Peridot Meaning, Properties, and History: The August Birthstone

What is Peridot?

This spring, we're going green. We’re leaning into the vibrant verdant hues that will add lush pops of color to our looks for spring and summer.

A familiar favorite way to incorporate green into fine jewelry designs is with the peridot gemstone, an ancient gem of the mineral Olivine that’s been used in jewelry for thousands of years. While the name comes from the word "peritot," the French word for "unclear," this little green beauty is anything but dull, in quality or significance.

The peridot stone comes in shades of yellow-green to olive green, and is often associated with positive energy, good luck, and protection: three things we can all use a little more of these days. It’s also the August birthstone, symbolizing strength and a splash of summertime sparkle.

The Meaning, Symbolism, and Folklore of Peridot

Peridot’s connection to the warm months of summertime is said to have started back—like, way back—when the gem was supposedly given as a gift from the sun to humans. In addition to spreading rays of warm-weather happiness, it’s believed that peridot also has the power to ward off negative energy and to protect the wearer from harm. 

In ancient folklore, peridot was believed to have been formed by the tears of the Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology. It was also believed to have been one of the stones that adorned the breastplate of the high priest in the biblical story of Aaron, so clearly it was held in high regard even then.

Peridot Healing Properties

Even if they were formed from tears, these days peridot stones are all about positive vibes and healing properties. If you want good luck, peridot has your back. Feeling stressed out or unbalanced? The soothing energy of that sparkly green gem offers a refreshing sense of calm that can alleviate stress and anxiety.

Physical Healing Properties

In addition to the mental benefits the peridot stone offers, it is also believed to have physical healing properties, like aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system, and it’s also said to be helpful in treating skin conditions like acne and eczema. 

So if you're in the market for a fashionable remedy to keep you feeling good from the inside out, a piece like the Peridot Petite Risa Ring may be just what you and your wardrobe needs.

Mental & Emotional Healing Properties

This gemstone is said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions while promoting clarity, confidence, and self-esteem. It's also believed to help heal past emotional wounds and release toxic patterns. 

So, if you're feeling stuck in a rut or weighed down by emotional baggage, consider adding a piece like the Peridot Petite Revival Necklace to your life and let it work its magic. 

Metaphysical Properties

We never would have thought a pretty piece of jewelry could possibly help us relax and clear up our latest breakouts; and we definitely didn’t think it could offer metaphysical properties, but boy were we wrong.

Peridots are said to have a direct line to the heart chakra, radiating vibes of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Not only that, but peridot is also believed to awaken one's intuition and psychic abilities, helping to achieve that next-level spiritual connection. 

Where do Peridots come from?

Listing all of the incredible qualities of peridot stones on paper would lead one to think they were meticulously designed to solve our worries in a magic factory in a fairyland somewhere. But they’re actually found all around the world.

A few of the most notable sources include Egypt, Pakistan, and Myanmar. In the United States, peridot stones can be found in Arizona, specifically in the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where the San Carlos Apache tribe considers peridot to be a sacred stone with the power to bring rain and heal the land. 

Peridots in History

It’s clear that we aren’t the first generation to appreciate peridot for its beauty and all of the power behind it. Instead, we’ve empowered ancient beliefs to live on.

The gemstone’s rich history was cherished by the ancient Egyptians, who called peridot the "gem of the sun" and believed it protected against evil spirits.

In ancient Greece, peridot was worn as a talisman to ward off anxiety and enhance happiness. It was also a popular gemstone during the Baroque era, where it was often used in elaborate jewelry pieces. 

Peridots in Jewelry

Even if you’re not one to believe in the healing properties and metaphysical powers of a stone, you can still be a fan for its brilliant beauty alone.

Peridot has been enhancing jewelry of all kinds for thousands of years, gaining initial popularity in the 1880s. Today, many are familiar with its role as the August birthstone. If you’re a proud August baby, or maybe the mother of one, add the Astral Birthstone Charm to a favorite chain (or use this as a hint to treat yourself to a new one), and celebrate the eight month of the year all year long.

No August birthdays in your house? Peridot is an equal opportunity gem. Add an unexpected pop of gorgeous green to your spring-forward wardrobe with the Peridot Gold Confetti Studs or the Bonheur Chain Earrings.

Peridot is prized for its stunning green color, deep history, powerful symbolism, and incredible alleged healing properties. Whichever aspect of the famed gem tickles your fancy, try branching out from the neutralness of classic diamonds and add a splash of summertime, anytime.