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, offering those born in this vibrant summer month a variety of colors and characteristics to choose from. The original birthstone for August was sardonyx, then came peridot, and most recently, spinel was added to the official list.
Peridot, with its signature lime-green to olive hue, has been treasured since ancient times. This gemstone is unique as it’s one of the few that occurs in only one color, though its intensity and tint may vary. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it protected against nightmares.
Spinel, the newest addition to August’s birthstone lineup, offers the widest range of colors among the three, from vibrant reds and pinks to deep blues, purples, and oranges. This gemstone is prized for its brilliance and hardness (8 on the Mohs scale).
Sardonyx, the original August birthstone, combines alternating layers of sard and onyx —creating distinctive reddish-brown and white banded patterns. Ancient Romans believed sardonyx provided protection in battle, making it popular for soldiers’ signet rings. This affordable gemstone symbolizes courage, happiness, and clear communication.
Those born in August are fortunate to have three distinctive gemstones representing their birth month, each with its own rich history and visual appeal. Whether set in earrings, rings, or a pendant, these gemstones offer versatile options for jewelry.
August Birthstone Color
The August birthstone colors vary greatly from each other, each offering distinctive options for different preferences.
Peridot Birthstone Color:
- Peridot’s signature bright green color stands out. This birthstone is a yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine.
Spinel Birthstone Color:
- Spinel is available in many different hues — from orange, red, pink, purple, and violet to grey, blue and bluish-green.
Sardonyx Birthstone Color:
- Sardonyx features a combination of brownish-red or brown to dark orange and white or black layers of onyx. This birthstone’s alternating layers of neutrals, reds and oranges offer complexity often likened to zebra stripes.
August Birthstone History
Each August birthstone has interesting stories of discovery, with different uses throughout the ages.
Peridot Birthstone History:
- Often confused with topaz and emerald, some believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may actually 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.
Spinel Birthstone History:
- Spinel was frequently misidentified as other gemstones, particularly rubies, throughout history due to similar appearance. The Black Prince Edward of Wales was awarded a 170 carat “ruby” in the 1300s that was later proven to be spinel, which is now set in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown. For centuries, red spinels in the crown jewels of many countries were thought to be rubies until modern gemological testing.
Sardonyx Birthstone History:
- Sardonyx was widely used in ancient civilizations for seals and signet rings, as the stone could be carved and would not stick to wax. During the Renaissance period, this August birthstone became popular for cameos and intaglios (engraved designs).
August Birthstone Meaning
Each August birthstone has distinct meanings and associations.
Peridot Birthstone Meaning:
- Used as a protective talisman for centuries, peridot was believed to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. In modern tradition, peridot is given to commemorate a 16th wedding anniversary.
Spinel Birthstone Meaning:
- Historically, red spinel was thought to cure inflammatory diseases and ease anger. Now, spinel is given as a 22nd wedding anniversary gift.
Sardonyx Birthstone Meaning:
- Sardonyx has long been associated with courage, clear communication, and happiness. The stability of sardonyx is thought to bring harmony to marriages and partnerships.
Where are the August birthstones found?
August birthstones are sourced from around the world.
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.
Spinel Birthstone Origins:
- Spinel is also commonly found near Mogok, Myanmar, as well as Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan.
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.
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. This birthstone is susceptible to chipping if struck, so it should be protected from scratches and hard impacts with the use of secure settings.
Spinel Birthstone Durability:
Reasonably durable, spinel is an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, and can be worn daily in rings and other jewelry.
Sardonyx Birthstone Durability:
Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, similar to peridot. Its layered structure requires some care to prevent chipping. When properly cut and set, this August gemstone can be worn daily with appropriate precautions against impacts and harsh chemicals.
August Birthstone Cleaning & Care
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and beauty of August birthstones.
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.
Spinel Birthstone Cleaning & Care:
Spinel can generally withstand ultrasonic and steam cleaners; however, it’s important to be mindful of fractures, as these could worsen under certain cleaning conditions. For routine cleaning of this August birthstone, warm soapy water and a soft brush are effective and safe. Avoid exposing spinel to harsh chemicals and store separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Sardonyx Birthstone Cleaning & Care:
As with spinel, you can use ultrasonic or steam cleaners with caution, but gentle cleaning methods are best. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
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
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.
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 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, Birthstone Chart, Birthstone Colors, Birthstone Meanings, Most Expensive Birthstones, What Is My Birthstone?, What Is the Rarest Birthstone?, What Months Have Two or More Birthstones?, Zodiac Birthstones
