Known as a symbol of opportunity and prosperity, peridot is a form of olivine - a mineral composed of magnesium and iron - and is the birthstone for the month of August.

A rare gemstone that only occurs in one colour (green), although the tone can vary from more yellowish to a darker green depending on the amount of iron present, the name peridot comes from the Arabic word 'faridate' which means 'gem'.

Mined in many locations across the world including Arizona, Hawaii, Australia, Egypt, Mexico, South Africa and Tanzania, most peridot gemstones are formed deep underground and delivered to the surface by volcanoes. Occasionally, peridot stones travel to earth in meteorites, but this type of peridot is very rare and not usually found in retail jewellery stores.

Like most gemstones, peridot should be stored separately in a lined box or soft pouch to keep from scratching or being scratched. Keep your peridot jewellery sparkling by cleaning it under warm running water with a soft toothbrush, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid coming into contact with harsh chemicals, bleach and cosmetics when wearing peridot jewellery, particularly rings, as this can cause damage to the stones.