August Birthstone Peridot
the Beautiful Sun Stone
The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat,” which means “gem.” Most peridots are formed deep
inside the earth and delivered to the surface by volcanoes. The main source of peridot in the
ancient world was Topazo Island (now Zabargad or St. John’s Island) in the Egyptian Red Sea. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected its wearer from terrors of the night. Egyptian priests believed that it harnessed the power of nature, and used goblets encrusted with it to commune with their gods. Peridot stones were also used for carved talismans.
Peridot Scarab
Some historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may actually have been peridot. Through medieval times, people continued to confuse these two green gems. The 200-carat gems adorning one of the shrines in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were long believed to be emeralds as
well, but they are also peridots.
Peridot Birthstone Meaning
Peridot is said to bestow the wearer with good fortune, peace and happiness. It's closely associated with wealth and prosperity, personal growth and romantic love. Wearers of peridot are said to be protected from evil spirits and when the stone is set in gold, it can protect the wearer from nightmares.
Peridot birthstone jewelry traditionally features gemstones set in gold or silver.
Sources of Peridot
This gemstone saw a revival in the 1990s when new deposits were discovered in Pakistan, producing some of the finest peridots ever found. Some of these “Kashmir Peridots” measured more than 100 carats. Most of the peridots mined today comes from China, Pakistan, and Arizona and the gems that are found are mostly under 3 carats. Two of the finest peridot collections in the world can be found at the
Field Museum in Chicago, and the Museum of Natural History in New York.
