The August birthstone is admired for its vibrant colors, deep symbolism, and rich history that make it a meaningful choice for jewelry lovers. Known to represent strength, protection, and prosperity, this gemstone has been cherished from ancient civilizations to modern times. Whether you’re searching for the perfect August birthday gift or simply love its radiant beauty, the August birthstone continues to shine as a timeless favorite.
1. What is August's birth stone? Types of August birthstone
The birthstone for August, as officially recognized by leading gemological bodies, refers to a trio of gems that embody the month's themes of growth, passion, and resilience. These stones are selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical ties to ancient rituals and modern symbolism, making them ideal for August birthstone jewelry that tells a story. Unlike single-stone months, August's selection allows for broader expression, catering to varied color preferences and durability needs. The primary August birthstone, peridot, has been cherished since antiquity, but the inclusion of spinel and sardonyx adds layers of tradition and versatility. August's birthstones each bring distinct qualities to the table, offering options for every wearer:
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Peridot: This gem gleams with a vibrant, olive-to-lime green color, often likened to fresh spring leaves. Known for its transparency and subtle sparkle, peridot has been a staple in jewelry since ancient Egypt, where it was believed to ward off nightmares. Its airy lightness makes it perfect for delicate August birthstone necklaces or everyday rings.
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Spinel: Renowned for its wide color range, including intense pinks, reds, and blues, spinel was once mistaken for rubies in royal crowns. This durable stone promotes vitality and emotional balance, suiting bold August birthstone earrings or statement bracelets that stand out.
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Sardonyx: A variety of chalcedony with layered bands of red-brown sard and white onyx, sardonyx offers an earthy, striped appearance. Valued in Roman times for carving cameos, it fosters courage and clear communication, ideal for engraved August birthstone rings or pendants.
Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx stone
2. Detailed information about August birthstone: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx
The three August birthstones each possess a unique blend of beauty, lore, and practicality, making them timeless choices for jewelry that celebrates life's milestones. Exploring their meanings, histories, colors, durability, origins, and care reveals why they remain staples in August birthstone jewelry collections.
2.1. Peridot
Color
Peridot is instantly recognized by its signature vivid lime green, a pure and lively hue created by iron within its magnesium-iron silicate structure. Unlike other green gemstones, peridot’s color is free from brown or yellow undertones, giving it a fresh, radiant glow. Its beauty shifts with the light, bright and vibrant in the daytime, then taking on a softer, golden warmth in the evening. This enchanting transformation has earned Peridot the timeless nickname “evening emerald.”
Peridot has a signature vivid lime green
Meaning
Peridot, with its radiant green glow, is a gemstone long associated with purpose, focus, and a vibrant summer spirit. Often seen as a symbol of good luck, it is treasured for bringing calm, safety, and a sense of renewal to its wearer. Beyond its symbolic meaning, peridot is believed to carry powerful healing properties, from supporting detoxification and cell regeneration to enhancing metabolism and easing skin concerns. Emotionally, it helps stabilize moods, reduces jealousy or resentment, and encourages positivity and self-growth. Historically cherished by high priests and kings, this gem has also been valued for its protective powers, shielding against negative energies and harmful influences.
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Suggest gift card when giving Peridot jewelry:
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History
Peridot’s story goes back more than 4,000 years, earning its place as one of the world’s oldest known gems. The ancient Egyptians adored it, calling it the “gem of the sun” for its brilliant glow, and treasures from the volcanic island of Zabargad were even said to be part of Cleopatra’s famous collection, often mistaken for emeralds. In medieval Europe, peridot found its way into church artifacts, believed to protect against evil and negativity. Fast forward to 1912, it was officially named the birthstone of August, securing its timeless role in the birthstone tradition.
Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is best for occasional wear and should be handled with a little extra care to avoid scratches from tougher gems like diamonds. Its single refractive index gives it a bright, clean sparkle, but since it can split along natural crystal lines, gentle handling will help keep it looking beautiful.
