August Birthstone Meaning
What is the August birthstone? Discover the meaning, history and symbolism of peridot, spinel and sardonyx — August's vibrant birthstones.
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August has three birthstones — peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot, the most famous, is a lime-green gem said to symbolize strength, protection and good fortune, making it a meaningful gift for late-summer birthdays.
What Is the August Birthstone?
August has three birthstones — peridot, spinel and sardonyx — but peridot is by far the most recognized. With its glowing lime-to-olive green color, peridot perfectly captures the lush, sun-soaked feel of late summer. Spinel, added as an August birthstone in 2016, brings a rainbow of colors to the month, while sardonyx, a banded form of chalcedony, is the ancient traditional stone that started it all.
Peridot is unusual among gems: it occurs in only one color, green, with the depth of shade depending on how much iron the crystal contains. This pure, vivid green makes it instantly recognizable and a favorite for summery jewelry.
August Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
August’s stones carry meanings of strength, protection and good fortune:
- Peridot is said to symbolize strength, harmony, good luck and protection. The ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it guarded against nightmares and evil.
- Spinel is associated with vitality, energy and devotion, and was historically given as a stone of hope and renewal.
- Sardonyx symbolizes courage, happy relationships and clear communication; Roman soldiers wore it for protection and strength in battle.
Together they make August a month of stones tied to resilience, positivity and protection.
August Birthstones at a Glance
| Stone | Color | Mohs Hardness | Said to Symbolize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Yellow-green to olive | 6.5–7 | Strength, protection, luck |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, purple | 8 | Vitality, hope, devotion |
| Sardonyx | Reddish-brown and white bands | 6.5–7 | Courage, communication |
History of August’s Birthstones
Peridot has been mined for over 3,500 years, originally from Zabargad Island (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea. The ancient Egyptians prized it so highly that some historians believe several of Cleopatra’s famous “emeralds” may actually have been peridot. In the Middle Ages, peridot was set into European church treasures and cathedral relics.
Sardonyx is one of the oldest known gemstones, used for signet rings and seals in ancient Greece and Rome because hot wax would not stick to its surface. For centuries it was the primary August birthstone.
Spinel has a fascinating history of mistaken identity — many famous “rubies” in royal crowns, including the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, are actually red spinels. In recognition of its beauty and history, spinel was officially added as an August birthstone in 2016.
Choosing an August Birthstone Gift
August birthstones offer something for every style and budget. Peridot is affordable, widely available and durable enough for everyday rings, pendants and earrings; its cheerful green pairs beautifully with both yellow and white metals. For a more colorful or luxurious gift, spinel is an excellent choice — it is very hard (Mohs 8), comes in stunning reds and pinks, and is increasingly collectible.
Sardonyx suits those who love vintage or classical designs, lending itself well to cameos and carved pieces. Whichever stone you choose, an August birthstone carries the month’s themes of strength, protection and good fortune — a sunny, meaningful way to celebrate a summer birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the August birthstone?
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot, a vivid lime-green gem, is the best known. Spinel was added in 2016 to offer more color choices, while sardonyx is the ancient traditional August stone.
What does the August birthstone mean?
Peridot, August's main birthstone, is said to symbolize strength, protection, good fortune and harmony. The ancient Egyptians called it the 'gem of the sun' and believed it warded off nightmares and negative energy.
What color is the August birthstone?
Peridot is famous for its bright yellowish-green to olive-green color, one of the few gems that occurs in only one color. Spinel comes in many shades including red, pink and blue, and sardonyx shows banded reddish-brown and white layers.
Is peridot a valuable gemstone?
Peridot is moderately priced and very accessible, though fine large stones with a rich pure-green color command higher prices. Rare peridot from sources like Pakistan and Myanmar, and even meteorite peridot, can be especially valuable.
Why does August have three birthstones?
Birthstone lists have evolved over time. Sardonyx is the ancient August stone, peridot became the dominant modern choice, and spinel was added by the Jewelers of America and AGTA in 2016 to give people more variety and color options.