August is one of only three months with multiple birthstones including peridot, spinel, and sardonyx giving anyone born in August a remarkable range of choice. Peridot, the traditional August birthstone, is prized for its vivid lime-green hue and ancient history.
Spinel, added in 2016, comes in nearly every color imaginable. Sardonyx, the historical alternative, brings warm bands of red and white. Below, we break down each gem's meaning, origin, color range, hardness, and how to choose the right August birthstone jewelry whether for a birthday gift, an heirloom, or your own collection.
What Is the Birthstone for August?
August is one of only a handful of months with not one, but three official birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each gem carries its own history, personality, and appeal — giving August-born shoppers a uniquely rich set of options.
Peridot is the traditional August birthstone and the one most people recognize. With its signature lime-green color, it has been prized since ancient Egypt. Spinel joined the official list in 2016 when the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) expanded the birthstone calendar, bringing a dazzling range of colors to August's roster. Sardonyx is the oldest of the three, a banded stone used in jewelry and seals for thousands of years.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or choosing a meaningful gift, understanding all three stones will help you make the right choice.
Peridot — The Traditional August Birthstone
Of all the August birthstones, peridot is the most beloved and widely recognized. It has appeared in jewelry for over 3,500 years and was once called "the gem of the sun" by ancient Egyptians, who believed it glowed with an inner light even after dark.
Peridot Color & Appearance
Peridot's color ranges from yellow-green to vivid lime green, and the best specimens lean toward a rich, saturated olive or bottle green. Unlike most gemstones, peridot's color comes entirely from its iron content — not from trace impurities — meaning every peridot is the same mineral (olivine) but varies in shade based on how much iron is present.
The most valuable peridots are a deep, intense green with minimal yellowish undertones. Stones from Pakistan's Sapat Valley are particularly prized for this depth of color. Lighter yellow-green stones are more common and more affordable, but still beautiful in the right setting.
Peridot Meaning & Symbolism
Peridot has long been associated with light, warmth, and positive energy. Ancient Egyptians believed it protected the wearer from darkness and evil spirits, and it was used in amulets for this purpose. In Hawaiian tradition, peridot tears were said to be the tears of the volcano goddess Pele, lending the stone a sacred, elemental significance.
Modern interpretations of peridot symbolism center on strength, clarity, and new beginnings. It is often given as a gift to mark a fresh chapter — a new job, a new home, or a new relationship. It is also associated with prosperity and abundance, making it a thoughtful choice for anyone you want to wish well.
Where Peridot Comes From
Most of the world's peridot supply comes from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, which produces the majority of commercial-grade stones. The finest gem-quality peridots, however, come from the Sapat Valley in Pakistan, where large, deeply colored crystals are found at high altitudes.
Peridot also has an extraterrestrial origin story: it has been found in meteorites, specifically in a type called palasites, where it appears as golden-green crystals embedded in iron-nickel metal. While meteorite peridot is too rare to use in mainstream jewelry, it underscores just how ancient and remarkable this mineral truly is.
Other notable sources include Myanmar (Burma), China, Ethiopia, and the volcanic island of Zabargad (also called St. John's Island) in the Red Sea — the original source of ancient Egyptian peridot.
Peridot Hardness & Durability
Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That places it in the mid-range for gemstones — harder than opal or turquoise, but softer than sapphire, ruby, or diamonds. It is durable enough for everyday wear in the right settings, but it does require some care.
Peridot can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes and prolonged exposure to acids, including skin acids from heavy sweating. For rings, a bezel or protective prong setting is recommended to shield the stone's edges. It should not be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaners or steam — a soft cloth and mild soap are all it needs.
Spinel — The Modern August Birthstone
Spinel is the newest addition to August's birthstone list, officially added in 2016, but it is anything but a newcomer to fine jewelry. For centuries, spinel was mistaken for ruby and sapphire by royalty and gem traders alike, sitting alongside those precious stones in the world's most important crown jewels without anyone knowing the difference.
Spinel Color Range
One of spinel's greatest strengths is its extraordinary range of colors. Unlike peridot, which exists only in shades of green, spinel comes in virtually every hue: vivid red, hot pink, soft lavender, cobalt blue, bright orange, deep purple, and even black. Red and pink spinel are the most sought-after, followed closely by cobalt blue and the rare "jedi" spinel, a neon pinkish-red from Myanmar.
This versatility makes spinel one of the most flexible birthstones on the list. An August birthday gift in spinel can be tailored to the recipient's favorite color in a way that peridot simply cannot.
