Peridot
What Is Peridot?
Peridot — magnesium iron silicate, glowing in shades of fresh olive and lime green — is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color: green. Treasured since ancient Egypt, where it was mined on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, it is August's birthstone. Remarkably, peridot has also been found in meteorites — genuine stardust you can wear.
Peridot Facts
- One-color gem — unlike tourmaline or sapphire, peridot's green comes from its own chemistry, not trace impurities.
- Ancient pedigree — called the "gem of the sun" by ancient Egyptians; Crusaders carried it for protection.
- From volcanoes and space — formed in volcanic basalt deep underground, and found in rare pallasite meteorites.
- Hardness — 6.5–7 Mohs; bright and lively, but deserving of normal jewellery care.
What Is Peridot Good For?
Peridot is the stone of fresh starts. Practitioners traditionally associate it with new beginnings and open opportunity — the lightness to welcome change and try new things. It is treasured as a stone of good fortune: in traditional belief its green light attracts abundance and helpful people, easing the way forward. Many also value it for emotional lightness — a warm, optimistic energy that softens worry and invites generosity of spirit.
How to Use Peridot
- Wear it daily — Bracelets and earrings keep its fresh, uplifting energy with you; its spring green suits almost every wardrobe.
- For new chapters — A traditional gift for graduations, new jobs and fresh starts of every kind.
- In sunny weather — Peridot glows beautifully in daylight; many save their brightest pieces for summer.
- As a birthstone gift — An August birthstone with genuine warmth and character.
Care & Cleansing
- Remove before showering or swimming; avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
- Take off during sports or heavy work to avoid knocks.
- Cleansing: rest it overnight on a Clear Quartz cluster — the simplest daily reset. For a deeper cleanse, try our Herkimer Diamond water method: soak a Herkimer Diamond in water for a few hours, then rest your crystal in the water for 10–30 minutes. Moonlight around the full moon is a good tool-free alternative. Read our full cleansing guide.
- Avoid salt water — some shops recommend it as a cleansing method, but salt can permanently dull or damage the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peridot good for?
Fresh beginnings, good fortune and emotional lightness — traditionally the stone of new opportunity and warm, generous energy.
Is peridot only found in green?
Yes — peridot is one of the few gems that comes in a single color family, from yellow-green to olive, colored by its own iron content.
Is it true peridot comes from meteorites?
Yes — gem-quality peridot has been found in rare pallasite meteorites, making it one of the very few gems with an extraterrestrial source.
