Peridot Meaning: History, Symbolism, Healing & Buying Guide
Aug 05,2025 | Juyoyo

Did you know that the vibrant green peridot you adore might have traveled from Earth’s molten mantle-or even outer space? Often called the "Gem of the Sun" or the "Evening Emerald," peridot is more than just a beautiful stone. It's a conduit for joy, a symbol of compassion, and a powerful talisman for growth and renewal.
Whether you're drawn to it as your August birthstone, a tool for spiritual healing, or a stunning piece of jewelry, you've come to the right place. In this 2025 Peridot Guide, you’ll discover every facet of peridot's meaning and magic.
At Juyoyo, we believe understanding a gem's story is the first step to connecting with its energy. Let's begin.
What is Peridot?
It belongs to the olivine mineral family and is the gem-quality form of forsterite. It is a true child of fire and earth. Unlike most gemstones, which form in the Earth's crust, peridot is born much deeper in the molten rock of the upper mantle. Volcanoes and earthquakes bring it to the surface.
Even more astonishingly, peridot is a cosmic gem. It has been found in pallasite meteorites. These meteorites have crashed to Earth. They are remnants of our solar system's birth. A Peridot is a tangible piece of the cosmos forged in fire; when you hold one, you might be holding stardust.
Unlike many jewels with broad color ranges, peridot glows within a narrow spectrum of lime, olive, and emerald green, making each piece unmistakably a peridot. When sunlight hits peridot, you’ll notice a gentle sparkle with warm, golden undertones-an effect that earned it the nickname "gem of the sun."
Peridot Fact Sheet: At a Glance
For those who prefer a quick summary, here are the essential details of this remarkable gemstone in a convenient table.
| Feature | Description |
| Gemstone | Peridot (pronounced pair-ih-doe) |
| Color | Olive to vibrant Lime Green, often with a golden glow |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Chakra | Heart Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra |
| Birthstone | August |
| Zodiac | Leo, Virgo |
| Key Meanings | Compassion, Abundance, Joy, Healing, Protection |

The Rich History and Lore of Peridot
Peridot’s story is as captivating as its color. Its history stretches back thousands of years and is interwoven with the tapestries of ancient empires and the legends of islands.
- Egypt's Gem of the Sun: The ancient Egyptians cherished peridot, mining it on the Red Sea island of Zabargad. They called it the "Gem of the Sun" and believed that it protected its wearer from the terrors of the night. Historians now believe that many of the famous emeralds worn by Cleopatra were actually high-quality peridots.
- A Ward Against Evil: In the Middle Ages, people wore Peridot to protect themselves from evil spirits, anxiety, and enchantments. Crusaders brought the gemstone back to Europe, where it was often used to decorate churches and cathedrals.
- Tears of a Goddess: In Hawaii, tiny green peridot crystals found in volcanic sand are known as the tears of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire. They are seen as sacred symbols of creation and destruction.
- Rediscovery in the Modern Era: Large, gem-quality peridot was reintroduced to Western markets in the 1800s. Today, finds in Pakistan and Myanmar produce the brightest hues seen in centuries.
Peridot Meaning & Symbolism
While its radiant green hue is captivating, the true magic of peridot lies in its rich, multi-layered meaning and symbolism.
A Symbol of Light and Renewal
At its core, peridot is a symbol of light. Ancient Romans believed that it collected sunlight during the day to radiate as a protective beacon at night. Its spring green shades mirror new beginnings and personal evolution.
The Stone of Compassion and Harmonious Relationships
Peridot is famously known as the stone of compassion. Its gentle, healing energy is believed to open the heart chakra, dissolving blockages caused by anger, resentment, and jealousy. By cleansing these toxic emotions, peridot fosters empathy, patience, and understanding. This makes peridot a powerful symbol for strengthening relationships.
- Friendship: It heals rifts between friends and encourages positive, supportive connections.
- Marital Harmony: Peridot is believed to promote peace and happiness within a marriage by soothing jealousy and wounded egos, symbolizing a partnership built on trust and mutual affection.
A Talisman for Abundance and Prosperity
With its vibrant green color reminiscent of fresh growth and currency, peridot is a powerful symbol of abundance. Ancient traders associated peridot with gold and wealth. Peridot doesn't just attract wealth; it helps you feel worthy of receiving it. It boosts the confidence needed to pursue your goals and manifest your dreams.
The Symbol of Strength and Resilience
Peridot’s origin story makes it a profound symbol of strength. Formed in the intense heat and pressure of the Earth's mantle and brought forth by volcanic eruptions, this gem embodies resilience in its purest form. It symbolizes the ability to withstand incredible challenges and emerge not just intact but also beautiful and brilliant. It reminds us that periods of intense pressure can forge incredible strength and character.
A Beacon of Mental Clarity and Focus
Known as the "study stone," peridot is celebrated for its ability to promote mental clarity. It is believed to quiet distracting thoughts, dispel laziness, and sharpen the mind, allowing for intense focus and concentration. This symbolism extends to communication as well, where it is thought to promote eloquence and help you express your thoughts clearly, confidently, and compassionately.
