Leo Birthstone - The Definitive Guide

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by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read

THE BASICS--

The lush green elegance of Peridot encapsulates the essence of Leo, the fifth zodiac sign that celebrates those born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Peridot is known for its olivine green color and is associated with qualities like renewal, growth, and health. It's believed to bring prosperity and abundance to those born under the Leo zodiac sign. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, the allure of Peridot is undeniable. However, its captivating beauty transcends the confines of a single month, and the deeper you delve into the enchanting world of this resplendent gemstone, the more irresistibly drawn you become to adorning it every day of the year.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About the Leo Birthstone
• Peridot
• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Leo Birthstone
• Peridot Color
• Leo Healing Properties
• Peridot Healing
• Peridot Inclusions
• Peridot Structure
• Leo Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
• Renewal and Growth
• Protection
• Prosperity and Abundance
• Celebrity
• Peridot Mines
• Peridot
• Leo History
• Other Leo Birthstones
• Choosing The Leo Birthstone

About Peridot

The birthstone for Leo, the zodiac sign covering birthdays from July 23rd to August 22nd, is peridot. This exquisite gemstone is renowned for its olive to yellowish-green color and is believed to bring qualities of renewal, growth, health, and prosperity to those born under the Leo sign. Peridot's symbolism aligns with Leo's characteristics, such as confidence, creativity, and passion. Peridot is often worn as jewelry or cherished for its meaningful attributes that resonate with Leo individuals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Peridot

Color

Peridot is a gemstone that is typically recognized for its vibrant green color. The color of peridot can vary from yellow-green to olive-green, and its intensity can range from pale to vivid. The green hue of peridot is due to the presence of iron within the crystal structure of the gemstone. The most valued peridots are typically those with a pure, intense green color.

Healing Properties

The leo birthstone, traditionally associated with peridot, is believed to possess various healing properties and benefits.

Healing

Peridot is believed to offer a range of healing benefits for both physical and emotional well-being. It is thought to aid in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification, supporting organs like the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder in eliminating toxins. Emotionally, peridot is said to have a calming effect, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It is also believed to promote emotional harmony and positivity, allowing individuals to release anger, jealousy, and resentment. With these combined properties, peridot is often considered a powerful stone for overall well-being.

Inclusions

Peridot, like many gemstones, can have unique inclusions that contribute to its individuality. Common types include twinning, where two or more crystal structures grow together in symmetrical patterns, creating intersecting lines or angles, and needle-like inclusions, which are long, thin structures often composed of minerals like rutile or actinolite. These natural features vary in color and size, enhancing the peridot’s unique visual appeal and making each gemstone truly one of a kind.

Structure

Peridot, also known as olivine, is a unique gemstone with intriguing characteristics. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and is the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine. Typically found in igneous rocks like basalt and peridotite, as well as certain metamorphic formations, peridot is often mined in volcanic regions and areas where mantle-derived rocks have surfaced. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is suitable for everyday wear, though it requires careful handling to avoid scratches from harder materials. When properly cared for, peridot can be a vibrant, durable gemstone, perfect for both daily wear and special occasions.

Meaning and Symbolism

The Leo birthstone, traditionally associated with the Peridot holds special meanings and symbolism that resonate with Leo individuals and their unique characteristics. 

Renewal and Growth

Peridot is often associated with renewal, growth, and rejuvenation due to its lush green color, which resembles the color of new growth and foliage. It symbolizes vitality, freshness, and the cycle of life.

Protection

In many cultures, peridot is considered a protective stone that wards off negative energies, evil spirits, and harmful influences. It is believed to create a shield of light around the wearer, promoting a sense of safety and security.

Prosperity and Abundance

Peridot is associated with prosperity, abundance, and success. It is believed to attract wealth, good fortune, and opportunities for growth and prosperity into one's life.

Celebrity

For those who love the glamour of Hollywood and the movies, you can enjoy a peridot ring knowing it is a favorite of many celebrities and royalty. This style has adorned the fingers of top names including Rihanna, Kate Hudson and Michelle Obama.

Mines

Peridot is a semi-precious gemstone mined from various locations around the world, each known for producing peridot of varying colors and qualities. One of the most notable locations for peridot mining is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, USA. This area is renowned for producing high-quality peridot gemstones in various sizes and shades of green. Additionally, peridot is also mined in other parts of the world, such as Pakistan's Kohistan region and Myanmar's Mogok Valley. These mines contribute to the global supply of peridot gemstones, which are valued for their vibrant green color and unique beauty.

History

Peridot, one of the few gemstones that occurs only in shades of green, has a history dating back thousands of years. Mined as early as 1500 BCE on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, it was known in ancient Egypt as the "gem of the sun" and believed to ward off evil spirits. Peridot's vibrant color made it popular again during the Renaissance, and it remains prized today for its striking green hue and rich historical significance.

Other Leo Birthstones

While the traditional birthstone for Leo is Peridot, there are several other gemstones and crystals associated with Leo in alternative systems of astrology and healing. These alternative Leo birthstones are believed to align with the energies and characteristics of leo individuals. Depending on the Zodiac sign, or spiritual beliefs, other stones often associated are Ruby, Sardonyx and Topaz.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

Contact Suzanne

If you love vintage or eco-friendly jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of eco-friendly vintage engagement rings.