Peridot – Stone of the Sun
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine – a magnesium iron silicate that forms deep in the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Uniquely, it is also found in meteorites and has been recovered from lunar soil samples. Its distinctive lime to olive green colour comes from iron – it is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one colour.
The finest peridots come from Pakistan (Kohistan), Myanmar, and the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (St. John's Island) in the Red Sea as early as 1,500 BC and called it the "gem of the sun."
Peridot Meaning & Properties
Peridot is associated with the solar plexus chakra – personal power, self-confidence, and abundance. Its bright energy dispels negativity and opens the mind to new beginnings and fresh perspectives. It is said to ward off jealousy, resentment, spite, and bitterness. The ancient Romans called it the "evening emerald" because its green colour did not darken at night.
Emotionally, Peridot is a stone of positive power – it teaches that the greatest obstacles to growth are the ones we carry within. It helps release old wounds, anger, and guilt, and brings warmth and genuine happiness.
Spinel – The Impostor Gem
Spinel is one of the most underappreciated gemstones in the world – for centuries, fine red spinels were mistaken for rubies and sapphires. The "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown and the "Timur Ruby" are both spinels. Spinel occurs in a wide range of colours: red, pink, purple, blue, and the exceptionally rare "cobalt" blue.
Spinel was officially added as an August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association in 2016. It represents invigoration, strength, and hope – a stone that helps its wearer through difficult transitions with resilience.
How to Wear and Use August's Stones
August has two main stones with quite different characters. Peridot is lime-green olivine, a stone of lightness and renewal, inexpensive and widely available. Spinel is harder, costlier and occurs in an enormous range from red to blue; for centuries it was mistaken for ruby, and the Black Prince's Ruby in the British crown is in fact a spinel.
At 6.5 to 7 peridot is better in earrings and pendants than in a ring. Spinel at hardness 8 handles daily wear without complaint.
August Zodiac Signs and Their Stones
Leo until 22 August, Virgo from the 23rd. Peridot is traditionally tied to Leo for its warm, solar tone, while Virgo is more often given carnelian, jasper and sapphire — more collected stones.
Peridot is considered a stone of releasing resentment and opening up after a difficult period, which makes it appropriate for either sign regardless of the date.
How to Cleanse and Charge August's Stones
Peridot needs care for two reasons. It reacts to acids, so keep it away from household chemicals, and it is prone to thermal shock — a sudden temperature change can crack it, particularly if there are inclusions. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are firmly out.
Spinel is undemanding: a brief rinse in cool water is safe and sunlight causes no harm. Neither stone needs salt; moonlight or sound is the better charge.
How to Spot Fake August Stones
Peridot has an excellent tell of its own: it is strongly doubly refractive. Look down through a faceted stone at the far facet edges and they will visibly double — glass never does this. Peridot also has a distinctly oily rather than glassy lustre and a consistent yellow-green tone.
Spinel is more often confused with ruby and sapphire than faked outright, which is exactly what happened historically. Synthetic spinel is mass-produced; it gives itself away with flawless clarity and a colour that is too even.
Questions People Ask
What is the birthstone for August?
Peridot, with spinel added to the modern list. Sardonyx is sometimes mentioned as the older option, largely displaced by peridot.
Can peridot go in water?
Briefly, but avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam and sudden temperature changes, since peridot is prone to thermal shock. Keep it away from household chemicals too — it reacts to acids.
Were famous rubies actually spinel?
Yes. Spinel was taken for ruby for centuries, and the Black Prince's Ruby in the British crown is a red spinel. The two were only separated as mineralogy developed.
What is peridot used for?
Traditionally for renewal, releasing resentment and opening up after a difficult period. Its character is considered light and solar.
Where to get Peridot
If you want to wear or work with Peridot as a physical stone, here are three forms commonly used.
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