Peridot the birthstone for August

Colours
Peridot is found in vivid green colours and is one of a small group of gemstones that can only be found in one colour. Although only found in green the intensity and shade of colour can vary from a yellowish green and olive to a brownish green
Two extremely rare types of Peridot are cats eye Peridot and star Peridot (see article on chatoyant properties). Cats eye Peridot is chatoyant meaning it varies in colour when seen in different light and angles. This occurs in lines across the stone. The star Peridot displays crossed lines that form a star when moved around in different lights and angles.

Physical properties
Rating 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Peridot is not the hardest of stones however it is very sturdy and is an easy stone to look after.