in a quiet, confident way.
It’s also the birthstone for August, and one of the few gemstones that forms deep within the earth’s mantle, brought to the surface by volcanic activity—adding to its rare and powerful origins.
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Its green color comes from iron, and unlike many gemstones, its color doesn’t come in a range—it’s always green. What varies is the intensity, which can shift from a pale yellow-green to a rich olive depending on the iron content.
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for everyday wear in earrings, pendants, and rings with protective settings.
A Stone of Ancient Civilizations
Peridot has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians mined it on the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, where it was known as the “gem of the sun.” It was believed to protect against nightmares and bring the wearer inner strength. Some historians believe Cleopatra’s famous “emeralds” may have actually been Peridot.
Throughout history, it’s been worn as a symbol of protection, harmony, and healing—often associated with warmth, renewal, and the life-giving force of the sun.
A Color That Speaks for Itself
What makes Peridot so special is its natural color. It doesn’t need enhancement or heat treatment—the color you see is how it came out of the ground. That honesty, paired with its distinctive glow, gives the stone a sense of openness. It looks beautiful in both modern and organic settings and pairs well with Gold for a warmer look or Sterling Silver for a cleaner, cooler feel.
In rose cut or cabochon form, it takes on a soft inner glow that catches the light without overpowering the design.
Peridot’s Unassuming Presence
Peridot doesn’t need to be bold to stand out. Its color holds a natural brightness that feels fresh without being overpowering—like sunlight filtered through leaves. I’m drawn to the way it holds light, especially in softer cuts like rose cut cabochons or low-profile settings. It’s a stone that brings presence without needing attention, and that quiet quality makes it especially rewarding to design with.
