August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx

Last updated on October 14, 2026

Celebrate August with gemstones! In this birth month for Leo (August 1st-August 23rd) and Virgo (August 24th-August 31st), find their birthstone jewelry to protect him/her! Those born in August are fortunate to have three birthstones to choose from. Do you know what they are? Keep reading as this article provides a comprehensive analysis of August’s three birthstones, including their history, meanings, colors, and more.

Table Of Contents

• What are August Birthstones?
• Why Does August Have Three Birthstones?
• The Most Classic August Birthstone—Peridot
• The Newest August Birthstone—Spinel
• The Oldest August Birthstone—Sardonyx
• Common Questions about August Birthstones

What are August Birthstones?

August is one of the few special months fortunate enough to have three official birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx.

Currently, Peridot is the most popular primary birthstone for August, officially recognized by the American Gem Society in 1912. Sardonyx is the original ancient birthstone with over 4,000 years of recorded history, while Spinel is the newest addition, officially joining the August list on June 1, 2016 to offer a broader variety of vibrant colors and enhanced durability.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you find the perfect match:

Quick jewelry tip: If you want a gemstone ring for frequent everyday wear, spinel is generally the most practical of the three. If you prefer green jewelry or historic designs, peridot and sardonyx are equally meaningful choices, provided you’re comfortable with a little extra care.

Why Does August Have Three Birthstones?

The list of August birthstones has evolved over time. Sardonyx is the original ancient birthstone, valued for thousands of years. Peridot was later designated as the primary modern August birthstone by the American Gem Society in 1912. To give August babies even more variety in color and durability, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially added Spinel on June 1, 2016.

The Most Classic August Birthstone—Peridot

August Birthstone Peridot History

August Birthstone Peridot Origin

August birthstone peridot comes from many places, including China, the United States, and Myanmar, with Arizona in the United States being the largest source of peridot. Most Peridot forms deep within the Earth and is brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. In June 2018, Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted, and Peridot within the volcanic rock was ejected, causing a rain of gems. Local residents could easily pick up Peridot on the streets and beaches. Papakolea Beach on the southernmost part of Hawaii is entirely made of Peridot, making it one of only two green sand beaches in the world (the other being in French Guiana’s Kourou).

Surprisingly, Peridot also forms in outer space. In the 18th century, German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas discovered Peridot inclusions in meteorites. In 2003, NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor found that Peridot covers more than 19,000 miles of Mars, giving the red planet an undeniable green hue. On May 15, 2019, the prestigious international academic journal Nature published an article titled “Chang’E-4 initial spectroscopic identification of lunar far-side mantle-derived materials,” stating, “Here we report on the initial spectral observations of the Visible and Near Infrared Spectrometer (VNIS) onboard Yutu-2, which we interpret to represent the presence of low-calcium (ortho)pyroxene and olivine, materials that may originate from the lunar mantle.” It can be inferred that the lunar mantle is rich in Peridot (so, can we say the Moon is a green planet in the future? lol).

Peridot Color and Hardness

Peridot, the August birthstone, belongs to the silicate mineral group with a chemical formula of (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 and a hardness of 6.5 to 7.

Unlike many gems that owe their shades to trace impurities, peridot is an idiochromatic gemstone. This means its signature green color comes directly from its essential chemical structure—primarily iron and magnesium—making green its defining, natural hue. Its color ranges from yellow-green to olive green and can even have brownish tones. High iron content makes Peridot appear rich green, while high magnesium content makes it brighter. The deep green Peridot is very similar to emerald, and some historians believe that part of Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection was actually Peridot.

Related Reading: Peridot vs. Emerald

Symbol of Peridot

The vibrant green peridot, the birthstone for August, is believed to symbolize hope, peace, and rebirth. It is also said to promote harmony in life and relationships. In ancient Egypt, people believed that has protective powers and could bring good luck and health. During the Middle Ages, people used peridot as a healing stone, believing it could cure various diseases, especially liver and gallbladder diseases. In addition to being an August birthstone, Peridot is also the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary.

Do you like the green color of the August birthstone? Explore our collection of August peridot rings and find jewelry that speaks to you!

The Newest August Birthstone—Spinel

August Birthstone Spinel History

Spinel is the “youngest” of August birthstones, officially joining the list on June 1, 2016. Although it hasn’t been long since its addition, the updates to birthstones often reflect growing demand from gem lovers. The gemstone was named “Spinel” after the Latin word “spina” (meaning thorn) due to the pointed shape of its crystals.

For centuries, people mistook the intensely red Spinel for ruby until 1783, when gemologists discovered that Spinel’s chemical composition was different from ruby, distinguishing the two. The most famous Spinel in history is the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” set in the British Imperial State Crown. Despite its name and centuries of royal history, modern gemology revealed that this magnificent 170-carat red centerpiece is actually a natural red spinel, showcasing the gemstone’s rich and regal past.

Related Reading: Spinel vs. Ruby

August Birthstone Spinel Origin

Spinel is a metamorphic mineral found in metamorphic limestone and low-silica mudstone. This August birthstone comes from many places, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Among them, Myanmar produces the highest quality red spinel.

Spinel Color and Hardness

Spinel is an oxide mineral with the chemical formula MgAl2O4 and a hardness of 8. The August birthstone Spinel is a multicolored gemstone, including red, pink, blue, orange, black, and green.

Symbol of Spinel

Spinel, the August birthstone, is considered a symbol of energy and vitality. Red Spinel symbolizes passion and strength, while blue Spinel represents calmness and wisdom. In India, people believe that spinel has protective properties, driving away negative energy and bringing mental peace. Additionally, this August birthstone is the gemstone for the 22nd wedding anniversary.

The Oldest August Birthstone—Sardonyx

August Birthstone Sardonyx History

Sardonyx’s history dates back 4,000 years, making it the oldest of the three August birthstones. In ancient Rome, this August birthstone was often made into seal rings for signing letters and stamping documents. In ancient Egypt, people commonly made sardonyx into amulets to protect the wearer.

August Birthstone Sardonyx Origin

This ancient August birthstone consists of two quartz varieties: sard and onyx, which gives it the name sardonyx. Sardonyx comes from many locations, including India, Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States. Among them, people recognize the sardonyx from India for its excellent color-layer contrast.

Sardonyx Color and Hardness

Sardonyx has the same Mohs hardness (6.5-7) as Peridot. This August birthstone’s main body is brown, red, or orange, with white or black onyx stripes.

Symbol of Sardonyx

Sardonyx, the August birthstone, symbolizes protection, courage, happiness, and communication. In ancient Rome, soldiers wore Sardonyx in battle, believing it enhanced courage and determination. People also believe that sardonyx has healing properties, balancing energy and promoting physical health.

Final Words

August’s birthstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel—each have their own unique history and meanings. Those born in August are lucky to choose from three beautiful birthstones.