August Birthstones
The official August birthstones are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. August is one of only two months with three official birthstones, giving people born in August multiple choices of gemstones that differ in color, history, durability, and symbolism.
August Birthstone | Description | History | Meaning & Symbolism | Color | Hardness | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peridot | Primary August birthstone; gem variety of olivine. | Ancient Egyptians' "gem of the sun"; often confused with topaz and emerald. | Good health, restful sleep, peace; traditionally believed to protect against nightmares and evil spirits. | Lime green to olive green; vivid lime-green most valued. | 6.5-7 Mohs; suitable for daily wear with care. | Warm water, mild soap, soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic, steam, acids, impacts, and store separately. |
Spinel | Newest official August birthstone (added in 2016); widest color range. | Frequently mistaken for ruby in historic collections; name comes from the Latin spina ("thorn"). | Traditionally associated with easing anger and promoting harmony. | Red, pink, blue, purple, orange; vivid red most valuable. | 8 Mohs; scratch-resistant and well suited to daily wear. | Warm soapy water and soft brush; ultrasonic and steam generally safe with caution. Avoid harsh chemicals and store separately. |
Sardonyx | Original August birthstone; layered chalcedony made of sard and onyx. | More than 4,000 years of history; used for Roman seals and Renaissance cameos. | Traditionally symbolizes courage, happiness, clear communication, stability, and marital harmony. | Reddish-brown to dark orange with white or black bands. | 6.5-7 Mohs; suitable for regular wear with care. | Warm soapy water and soft brush; gentle cleaning preferred. Protect from impacts and harsh chemicals. |
Popular August Birthstone Jewelry
Peridot Birthstone
Peridot is the primary August birthstone. It is a gem variety of the mineral olivine and is recognized for its distinctive lime-green to olive-green color. Unlike many gemstones, peridot occurs only within the green color family, although its hue can range from bright lime green to deeper olive green.
History of the Peridot Birthstone
Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun.” They believed the gemstone offered protection against nightmares and evil spirits.
Peridot has often been confused with other gemstones, particularly topaz and emerald. Some believe that parts of Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may actually have been made up of peridot.
The island of Topazios, now called Zabargad, is located in the Red Sea and is the oldest known source of peridot. Although the island’s name was associated with topaz, the gemstone found there was peridot.
Peridot Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Throughout history, peridot has symbolized good health, restful sleep, and peace. It was also used as a protective talisman and was traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and nightmares.
Peridot Birthstone Color
Peridot ranges from lime green to olive green. Unlike many gemstones that occur in several color families, peridot appears only within the green color family, although its tint and intensity can vary.
The most valued peridots display a bright, vibrant lime-green color with excellent saturation. Differences in tone and color intensity can make some peridots appear lighter, deeper, or more olive in hue.
Peridot Birthstone Hardness
Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be worn daily, but it requires more care than harder gemstones.
Because peridot can chip when struck, it should be protected from hard impacts and scratches. A secure jewelry setting can provide additional protection, particularly when peridot is worn in a ring.
Peridot Birthstone Care
Peridot should be handled carefully because acids and prolonged exposure to perspiration can damage the gemstone. Peridot jewelry should not be cleaned with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
To clean peridot, use a soft-bristle brush, mild dish soap, and warm water. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly after cleaning and dry it completely.
Store peridot separately from other jewelry to help prevent scratches. A soft pouch or lined jewelry box provides added protection. Remove peridot jewelry before household chores, sports, or other activities that could expose the stone to chemicals or impacts.
Spinel Birthstone
Spinel is the newest August birthstone and was added to the month's official birthstone lineup in 2016. It occurs in the widest range of colors among the three August birthstones and ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the most durable option for everyday wear.
History of the Spinel Birthstone
Spinel has a long history of mistaken identity. Because some spinels resemble rubies, the gemstone was frequently misidentified as ruby in historic jewelry and royal collections. One example is the 170-carat “ruby” in the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain.
The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, meaning “thorn.” The name refers to the shape of spinel crystals.
Spinel Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Historically, red spinel was thought to be a remedy for inflammatory diseases. It was also believed to ease anger and promote harmony.
Spinel Birthstone Color
Spinel occurs in the widest range of colors among the three August birthstones. Its colors include intense reds and pinks, deep blues, purples, and oranges.