Spinel Meaning & History
Historically, spinel was closely associated with royalty, power, and protection. Because it so often appeared alongside rubies in royal collections, it inherited many of ruby's symbolic associations — passion, vitality, and strength.
Modern gemological tradition links spinel with renewed energy, endurance, and overcoming challenges. It is sometimes called the "stone of revitalization," believed to encourage persistence and help the wearer push through difficulty. These are qualities that make it a meaningful gift for anyone facing a significant transition or challenge.
Famous Spinels Mistaken for Rubies
The most famous case of mistaken gem identity in history involves spinel. The Black Prince's Ruby, one of the centerpieces of the British Imperial State Crown, is not actually a ruby at all — it is an uncut red spinel weighing approximately 170 carats. It has been part of the English crown since the 14th century and was only identified as spinel when modern gemological testing became available.
Similarly, the Timur Ruby — a 361-carat red stone set in a necklace in the British Royal Collection — is also a spinel. These cases are not anomalies. Many of the great "rubies" in European and Asian royal collections turned out to be spinels when examined with modern tools, a testament to just how closely the two stones can resemble one another.
Sardonyx — The Historical August Birthstone
Sardonyx is the oldest of August's three birthstones and arguably the most historically significant. It was one of the most valued gemstones in the ancient world, used extensively by Greeks and Romans in carved seals, cameos, and intaglios — the fine art of engraving images into stone.
Sardonyx Patterns & Colors
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx that features alternating bands of sard (a reddish-brown mineral) and white or cream chalcedony. The bands can be bold and dramatic or fine and delicate, and the contrast between the warm red-brown and the cooler white gives the stone a striking, graphic quality.
The best sardonyx has clearly defined, parallel bands with rich, saturated colors. Unlike peridot or spinel, sardonyx is not typically transparent — it is an opaque stone, which gives it a different kind of visual presence. Its beauty is in pattern and contrast rather than brilliance or sparkle.
Sardonyx in Ancient Jewelry
The ancient Romans used sardonyx extensively for carved cameos — raised relief portraits and scenes that exploited the stone's distinct color layers. White figures were carved against the darker sard background, creating a natural two-tone effect without the need for paint or inlay. Many of the most celebrated ancient carved gems in museum collections are sardonyx.
In ancient Rome, sardonyx was believed to confer courage, eloquence, and happiness. Soldiers wore it engraved with images of Mars or Hercules, believing it would protect them in battle. It was also a popular material for wax seals, since the smooth, polished surface accepted impressions cleanly without the wax sticking.
Today, sardonyx is most often found in vintage and antique-style jewelry, carved signet rings, and collector pieces. It is an excellent choice for someone who appreciates historical depth and a connection to ancient craft traditions.
Which August Birthstone Should You Choose?
With three birthstones to consider, the right choice depends largely on personal style, budget, and intended use.
Choose peridot if you want the classic, immediately recognizable August birthstone. Its warm green color is distinctive and cheerful, its symbolism is rich, and it sits at an accessible price point for most budgets. It is the most traditional choice and the most widely available in mainstream jewelry.
Choose spinel if you want flexibility in color or are looking for something more unusual. A fine red or cobalt blue spinel has the depth and prestige of a precious stone — in many cases, more so — at a fraction of the price of a comparable ruby or sapphire. It is a connoisseur's choice: rarer, less recognized, and increasingly sought-after among collectors.
Choose sardonyx if you are drawn to history, vintage aesthetics, or carved jewelry. It is the most affordable of the three and offers a completely different visual character from the transparent colored stones. A carved sardonyx cameo or signet ring is a wearable piece of art history.
How to Choose August Birthstone Jewelry
For an Engagement or Anniversary
For a significant milestone piece, spinel deserves serious consideration. Fine red, pink, or blue spinel has the color depth and clarity of a precious stone, holds up well in a center stone setting, and offers something genuinely rare. A bezel-set peridot in yellow gold is also a beautiful and distinctive choice for someone who prefers an unconventional engagement ring.
Whatever stone you choose, opt for a setting that protects the gem. Bezel settings encase the stone's edge entirely and are the most protective option for daily wear. For peridot especially, avoid high-prong settings where the stone's edges are exposed.
For Everyday Wear
Earrings and pendants are the most forgiving settings for peridot and spinel, since they are less exposed to knocks and abrasion than rings and bracelets. A simple peridot drop earring or a spinel pendant in silver or gold works beautifully for daily wear without requiring special care.
