August has three birthstones to choose from: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Between fresh green, bright gem colors and natural bands, there’s something for several different styles. Peridot is probably the best-known of the three, but the others are well worth getting to know.
Peridot: fresh and lively green
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine. Its green color often has a touch of yellow or gold, giving it a lively, sunlit look. It’s one of the few gemstones that’s almost always found in shades of green, which makes its color especially recognizable.
Spinel: a surprising range of colors
Spinel comes in red, pink, purple, blue, gray and more. Red spinel was once confused with ruby in historic jewelry, but it’s a distinct gemstone with its own beauty. Its range of colors makes it a wonderfully flexible choice for August birthdays.
Sardonyx: color in layers
Sardonyx is a type of banded chalcedony, often with reddish-brown and pale layers. Those contrasting bands made it popular for carved seals and cameos in ancient times. It has a lovely patterned character that feels very different from a transparent, faceted gemstone.
Meaning and care
August’s birthstones have traditionally been connected with happiness, strength and protection. Each offers a different way to celebrate the month. Peridot is around 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, spinel around 7.5–8, and sardonyx around 7. Gentle cleaning and separate storage are good habits for all three.