Vivid red spinels are considered the most valuable and have historically been mistaken for rubies. Blue spinel can range from light pastel blue to deep navy, while purple spinel can range from lavender to deep violet.
Different trace elements within the crystal structure produce spinel’s varied colors.
Spinel Birthstone Hardness
Spinel ranks 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it resistant to scratches and suitable for daily wear. It can be used in rings and other frequently worn jewelry.
Spinel also has excellent toughness. This makes it less likely to chip or fracture than some other gemstones.
Spinel Birthstone Care
Spinel can generally withstand ultrasonic and steam cleaning. However, these cleaning methods should be used carefully because existing fractures could worsen under certain conditions.
For routine cleaning, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposing spinel to harsh chemicals and store it separately from other jewelry to help prevent scratching.
With appropriate care, spinel can retain its vibrant color and brilliant luster for generations.
Sardonyx Birthstone
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone and has a history dating back more than 4,000 years. It is formed from alternating layers of sard and onyx, two varieties of chalcedony, and is recognized for its distinctive banded appearance.
History of the Sardonyx Birthstone
In ancient times, sardonyx was commonly used for Roman seals and signet rings. Hot wax would not stick to the stone, making it practical for creating seals.
Sardonyx was also traditionally believed to provide protection in battle. During the Renaissance, the gemstone became popular for cameos and intaglios, which feature engraved designs.
Sardonyx Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
Sardonyx traditionally symbolizes courage, happiness, and clear communication for people born in August. It is also associated with stability and harmony in marriages and partnerships.
Sardonyx Birthstone Color
Sardonyx combines alternating layers of sard and onyx. These layers create a reddish-brown to dark orange gemstone with contrasting white or black bands.
The bands can resemble zebra stripes and give sardonyx its distinctive appearance. Individual specimens may vary in band width, color intensity, and pattern, making each piece visually unique.
Sardonyx Birthstone Hardness
Sardonyx ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, giving it a hardness similar to peridot. It can be worn regularly, but it should be protected from impacts and harsh chemicals.
The gemstone’s layered structure requires additional care to help prevent chipping. This is especially important when sardonyx is worn in a ring. When properly cut and securely set, sardonyx can be worn daily with appropriate precautions.
Sardonyx Birthstone Care
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used on sardonyx with caution, but gentle cleaning methods are preferable.
Clean sardonyx with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly and dry it completely after cleaning.
*Brilliant Earth does not carry Sardonyx.
August Birthstone FAQ
What color is the August birthstone?
August does not have a single birthstone color because the month has three official birthstones. Peridot ranges from lime green to olive; spinel occurs in colors including red, pink, blue, purple, and orange; and sardonyx is typically reddish brown to dark orange with white or black bands.
How many birthstones does August have?
August has three birthstones, peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is the primary August birthstone, sardonyx is the original, and spinel is the newest addition.
Why does August have three birthstones?
August has three birthstones because birthstone traditions have evolved over time to reflect changing availability, new additions, and consumer preferences. This allows those celebrating their birthday in August to have a variety of options.
Is peridot a birthstone?
Yes, peridot is the birthstone for August along with spinel and sardonyx.
What does the August birthstone mean?
August's three birthstones each carry distinct meanings:
- Peridot symbolizes good health, restful sleep, and peace, and was traditionally used as a protective talisman against nightmares and evil spirits.
- Spinel is historically associated with easing anger and promoting harmony.
- Sardonyx symbolizes courage, happiness, clear communication, and stability, and is linked to harmony in marriages and partnerships.
These meanings come from historical and cultural traditions.
What does the August birthstone look like?
August's three birthstones look distinctly different from one another.
- Peridot appears only in the green color family, ranging from bright lime green to deeper olive green.
- Spinel has the widest color range of the three, occurring in red, pink, blue, purple, and orange, with vivid red the most valuable.
- Sardonyx is reddish-brown to dark orange with contrasting white or black bands that can resemble zebra stripes, making each piece visually unique.
What is the traditional birthstone for August?
Peridot is the traditional August birthstone. Though sardonyx was the original birthstone associated with August, peridot has been widely recognized as the primary August birthstone for many decades. While modern birthstone lists include spinel as an additional option, peridot remains the classic choice that most people associate with August.