If you want a ring for everyday use, look for a low-profile setting with good stone protection. Spinel, with its slightly higher hardness (up to 8 on the Mohs scale), is a better choice for a ring you plan to wear constantly than peridot.
For a Birthday Gift
For a birthday gift, consider the recipient's style first. If they wear a lot of green or have a warm, earthy aesthetic, peridot is a natural fit. If they gravitate toward bold color or unusual finds, a pink or blue spinel will likely delight them. If they collect vintage pieces or have an interest in ancient history, a sardonyx cameo pendant or brooch is a genuinely unexpected and thoughtful choice.
For budget flexibility, peridot and sardonyx are both widely available at accessible price points. Investment-grade spinel — deep red or neon pink from Myanmar — can rival the price of fine colored gemstones, but attractive blue and lavender spinels can be found at very reasonable prices.
August Zodiac Signs and Their Birthstones
August spans two zodiac signs, and each has its own traditional gemstone associations alongside the official calendar birthstones.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Leo, the fire sign ruled by the Sun, is traditionally associated with gold, amber, and warm-toned stones that match its bold, radiant energy. Peridot, with its sun-like warmth and its ancient title "gem of the sun," is a natural match. Ruby is also frequently cited as a Leo stone, which means fine red spinel — long mistaken for ruby — fits squarely within Leo's gemological tradition as well.
Leo's colors lean toward golds, oranges, and warm yellows. A peridot in a gold setting plays directly into this energy, combining the stone's yellow-green tones with the warmth of yellow gold for a piece that feels genuinely sun-warmed.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo, the earth sign ruled by Mercury, is associated with precision, refinement, and practicality. Its traditional gemstones include sapphire and carnelian, but peridot's earthy green and sardonyx's grounded, patterned appearance align well with Virgo's aesthetic sensibility.
Virgo tends toward understated elegance rather than flash, which makes a deep-toned, well-cut peridot in a simple setting — or a finely carved sardonyx — a fitting choice. The stone's historical associations with clarity of thought and attention to detail also resonate with Virgo's analytical character.
Caring for Your August Birthstone Jewelry
The three August birthstones have different care requirements, and knowing how to look after each one will keep your jewelry looking its best for years to come.
Peridot is the most delicate of the three. Clean it with warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or very soft toothbrush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, which can damage the stone. Keep peridot away from household chemicals, perfume, and hairspray, and remove it before swimming in chlorinated pools. Store it separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.
Spinel is more robust, with a Mohs hardness of up to 8 and good toughness. It can tolerate most everyday cleaning methods. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are ideal. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for spinel that has not been treated or filled, but when in doubt, stick to hand cleaning. Spinel is one of the more carefree colored gemstones and a good choice for those who don't want to worry too much about maintenance.
Sardonyx is durable but porous, meaning it can absorb oils and chemicals over time, which can dull its surface. Clean it with a damp soft cloth and mild soap, and dry it thoroughly before storing. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can fade the stone's color over time. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners on sardonyx.
For all three stones, storing jewelry in a fabric-lined box or separate soft pouch prevents scratches from contact with other pieces. Remove birthstone rings before gardening, exercising, or doing heavy manual work, and have settings checked by a jeweler once a year to ensure stones are secure.
Explore our curated selection of peridot and spinel jewelry—from statement earrings to delicate stacking rings—and discover pieces as radiant as the month they represent.
FAQs
What is August's birthstone?
August has three birthstones: peridot (traditional), spinel (added in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association), and sardonyx (historical). Peridot remains the most common modern choice.
What is the birthstone for August 11?
All birthdays in August share the same birthstones — peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. The specific date does not change the gem.
Is peridot a precious or semi-precious stone?
Peridot is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, but high-quality specimens with deep color saturation can be quite valuable.
What color is the August birthstone?
Peridot is a vivid yellow-green to lime green. Spinel comes in nearly every color, including red, pink, blue, lavender, and black. Sardonyx features bands of red, brown, and white.
What does peridot symbolize?
Peridot is associated with strength, protection from negativity, and prosperity. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off bad dreams.
Is spinel rarer than ruby?
Yes. Fine red spinel is significantly rarer than ruby, though it has historically been confused with ruby (the famous 'Black Prince's Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel).
How hard is peridot on the Mohs scale?
Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale - durable enough for daily wear but should be protected from hard knocks.
Can I wear peridot jewelry every day?
Yes, peridot is suitable for daily wear in earrings, pendants, and protected ring settings. Avoid exposing it to sudden temperature changes or harsh chemicals.
