August’s Birthstone: The Earthy Glow of Peridot

As August rolls around, one gemstone comes to mind — the vibrant, leafy green Peridot.

Peridot has long been associated with light and warmth. The ancient Egyptians revered it as the “gem of the sun,” and it’s easy to see why. Its vivid green hue carries a soft radiance, like sunlight filtered through a canopy of leaves. Historical records show that peridot was mined as early as 1500 BC on a small island in the Red Sea called Topazios — now known as St. John’s Island. It’s believed to be one of the earliest sources of the gemstone.

But not all peridot comes from beneath the earth. Some pieces arrive from far beyond — literally out of this world. Tiny fragments of peridot have been found inside meteorites, carried to Earth from deep space. Though they’re rarely found in everyday jewellery, a few extraordinary pieces have made their way into collectors' hands.

One of the most famous examples is the Esquel meteorite, discovered in Argentina in 1951 by a farmer digging a hole for a water tank. It’s a rare and striking meteorite, as it contains gem-quality peridot large enough to be cut and faceted. What’s even more fascinating is that scientists can identify these cosmic stones by the distinct mineral traces they carry — a subtle but clear difference between peridot born in our planet’s crust and that formed light-years away.

Whether from Earth or sky, peridot carries a sense of renewal and grounded energy. It’s a stone that reminds us of growth, sunlight, and the quiet power of nature — perfect for anyone born in the heart of summer.