Birthstones
August Birthstone: Peridot (Zabarjad) اگست
In short: Peridot, called Zabarjad in Urdu, is the birthstone for August. It comes only in green, from olive to bright lime, and some of the finest peridot of recent decades has come from Kohistan in northern Pakistan. A clean grass or lime green is the most valued, and the stone is usually untreated. Spinel is a second August stone.
Peridot is the birthstone for August. Called Zabarjad in Urdu, it is one of the few gems that comes only in green, from olive to bright lime. Some of the finest peridot of recent decades has come from the Kohistan area of northern Pakistan, which makes it a birthstone with a strong local story.
- Month
- August
- Birthstone
- Peridot
- Urdu name
- Zabarjad
- Colours
- Olive to lime green
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5–7
- Pakistani source
- Kohistan
From the vault
Shop peridot
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Meaning and history
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on an island in the Red Sea called Zabargad, a name that echoes the Urdu Zabarjad. Peridot has also been found in meteorites. By tradition it stands for good fortune and a bright outlook. Spinel was added as a second August stone in 2016, but peridot remains the usual choice.
Colours and how to choose
- Hue. A clean grass or lime green is the most valued. A brownish olive tone lowers value.
- Clarity. Good peridot is clean to the eye. Small flat inclusions, often called lily pads, are a sign of a natural stone.
- Size. Pakistani material is known for larger clean stones, and colour looks richer as size goes up.
- Treatment. Peridot is usually untreated.
Browse peridot. For a deeper blue-green, see emerald, and for an opaque green stone, see green agate.
Real or fake: what to check
- Peridot splits light strongly, so through a loupe the back facet edges look doubled. Green glass does not show this.
- Glass shows round bubbles and soft facet edges.
- Green cubic zirconia and synthetic stones are sometimes sold as peridot. A stone with fiery rainbow flashes is not peridot.
- A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged.
Read peridot pricing and the Kohistan factor.
Care
Peridot is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and can be damaged by sudden temperature changes and acids. Clean it in lukewarm soapy water, never in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, and take off a peridot ring for kitchen work and heavy chores. Our August birthstone guide has more.
An August gift
August is the month of Independence Day on 14 August, and peridot's bright green makes it a fitting gift for an August birthday. Green outfits are a favourite at mehndi functions, and a peridot ring or pendant matches them well. A stone from Pakistan's own mountains also makes a thoughtful Eid gift.
Buying peridot from us
Every peridot we sell is natural and any known treatment is stated. Pay Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel and inspect the stone before you pay the rider, and return it within 7 days if it is not right. For Eid orders, allow for dispatch in 1–2 working days and about 7 working days for delivery.
References
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