Peridot is the official birthstone of August. Many people recognize peridot’s unique, light green color, but do you know the rich history behind the gemstone? Continue reading for some fast facts on the last birthstone of the summer.

• Due to its green color, peridot is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. 

• Ancient Egyptians believed it could ward off evil spirits in the dark, calling it the “Gem of the Sun.”

• According to Hawaiian religion, peridots are the tears of Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes, creator of Hawaiian islands.

• Besides being the birthstone of August babies, peridots are also given to celebrate 16th wedding anniversaries.

• The largest known peridot is 311 carats! You can visit this massive stone at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

• A specific type of peridot called moldavite has been found inside meteorites! Of all the gemstones collected from meteorites, peridot has been the only stone found in large enough sizes to be used in jewelry.

• A peridot’s color is determined by the amount of iron it contains. The more iron that’s present, the darker the green hue.

There’s so much more to peridot than meets the eye. When you wear this gemstone, you’re wearing a piece of history!