- At a Glance: August Birthstones Compared
- Peridot: The Primary August Birthstone
- Spinel: The Modern August Birthstone
- Sardonyx: The Traditional August Birthstone
- How to Choose the Right August Birthstone
- Where August Birthstones Are Found
- Peridot vs. Other Green Gemstones
- Famous Peridot & Spinel Pieces
- Zodiac & Anniversary Connections
- Peridot Care Guide: Do's and Don'ts
- Natural vs. Lab-Grown August Birthstone
- Gifting Guide
- Best Metal Pairings
Born in August? You have not one but three birthstones to choose from. Peridot, with its signature olive-green glow, is the modern and most widely recognized August birthstone. Spinel, a relative newcomer to the official list, brings vibrant reds, pinks, and blues once mistaken for ruby and sapphire. And sardonyx, the traditional stone of antiquity, offers earthy banded layers of brown and white. Together, these three stones give August-born wearers a rare range of color, history, and personality to choose from.
For a full overview of birthstones across all twelve months, see our birthstones guide.
At a Glance: August Birthstones Compared
| Stone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Symbolism | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olive to lime green | 6.5–7 | Strength, protection, positivity | Everyday rings, pendants |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, purple | 8 | Vitality, harmony, revitalization | Engagement rings, statement pieces |
| Sardonyx | Brown/red with white bands | 6.5–7 | Courage, clarity, communication | Vintage-style and men's jewelry |
Peridot: The Primary August Birthstone
History & Origin
Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years, with some of the earliest known sources on Egypt's Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and prized it for its glow even in low light — a trait still visible today, since peridot shows little color change under artificial lighting.
Color & Quality
Peridot is one of the only gemstones that occurs in a single color family: green. Its hue ranges from yellowish-green to a deep olive, caused by iron within the crystal structure. The most valuable peridot displays a pure, vivid green with minimal brown or yellow undertone.
Durability & Care
At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is suited to earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings. It's sensitive to sudden temperature changes and acidic substances, so ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are the safest cleaning method.
Symbolism
Peridot is associated with strength, protection from nightmares, and renewed positivity — making it a popular gift for milestone birthdays and new beginnings.
Spinel: The Modern August Birthstone
Spinel was added as an official August birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association in 2016, recognizing centuries of mistaken identity — many famous "rubies," including the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are actually red spinel.
Color & Quality
Spinel occurs in a wide spectrum: vivid red, hot pink, cobalt blue, violet, and orange. Red and vivid pink varieties command the highest prices, while blue spinel is prized for its rarity.
Durability
At 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is more durable than peridot and well-suited to daily-wear rings, including engagement rings.
Symbolism
Spinel is linked to vitality, physical strength, and emotional balance, making it a meaningful alternative for those seeking a durable, colorful stone with a compelling backstory.
Sardonyx: The Traditional August Birthstone
A banded variety of onyx, sardonyx alternates layers of reddish-brown sard and white or cream-colored onyx. It has been used since antiquity in engraved signet rings and cameos, prized by Roman soldiers as a protective talisman.
Color & Quality
Value is judged by the contrast and evenness of its bands — sharp, parallel striping between the brown and white layers is most desirable.
Durability
Sardonyx rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and is best suited to rings and pendants with moderate wear.
Symbolism
Sardonyx is associated with courage, clear communication, and lasting friendships.
How to Choose the Right August Birthstone
- For everyday elegance: Peridot offers an affordable, vivid green suited to rings, studs, and pendants.
- For an engagement ring or heirloom piece: Spinel's hardness and rich color range make it a durable, distinctive choice.
- For vintage or symbolic jewelry: Sardonyx's banded pattern suits signet rings, cameos, and personalized pieces.
Where August Birthstones Are Found
Peridot Mining Locations
Peridot forms deep within the earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity, which is why it's one of the few gemstones found in meteorites as well as on Earth. Major sources include:
- Arizona, USA — the San Carlos Apache Reservation is one of the world's largest peridot sources, producing smaller, richly saturated stones
- Myanmar (Burma) — historically prized for large, well-saturated stones
- Pakistan — the Kashmir region produces some of the finest, most vivid peridot on the market today
- Zabargad Island, Egypt — the ancient source referenced in ancient Egyptian and Roman writings, largely depleted today
Spinel Mining Locations
- Myanmar (Burma) — source of the finest red and pink "Jedi spinel," named for its electric, saturated color
- Sri Lanka — a historic source producing a wide color range, including cobalt blue
- Tanzania and Vietnam — increasingly important modern sources, particularly for vivid pink and purple material
Sardonyx Mining Locations
Sardonyx is found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and the United States, and is typically formed in volcanic rock cavities alongside other agate varieties.
Peridot vs. Other Green Gemstones
Shoppers often compare peridot to other green stones. Here's how it stacks up:
| Comparison | Peridot | Emerald | Green Sapphire | Tsavorite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 6.5–7 | 7.5–8 | 9 | 7–7.5 |
| Typical Clarity | Eye-clean common | Inclusions expected | Eye-clean common | Eye-clean common |
| Price Point | Budget-friendly | Premium to luxury | Mid to high | Mid to high |
| Color Range | Single tone (green only) | Deep, saturated green | Yellowish to bluish-green | Vivid, slightly bluish-green |
| Treatment | Rarely treated | Almost always oiled | Sometimes heat-treated | Rarely treated |
Peridot's key advantage is that it is almost never treated or enhanced — what you see is the stone's natural color. For buyers who specifically value untreated gemstones, our guide on treated vs. untreated gemstones explains what treatments mean for value, care, and disclosure.
