August’s birthstone is a bright lemony green, dark lime green, or olive green gem form of olivine called peridot [per-i-doh]. It is one of the few gemstones which exists in only one color range, and its saturation of color is determined by the amount of iron present as the gem crystallizes. This gem forms deep in the earth as molten lavas are brought to the surface through volcanic activity. For all you sci-fi fans, Peridot has the unusual distinction of being the only gemstone found in meteorites.

Peridot and Diamond Earrings by Deleuse Jewelers

Peridot is found in many places all over the world. The finest quality peridot is mined in Pakistan, known as Kashmir peridot. The most commercially significant resource is found here in the United States on the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona, and the gems are mined by Native Americans. Cut peridot is readily available in many shapes and sizes of up to five carats; larger stones do exist but are more unusual.

Peridot earring charms from Dunay Joailler

On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot registers a 6.5 to 7. It is infinitely suitable for earring, pendant, and brooch designs; however, rings and bracelets made of peridot should not be worn every day. The movement and contact with other objects that a ring or bracelet experiences will dull the surface of  a peridot over time. Peridot should be protected from high heat and rapid temperature change. The best method for cleaning this gem is warm soapy water and a very soft toothbrush.