10 Fascinating Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Peridot
August's birthstone has been admired for thousands of years, but there's much more to peridot than its beautiful green color. From volcanic eruptions and meteorites to rare green sand beaches, peridot has one of the most remarkable stories of any gemstone.
Whether you're celebrating an August birthday or simply love natural gemstones, here are ten fascinating facts about peridot.
1. Peridot Is One of the Few Gemstones Found in Meteorites
Most peridot forms deep within the Earth, but tiny crystals of the same mineral have also been discovered inside rare meteorites called pallasites.
These crystals formed in space billions of years ago, making peridot one of the very few gemstones with an extraterrestrial connection.
2. It Begins Its Journey Deep Inside the Earth
Unlike many gemstones that form in the Earth's crust, peridot develops 20 to 55 miles beneath the Earth's surface in the upper mantle.
Volcanic eruptions eventually carry these crystals to the surface inside lava.
3. Hawaii Has a Green Sand Beach Because of Peridot
One of the world's few green sand beaches, Papakōlea Beach in Hawaii, owes its unusual color to countless tiny peridot crystals that weathered from ancient volcanic lava.
It's one of nature's most spectacular displays of this beautiful gemstone.
4. Peridot Was Once Called the "Evening Emerald"
Long before electricity, people noticed something unusual.
While many green gemstones appeared dark under candlelight, peridot retained its bright green glow.
Because of this, it became known as the Evening Emerald.
5. Ancient Egyptians Loved Peridot
Peridot was mined on Zabargad Island in the Red Sea more than 3,500 years ago.
According to legend, miners sometimes searched for the gemstones at night because the crystals were believed to be easier to spot by moonlight.
6. Peridot Only Comes in One Color
Many gemstones occur in a rainbow of colors.
Peridot is different.
It is always green.
The exact shade may range from yellowish-green to olive or deep lime green, depending on the amount of iron naturally present within the crystal.
7. Its Beautiful Color Is Completely Natural
Unlike some gemstones that are routinely treated to improve their color, peridot's vibrant green is naturally present when the crystal forms.
Its color comes from iron within the mineral itself.
8. Scientists Have Found Peridot on the Moon
The Apollo missions returned lunar rocks containing tiny crystals of olivine, the mineral species to which peridot belongs.
Although not gem quality, these discoveries show that the same mineral exists beyond Earth.
9. Some Peridot Crystals Are Enormous
Most peridot jewelry contains gemstones weighing only a few carats.
However, museum-quality crystals weighing hundreds of pounds have been discovered, and some of the world's largest faceted peridots exceed 300 carats.
10. Every Peridot Was Born in Fire
Peridot begins its life inside molten magma beneath the Earth's surface.
Carried upward by volcanic eruptions, each crystal is a reminder of the powerful geological forces that continue to shape our planet today.
Few gemstones have a journey as dramatic as peridot.
Why We Love Peridot
Peridot combines brilliant natural color with one of the most fascinating geological stories in the gemstone world. Formed deep within the Earth's mantle—and in some cases even found in meteorites—this vibrant green gemstone reminds us that nature often creates its most beautiful treasures under extraordinary conditions.
Whether you're celebrating an August birthday or simply love colorful gemstones, peridot is truly one of nature's most remarkable creations.
Interested in learning more? Visit our Peridot: Frequently Asked Questions to discover how this beautiful gemstone forms, where it is found, how to care for it, and why it has been treasured for thousands of years.