Discovering Peridot and Spinel: August’s Remarkable Birthstones

Elise Thompson
3 days ago
2 min read

green peridot gemstones and red spinel gemstones on a white background

As August comes to a close, I wanted to highlight its captivating birthstones: Peridot and Spinel. They each have their own tantalizing tales and extraordinary qualities that are each worth exploring.

Peridot: A Gem’s Fiery Journey

Peridot, the gem-quality variety of olivine, is a gemstone with a truly dramatic origin story. Unlike most gemstones that form in the Earth’s crust, Peridot begins its journey deep within the Earth’s mantle, where it undergoes intense heat and pressure. This fiery genesis, combined with volcanic eruptions that force the gem to the surface, makes Peridot’s path to being a dazzling gemstone a dramatic one. Only the most resilient crystals survive this tumultuous journey, emerging as the stunning green gems we know today.

three collage photos of green sand beach — Papakōlea Beach, Hawaii - Green Sand Beach - (photo from reddit.com)

One fascinating location to see Peridot’s story in action is Papakōlea Beach in Hawaii. This extraordinary green sand beach is one of only four in the world. The beach’s vibrant color comes from olivine crystals, which were weathered from a nearby volcanic eruption that occurred within the last 49,000 years. The erosion of these crystals over time has resulted in the unique green sands that make Papakōlea Beach a truly special destination.

a close up of green pebbles of olivine sand — Green Sand: Olivine crystals also known as Peridot. (photo from lovebigislsland.com)

turquoise water and lush green mountain landscape of Papakōlea Beach, Hawaii — Papakōlea Beach, Hawaii (photo from Pinterest.com)

a slab of pallasite meteorite from the American Museum of Natural History in New York — Pallasite Meteorite at the AMNH

Moreover, Peridot isn’t just confined to Earth’s surface. In rare instances, Peridot crystals have been discovered in pallasite meteorites, making them incredibly rare and ancient gems dating back 4.5 billion years. The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has an incredible collection of Pallasties. Such finds further underline the gem's remarkable and otherworldly origins.

Spinel: The Gem of Many Colors

In addition to Peridot, August also celebrates Spinel, a gemstone that’s gaining recognition for its stunning variety and exceptional qualities. Spinel’s remarkable color range includes everything from the highly prized Tanzanian Red Spinel, which originates from the foothills of Meralani, to more subtle hues of blue, violet, grey, and pink. Each color variation of Spinel offers its own unique charm, making it a versatile and sought-after gemstone.

Spinel’s hardness and durability contribute to its superb qualities, making it not only a beautiful choice but also a practical one for everyday wear. Its rarity and diverse color spectrum make it a gemstone that stands out in any collection. Whether you’re drawn to the deep reds or the softer tones, Spinel’s brilliance is truly captivating.

Celebrate August with These Stunning Gems

If you’re inspired by the stories and characteristics of Peridot and Spinel, reach out to create a custom piece with one of these stunning gems. Celebrate the remarkable beauty and history of August’s birthstones. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate fine gemstones, these gems offer a fresh perspective on the allure and wonder of nature’s treasures.

PERIDOT