Peridot Stones, Gemstone, Jewelry: Information and Colours
May 16, 2026
Do you know the Peridot gemstone? Those with birthdays in August most certainly do, because Peridot is the traditional birthstone for August. For anyone unfamiliar with this beautiful gem, it is a lovely surprise, especially for those who enjoy the fresh beauty of green.
Peridot has the colour of new leaves, making it an ideal gemstone to complement light summer clothing. Its beautiful green tone, often with a soft hint of gold, also makes it a wonderful choice for late fall and winter, when green is less visible in nature and a bright gemstone can add warmth and colour to darker outfits.
How Green Is Peridot?
The exact shade of Peridot is often debated. It has been described as lime green, olive green, emerald green, yellowish green, and brownish green.
The olive green description is understandable because Peridot comes from the mineral olivine. In earlier times, it was even known as the olivine gemstone.
It has also been mistaken for emerald because of its green appearance. However, there are clear differences between Peridot and emerald. Peridot usually has a softer colour intensity and is also softer in hardness, measuring around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale.
Whatever shade of green it displays, Peridot remains a beautiful gemstone that pairs well with many others, including:
- Ruby
- Alexandrite
- Opal
- Onyx
- White topaz
- Red and green garnets
- Citrine
- Tourmaline
- Tanzanite
- Blue topaz
- Aquamarine
Peridot’s History
Peridot is an ancient gemstone, known as far back as Egypt’s pharaonic times. It is no surprise that Peridot is also Egypt’s national gemstone.
It was first discovered around 1500 BC on Topazo Island, now known as St. John’s Island, in the Red Sea. In ancient times, Peridot was believed to have magical and mystical powers.
In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder wrote about Peridot in 50 AD. He believed that for the strongest magic, Peridot should be worn on the right arm. He also compared its colour to hot coals, saying it appeared dull in daylight but seemed to glow at night.
Peridot also has a fascinating connection to space. In 1749, it was found in a meteorite that landed in a desolate, uninhabited area of Siberia. On earth, Peridot is born from volcanic eruptions, giving it a strong connection to fire and nature.
Peridot’s Colour
Unlike many gemstones, such as garnet, topaz, tourmaline, and tanzanite, which can appear in different colours, Peridot is known for one colour only: green.
Its colour range includes:
- Light yellowish green
- Lime green
- Olive green
- Brownish green
- Brilliant pure green
The most desirable Peridot colour is a bright green without hints of yellow or brown. This glowing green quality has earned Peridot the nickname “Evening Emerald” because it can appear to glow beautifully under artificial light.
Peridot’s Believed Properties and Meaning
With a history dating back to ancient Egypt, Peridot has long been associated with mystical meaning and positive energy.
It is believed to help increase self-esteem, release guilt, and protect the wearer from negative energy. Because it is considered a stone of warm energy, Peridot is also said to bring light, beauty, and happiness into the wearer’s life.
Peridot is also connected with prosperity. It is believed to support financial growth and increase the flow of money to the wearer, which is why it has often been called the gemstone of prosperity and happiness.
Why Choose Peridot Jewellery?
Even if Peridot is not your birthstone, it can still be a beautiful addition to your jewellery collection. Its fresh green colour makes it suitable for both summer and winter, and it pairs beautifully with many other gemstones.
Whether worn on its own or included in a custom jewellery design, Peridot offers a bright, elegant, and meaningful choice.
Therefore, even if Peridot is not your birthstone, it is still a worthwhile addition to your jewellery wardrobe. Visit LL Private Jewellers to see this brilliant green gem for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Please for more information don’t hesitate to contact LL Private Jewellers at 604-684-6343.