Peridot is modern & traditional birthstone for August and 16th anniversary stone. Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral Olivine and is a stone with extraterrestrial origins! Peridot often occurs in volcanic rocks called basalts, which are rich in iron and magnesium. Peridot is also found in pallasite meteorites (made of nickel-iron and olivine, are 4.5 billion years old!) and deep within the Earth's mantle. Its chemical composition includes iron and magnesium, with its beautiful green color caused by iron. The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning “gem”. 

Peridot is found all over the world with most of today's gems sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States. At Hawaii's Peridot Beach, the sands shimmer a vibrant green from its Olivine rich sand. Olivine is locally known as “Hawaiian Diamond”. Peridot is associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.

Peridot has been prized throughout history, appearing in priest's jewelry as early as the second century BCE and later in the chalices and churches of medieval Europe. Peridot has been used as a talisman for protection against night terrors and evil spirits in various cultures throughout the world. Historically, Peridot has been associated with light. Egyptians called Peridot the “gem of the sun.” Peridots were sometimes mistaken for Emeralds during ancient times. They were encrusted into goblets for Egyptian priests for rituals with nature gods. Cleopatra herself was said to have adorned her palace and regalia with Peridot, believing it harnessed the life-giving power of Ra. On the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, the ancient Egyptians mined Peridot as early as 1500 BCE. It was also treasured in medieval Europe, where it was set into church relics and royal ornaments to drive away dark spirits and attract divine light.

Peridot is a magical gem of protection and healing. Peridot helps you manifest your dreams by empowering you to take the necessary action to accomplish your goals. Embrace the wisdom from Peridot to enhance your leadership skills and personal power. Peridot is a manifestation crystal that draws abundance and financial prosperity to you. 

Peridot brings renewal, abundance, and radiant expansion. Its energy opens the heart and solar plexus, releasing the weight of old emotions and inviting joy back into the spirit. The green glow of Peridot reminds us that healing is not just a process of release but of awakening, a remembering of one’s inherent light. It dissolves resentment and fear, transmuting negative thought patterns into confidence and self-worth. When held close to the heart, it helps release burdens of the past and allows love and gratitude to flow freely once more.

Peridot amplifies your sense of worthiness and opens you to receive the abundance that already surrounds you. As a companion for personal growth, Peridot encourages forgiveness, self-compassion, and a deeper connection to the cycles of nature. Its solar energy revitalizes the aura, helping you step into leadership, courage, and creative expression. Working with Peridot infuses your field with optimism and light, guiding you to live from the heart and to trust in your divine path.

Hardness: 6.5-7

Color: Green

Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic

Care: Acids (even due to perspiration) and heat can damage Peridot stones. Remove before contact sports, weight lifting or activities where it may come into contact with force. As always, it should be stored away from minerals higher on the MOHs scale.

Cleaning: Warm water, detergent, and soft brush.

Feng Shui Placement: Family & health. Peridot is great to keep in the kitchen or dining room.