What Is My Zodiac Stone?
Leo Birthstone & Crystals: Peridot
♌ July 23 – August 22 · Peridot
Leo is the Sun-ruled fire sign: warm, theatrical and born to lead. Peridot, the bright green August birthstone that ancient Egyptians called the gem of the sun, is its modern stone. The traditional Leo stone is onyx, a black chalcedony that grounds the sign's big energy.
Golden stones fill out the Leo list. Sunstone flashes copper-colored sparkles and is named for the sign's ruler, citrine is the go-to for confidence and abundance, and tiger's eye, with its gold-and-brown chatoyant bands, has been a courage stone since Roman soldiers wore it.
Leo at a glance
- Dates: July 23 – August 22
- Element: Fire · Ruled by The Sun
- Primary stone: Peridot
- Traditional stone: Onyx
- Supporting crystals: Sunstone, Citrine, Tiger's Eye
- Often described as confident, generous, dramatic, proud
How Leos traditionally use their stones
- Peridot or sunstone before presentations and performances.
- Citrine in your wallet or on your desk.
- Onyx when pride is getting in the way of listening.
About Peridot
Peridot is the gem variety of olivine, one of the most common minerals in Earth's mantle. Its distinctive yellow-green color comes from iron.
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Poor |
- Found in meteorites and on Mars
- Ancient Egyptians called it the 'gem of the sun'
- Cleopatra's 'emeralds' may have actually been peridots
How to tell real Peridot at a glance
- Color: Yellow-Green, Olive Green, Lime Green. Look at a clean, dry surface in daylight. Color zoning, banding or spots are as diagnostic as the hue.
- Luster: Vitreous. Fresh surfaces shine like glass; a dull surface usually means weathering, so chip or wet a corner.
- Transparency: Transparent. Hold a thin edge up to a bright light and note whether light passes through.
- Mohs hardness: 6.5. It scratches glass and a steel knife and cannot be scratched by a steel file.
Other stones on this page
Frequently asked questions
What is Leo's birthstone?
Peridot is the modern Leo stone and onyx is the traditional one. Ruby (July) and peridot or spinel (August) are the calendar birthstones that overlap Leo.
What are the Leo dates?
Leo runs from July 23 – August 22. Cusp dates can shift by a day depending on the year and your time zone; if you were born on the boundary, check your birth time.
Can I wear a stone that isn't my zodiac stone?
Of course. Zodiac stone lists are traditions, not rules. Pick the stone whose look and story you like, then use StoneSnap's identify guides to make sure it is the real thing.
