Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx are the birthstones of August — making it one of only three months to have three birthstones, along with June and December.
What is the birthstone for August?
August’s birthstones include peridot, spinel and sardonyx. The original birthstone for August was sardonyx, then followed peridot and most recently, spinel.
Peridot’s signature bright green color stands out, while spinel is available in many different hues — from gray to various versions of warm and cool tones. Sardonyx’s alternating layers of neutrals, reds and oranges offer complexity often likened to zebra stripes.
Those born in August are sure to find a favorite option among this diverse set of three gemstones — whether set in earrings, rings, or a pendant.
August Birthstone Color
The August birthstone colors vary greatly from each other, each offering stunning colors for any preference or aesthetic.
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Peridot Birthstone Color:
- Peridot is a yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine.
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Spinel Birthstone Color:
- Spinel gemstones range in color from orange, red, pink, purple, and violet to grey, blue and bluish-green.
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Sardonyx Birthstone Color:
- Sardonyx features a combination of brownish-red or brown to dark orange and white or black layers of onyx.
August Birthstone History
Each August birthstone has interesting stories of discovery, with different uses throughout the ages.
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Peridot Birthstone History:
- Often confused with topaz and emerald, some believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot. The island of Topazios (now referred to as Zabargad) in the Red Sea is the oldest known source of peridot (not topaz, as previously thought). The August birthstone was discovered among priests’ jewelry as early as the second century BCE.
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Spinel Birthstone History:
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Sardonyx Birthstone History:
- Sardonyx was used in seals and signet rings in ancient Rome, and later for cameos and intaglios (engraved designs).
August Birthstone Meaning
Each August birthstone has a distinct meaning.
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Peridot Birthstone Meaning:
- Used as a protective talisman for centuries, peridot is now given to commemorate a 16th wedding anniversary.
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Spinel Birthstone Meaning:
- Red spinel was thought to cure inflammatory diseases and ease anger. Now, spinel is given as a 22nd wedding anniversary gift.
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Sardonyx Birthstone Meaning:
- Sardonyx is associated with courage, clear communication and happiness, which can bring stability to marriages and partnerships.
Where are the August birthstones found?
August birthstones are sourced from around the world.
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Peridot Birthstone Origins:
- Besides Zabargad as mentioned, peridot is commonly sourced from a mountainous area near Mogok, Myanmar where rubies and many other gemstones are found. Peridot often comes from both meteorites and volcanic eruptions. Peridot Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is named after the August birthstone and boasts sand that glitters with the green gemstone. Other common sources of peridot are China, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States.
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Spinel Birthstone Origins:
- Spinel is also commonly found near Mogok, Myanmar, as well as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan.
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Sardonyx Birthstone Origins:
- Sardonyx is commonly found in Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.
August Birthstone Durability
Peridot and sardonyx have similar durability, while spinel is quite resistant to damage.
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Peridot Birthstone Durability:
- On the softer end of the Mohs hardness scale at a 6.5-7, peridot is safe for daily wear but should be treated with extra care.
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Spinel Birthstone Durability:
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Sardonyx Birthstone Durability:
- Sardonyx has the same durability as peridot and can be worn daily when handled with proper care.
August Birthstone Cleaning & Care
Learn about how to care for and clean your August birthstones, below.
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Peridot Birthstone Cleaning & Care:
- Peridot must be handled with care, as it is prone to damage from acids and even by long-term exposure to perspiration. Never use a steam or ultrasonic cleaner; instead use a soft-bristle brush with a mild dish soap in warm water.
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Spinel Birthstone Cleaning & Care:
- Spinel can withstand ultrasonic and steam cleaners; however, it’s important to be mindful of fractures.
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Sardonyx Birthstone Cleaning & Care:
- As with spinel, you can use ultrasonic or steam cleaners with caution, but gentle cleaning methods are best.
August Birthstone Jewelry
To commemorate the end of summer, your birthday or your favorite person born in August, browse a few of our August birthstone options below.
August Birthstone Necklaces
Teardrop Peridot Pendant
A pear-shaped peridot rests within a bezel setting with an open back to allow maximum light to reach the gem.
Floating Solitaire Peridot Pendant
A beautiful peridot is set in this elegant pendant style that glides smoothly along a lustrous cable chain.
Lilac Bouquet Pendant
A glittering gemstone cluster of an amethyst, pink spinel, tanzanite, and a diamond gather together for a truly unique look.
August Birthstone Rings
Luxe Ballad Peridot Ring
Peridot Sweetheart Signet Ring
This charming signet ring features a heart-shaped silhouette with a round peridot at its center.
Coastal Ombre Ring
Shimmering diamonds, lab sapphires, lab spinels, lab alexandrites, and London Blue topaz create an eye-catching ombre effect that wraps half of the way around this chic, whimsical ring.
August Birthstone Earrings
Solitaire Peridot Stud Earrings
Teardrop Peridot Earrings
Lilac Bouquet Earrings
August Birthstone Bracelets
Peridot Bezel Bracelet
Both elegant and timeless, this bracelet features a charming bezel-set peridot on a delicate cable chain.
Lilac Bouquet Cuff Bracelet
August Birthstone FAQs
How many birthstones does August have?
August has three birthstones — peridot, spinel and sardonyx.
Why does August have three birthstones?
Birthstone associations have evolved over time, and as such, certain months have multiple birthstones based on the gemstone’s unique properties or meanings, such as August with three birthstones. This allows those celebrating their birthday in August to have a variety of options.
What is the traditional August birthstone?
Peridot is the traditional August birthstone.
What is August’s birthstone flower?
The August birth flowers are poppies and gladiolas (or sword lilies).
What month is the peridot birthstone?
August is the month associated with peridot.
What month is the spinel birthstone?
August is the month associated with spinel.
What month is the sardonyx birthstone?
August is the month associated with sardonyx.
Still interested in learning more about birthstones? Check out our other birthstone guides: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