Peridot Healing Properties
Peridot's healing energy works across physical, emotional, and spiritual planes.
Emotional & Mental Healing
Peridot is a powerful tonic for the mind. It sharpens focus and opens the mind to new levels of awareness, earning it the nickname "the study stone." It is excellent for students or anyone needing to concentrate. Emotionally, it works to:
- Alleviate jealousy, anger, and spite.
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and guilt.
- Boost confidence and inspire you to act on your desires.
- Promote emotional balance and a sense of peace.
Physical Healing
Peridot is traditionally believed to be a powerful cleanser. It is said to support detoxification processes in the body and strengthen the immune system. Its energy is particularly associated with:
- Boosting metabolism and supporting a healthy digestive system.
- Aiding the function of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen.
- Soothing skin conditions and irritations.
Spiritual & Metaphysical Properties
Peridot’s spiritual energy is both protective and activating.
- Heart & Solar Plexus Chakra: Peridot is one of the few stones that work on two vital chakras simultaneously. It opens and cleanses the heart chakra, allowing you to give and receive love freely. At the same time, it activates the solar plexus chakra, the seat of your personal willpower. This unique combination helps you lead with both compassion and confidence.
- A Protective Ward: It creates a shield of positive energy around your aura. This shield protects you from negative influences. It also protects you from outside psychic attacks.
Peridot as a Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
As the August birthstone, peridot is believed to bring its wearer extra luck, prosperity, and peace throughout the year. It perfectly captures the golden-green light of late summer.
Peridot is especially beneficial for the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. It helps fiery Leos rule with more compassion and provides meticulous Virgos with joyful, stress-relieving energy.
How to Use Your Peridot for Maximum Benefit
To fully connect with its energy, incorporate peridot into your daily life.
- Wear Peridot Jewelry: When worn as a ring or pendant, it rests near the heart chakra. It is said to be more receptive to receiving positive energy when worn as a ring or bracelet on the left hand.
- In Your Home & Office: Place a peridot stone in your living room to create a warm, harmonious atmosphere. In your workspace, it can foster abundance and reduce stress related to work.
- For meditation, hold a peridot stone in your palm or place it directly on your heart or solar plexus chakra to amplify its healing vibrations.
How to Choose and Buy Real Peridot
At Juyoyo, we believe that an informed choice is a confident one. Here’s how to select a quality peridot and ensure its authenticity.
- Color: The most prized peridots are a rich, pure grass-green color without any hints of brown or yellow.
- Clarity: Look for stones that are "eye-clean," meaning they have no visible inclusions.
- Cut: A well-executed cut maximizes the stone’s brilliance and natural glow.
- Carat: Peridot is available in a wide range of sizes, but fine-quality stones over five carats are rare and valuable.
- How to Spot a Fake: Peridot has a unique property called double refraction. To test for this property, look through the top of a loose stone at a line or text on a piece of paper. With a real peridot, you should see a doubled image of the line. Glass or plastic imitations will not produce this effect.
- Peridot vs. Other Green Gems: Unlike the deep, often bluish-green color of an emerald, peridot's color is distinctly its own: a bright, cheerful olive or lime green with golden undertones.
Caring for Your Peridot Gemstone
With proper care, your peridot pieces will shine for generations.
- Cleaning: Use a soft brush with mild soap and warm water, and avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage inclusions.
- Storage: Store in a fabric-lined pouch or separate compartment and keep away from harder gems to prevent scratches.
- Recharging: Gently cleanse under the moonlight. Smudge with sage or palo santo to refresh the energy.
Final Thought: Is Peridot Right for You?
If you love:
- Nature's drama (volcanoes, meteors!)
- Bold, affordable color (emerald’s chill cousin)
- Ethical bling (no guilt attached)
...then this is your stone. Peridot is so much more than just the birthstone for August. It's a vibrant, life-affirming gem that encourages us to live with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.
Ready to welcome this ray of sunshine into your life? Explore our curated peridot collection and find the piece that speaks to your soul.
Peridot Meaning FAQs
What Does a Peridot Symbolize?
It symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and emotional healing. Known as the "sun stone," peridot represents vitality, which is linked to its volcanic origins. It is also the birthstone for August. Ancient Egyptians associated it with Isis, the goddess of life.
Can I Wear Peridot Every Day?
Yes. With a Mohs hardness rating between 6.5 and 7, peridot can withstand daily wear in rings and pendants when properly cared for.
Who Should Wear Peridot?
Anyone can benefit from its joyful energy. However, it is especially recommended for those looking to heal past emotional wounds, boost confidence, or reduce stress and jealousy.
What Birthstone Month is Peridot?
It is the traditional birthstone for August and symbolizes the sun and vitality.
What is Peridot Said to Protect Against?
It is believed to protect against negative energy, nightmares, and jealousy. Medieval Europeans wore it to ward off evil spirits, and modern crystal healers claim that it shields one from stress and toxic relationships.
What is a Peridot in the Bible?
Some scholars suggest peridot may be the "pitdah" gem in the Bible’s High Priest breastplate (Exodus 28:17), symbolizing divine light. Its green hue aligns with descriptions of heavenly radiance in the Book of Revelation.