Famous Peridot & Spinel Pieces
- The Smithsonian Institution holds one of the largest cut peridots in the world, a 310-carat stone originating from Zabargad Island.
- Peridot crystals have been recovered from meteorites, specifically pallasite meteorites, making it one of the only gems with an extraterrestrial source.
- The Black Prince's Ruby, set in the Imperial State Crown of the British Crown Jewels, is now known to be a 170-carat red spinel — one of the most famous cases of historical gemstone misidentification.
- The Timur Ruby, another British Crown Jewels piece, was also later identified as spinel rather than ruby.
Zodiac & Anniversary Connections
- Peridot is traditionally linked to the zodiac sign Leo (July 23–August 22) and is also given as a 16th wedding anniversary gift.
- Spinel is associated with the 35th wedding anniversary.
- Sardonyx has historical ties to Leo as well and was traditionally worn for protection and courage in ancient Rome.
Peridot Care Guide: Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush
- Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching
- Remove before swimming, since chlorine and saltwater can dull the surface over time
Don't:
- Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners — the sudden temperature and pressure changes can cause fracturing
- Wear peridot jewelry while gardening, cleaning, or exercising
- Expose peridot to sudden temperature swings, such as going from a hot shower to cold air
For a broader guide to caring for fine jewelry long-term, see our how to take care of diamond jewelry guide — the principles for cleaning and storage apply equally to colored gemstone pieces.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown August Birthstone Options
Peridot is not currently produced as a lab-grown gemstone in commercial quantities, since it forms under specific volcanic and mantle conditions that are difficult to replicate cost-effectively — nearly all peridot on the market is natural.
Spinel, by contrast, has been synthesized since the early 20th century. When shopping for spinel jewelry, confirm whether the stone is natural or lab-created, as this significantly affects value — natural spinel, especially in vivid red or blue, commands a considerable premium over synthetic material. Our lab grown vs. natural diamonds guide covers the natural-vs-lab framework in depth, and most of that reasoning applies equally here.
Gifting Guide: Best August Birthstone Jewelry by Occasion
- Birthday gift: A peridot pendant or stud earrings offer an affordable, wearable everyday piece
- Engagement or promise ring: Spinel's durability and color range make it a strong center-stone alternative to sapphire
- Anniversary gift: Pair peridot with diamonds in a halo setting for a 16th-anniversary piece, or choose spinel for a 35th-anniversary gift. Browse our anniversary rings for settings well-suited to colored center stones
- Milestone birthday (e.g., 30th, 40th, 50th): A statement peridot cocktail ring in a deep olive hue makes for a memorable milestone gift
- Men's jewelry: Sardonyx signet rings and cufflinks offer a classic, understated option
Best Metal Pairings
- Peridot pairs beautifully with yellow gold, which enhances its warm, golden-green undertones, and also looks striking against white gold or platinum for a cooler, more modern contrast
- Spinel works well in white gold or platinum settings that let vivid red, pink, or blue hues take center stage, though rose gold is a popular choice for pink spinel
- Sardonyx is traditionally set in yellow gold, echoing its use in ancient signet rings and cameos
Final Thought
August birthstones offer a beautiful combination of color, history, symbolism, and personality, giving those born in August three unique gemstones to choose from. Peridot, the primary August birthstone, is known for its distinctive olive-green glow and is associated with strength, protection, and positivity. Spinel adds a vibrant alternative, available in striking shades of red, pink, blue, purple, and orange, while its durability makes it suitable for everyday jewelry. Sardonyx brings a more traditional and vintage-inspired appeal with its distinctive brown, red, and white bands, symbolizing courage, clarity, and communication. Whether you prefer the fresh green beauty of peridot, the bold colors of spinel, or the timeless character of sardonyx, each August birthstone has its own story and meaning. From birthday gifts to engagement rings and anniversary jewelry, these gemstones offer meaningful ways to celebrate August and create a piece that feels personal and memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official August birthstone?
Peridot is the primary and most widely recognized August birthstone, though spinel and sardonyx are also official alternates.
Why does August have three birthstones?
Birthstone lists have evolved over centuries. Sardonyx is the traditional stone from ancient birthstone lists, peridot became the modern standard in the 20th century, and spinel was added in 2016 to reflect gemstones historically confused with other stones.
Is peridot a valuable gemstone?
Peridot is moderately priced compared to stones like sapphire or ruby, making it accessible for larger carat weights, though exceptional, deeply saturated stones can command higher prices.
Can peridot be worn every day?
Yes, with reasonable care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, extreme temperature changes, and exposure to harsh chemicals or acids.
What is the rarest August birthstone color?
Blue spinel is considered the rarest and most valuable color within the August birthstone group.
Is spinel a good alternative to ruby or sapphire?
Yes. Spinel shares similar hardness and comparable color ranges to ruby and sapphire, often at a lower price point, making it a popular alternative for engagement rings.
Where does peridot come from?
Major sources include Arizona in the USA, Myanmar, and Pakistan's Kashmir region, which produces some of the most vividly colored peridot available today.
Is peridot available as a lab-grown gemstone?
No. Peridot is not commercially produced in labs, so nearly all peridot on the market is natural. Spinel, however, is commonly available in both natural and lab-created forms.
What anniversary is peridot associated with?
Peridot is the traditional gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary, while spinel is associated with the 35th anniversary.
Can I wear peridot in the shower or pool?
It's best to remove peridot jewelry before swimming or showering. Chlorine, saltwater, and sudden temperature changes can dull or damage the stone over time.
What zodiac sign is linked to the August birthstones?
Peridot and sardonyx are both traditionally associated with Leo, the zodiac sign spanning July 23 to August 22.