15 Facts About August's Birthstone: Peridot

August’s birthstone, peridot, is often overlooked. However, this gemstone has proven just how beautiful it is over centuries. While it’s been popular among Ancient Egyptians, Catholic Priests, and Edwardian Britain, it’s well-deserving of a major comeback. Read up on it and let us know if you agree or not.

1. Etymology

The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “faridat,” which means gem.

2. Always Green

Peridot is a type of olivine, which is a magnesium iron silicate. While the green colour comes from the amount of iron in it, for whatever reason, peridot will never be found outside of its gree-yellow range, unlike most other gems that come in several different ones.

3. An Internationally Mined Stone

August’s birthstone is mined all over the world. It’s said peridot can be sound in China, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It’s believed that peridot is so prevalent in Hawaii because of a meteorite crash landing on Earth, turning the sand green.

However, that’s not the only time a meteor containing peridot landed on Earth. In the 1700s, one crashed in Serbia as well.

4. It’s a Softer Stone

On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot is only a 6.5 – 7. This means that it’s softer than most, and as a result, isn’t ideal for everyday wear. Earrings and bracelets are the best accessories to have in peridot, while bracelets and rings aren’t recommended.

It’s also more sensitive to some substances, so cleaning should be done gently. The best way to do so is to use mild soap and warm water.

5. It Held a Lot of Value Over The Years

August’s birthstone has been been incorporated into human history for longer than most people would assume. It’s believed that there are signs of people like priests using peridot as early as 200 B.C. It can also be found in medieval chalices.

6. Commonly Mistaken

Due to its appearance, peridot has famously been mistaken for topaz and emerald. This could be why so many people – especially in ancient and medieval times – put a lot of emphasis on this stone. It then begs the question, “Were emeralds really that valuable if they’re mistaken for peridot? Does that change the value of the peridot as a result?”

7. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings

In Germany, the Cologne Cathedral has a shrine dedicated to the Three Holy Kings or Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The shrine is said to contain the bones of these important figures in the Nativity story.

The shrine is said to be decorated with about 200 carats’ worth of emeralds. Again, as time has proven, the gems were actually August’s birthstone, peridot.

8. Cleopatra’s Jewellery

It’s believed that Cleopatra’s famous collection of emerald jewellery actually contained peridot. However, as you can see, this is a very common mistake.

9. What’s in a Name, Anyway?

St. John’s Island, located in Foul Bay, Egypt was once named Topazios. This was supposedly due to the fact that it produced a large quantity of topaz. After some odd years it was discovered that the gemstones were actually peridot, however, there’s no proof to say that was the reason for it’s name change.

That being said, it’s been said that St. John’s may be the oldest source of the gemstone. It’s believed that mining had started sometime between the second and third centuries B.C.

After all, this cold be where Cleopatra got her “emeralds” from.

10. Cleopatra Wasn’t the Only Royal to Like Green Gems

Mind you, these days peridot isn’t mistaken for emerald quite as often. However, several members of the British Royal Family appreciate the gem.

King Edward VII, and Princess Kate are both known to have sported the gemstone in their lives.

11. The Largest Peridot

The Smithsonian is home to the largest peridot in the world, weighing a whopping 319 carats (about 62 grams). It was found on Zagbargad Island (St. John’s or Topazioz Island).

12. A Day and Night Stone

Many people use the phrase “day and night stone” when referring to peridot. That’s because, despite natural or artificial light, it always shines beautifully.

13. A Sign of Protection

Peridot has always been more than just August’s birthstone. It was believed to have protective powers, and thus used to protect the owner from evil spirits and other supernatural dangers. It also helped to protect against nightmares when set in gold.

14. And Other Attributes

Peridot is also said to be associated with harmony, peacefulness, power, and good health. Maybe keep that in mind next time you’re looking for a good gift idea.