Origin
Peridot has a fiery origin, forming deep within volcanic environments. One of its most famous sources is the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, where ancient lava flows still produce gem-quality crystals. You can also find it in the mountains of Pakistan, the legendary Mogok Valley in Myanmar, and even in rare pallasite meteorites from space. In Hawaii, some beaches on the Big Island (like the aptly named Peridot Beach) sparkle with tiny olivine grains left behind by volcanic eruptions.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
To keep your peridot sparkling, simply clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Skip ultrasonic or steam cleaners, since they can make the stone more fragile. Store it separately from harder jewelry to avoid scratches, and try not to expose it to harsh chemicals or too much sunlight, which may fade its color. A quick annual check-up with a jeweler will also help ensure the settings stay safe and secure.
2.2. Spinel
Color
Spinel is admired for its dazzling range of colors, spanning from vivid pinks and fiery reds to striking cobalt blues and even rare oranges. These brilliant hues are created by trace elements such as chromium and cobalt, giving each stone its unique charm. Among the most captivating varieties is the neon blue Spinel from Tanzania, known for its electric glow, while the classic Mahenge reds offer ruby-like richness and intensity at a more accessible value.
Spinel with vivid pinks color
Meaning
Spinel is a healing crystal that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit while clearing away negativity. It is known to bring peace of mind, enhance intuition, and even support past life healing. Emotionally, spinel helps mend wounds of heartbreak, abandonment, or betrayal, offering hope and resilience. As an additional August birthstone, it symbolizes rejuvenation, creativity and especially in its fiery red varieties linked to passion and strength.
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History
Spinel has a fascinating history, once often mistaken for rubies and even set in royal crowns, the famous 170-carat Black Prince’s Ruby in Britain’s Imperial State Crown is actually spinel! For centuries it was mined in places like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that gemologists recognized it as a distinct gem from corundum. In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association officially added spinel to the birthstone list, giving this dazzling stone the recognition it truly deserves.
Durability
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, spinel is tough enough to handle everyday wear without scratching easily. Its even structure gives it a beautiful sparkle when faceted, though any natural inclusions just need a little extra care in setting to keep the stone safe from chips.
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Origin
Some of the finest spinels come from Myanmar’s Mogok region, famous for its ruby-like reds, while other beautiful deposits are found in Tajikistan, Vietnam, and Tanzania. These marble-rich areas produce high-quality crystals, and Sri Lanka’s alluvial mines add to the mix with smaller yet brilliantly vibrant stones.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
Spinel is pretty easy to care for and can handle most cleaning methods (even ultrasonic baths) as long as you check for fractures first. For everyday upkeep, just use mild soap and water, then dry gently. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat during repairs, and give it a quick polish with a soft cloth to bring out its natural sparkle. To keep it safe from scratches, store your spinel in a fabric-lined jewelry box, away from harder pieces.
2.3. Sardonyx
Color
Sardonyx is easily recognized by its striking parallel bands of reddish-brown sard and crisp white onyx, creating a warm and earthy contrast. The red hues can range from rich caramel shades to deeper brick tones, giving each stone a unique character. When polished into cabochons, the fine banding enhances its natural luster and chatoyant appeal, making sardonyx both distinctive and elegant.
Sardonyx has a reddish-brown to dark orange color
Meaning
Sardonyx, the traditional August birthstone, has long been admired as a stone of strength, courage, and protection. Its distinctive banded layers of reddish-brown sard and white onyx symbolize harmony and balance, uniting intellect with emotion. In ancient times, sardonyx was worn by soldiers for bravery in battle and by orators to enhance eloquence and persuasive speech. It is also closely associated with love and loyalty, believed to strengthen marriages and bring lasting happiness to partnerships. Beyond its historical uses, sardonyx is thought to ground its wearer, providing stability, clarity of mind, and resilience in the face of challenges. Today, it remains a meaningful gemstone for those seeking courage, confidence, and enduring harmony in both personal and professional relationships.
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Suggest gift card when giving Sardonyx jewelry:
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History
Sardonyx has a history that stretches back over 4,000 years, when the Romans and Greeks carved it into beautiful intaglios and cameos for seals and protective talismans. Even Pliny the Elder praised it, noting its power in battle amulets to inspire bravery. Once celebrated as the original August birthstone and often used in zodiac jewelry, sardonyx eventually gave way to peridot as the more modern choice, but its timeless charm and symbolism still shine today.
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Durability
Sardonyx ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear, though it’s best enjoyed in protective settings because of its fine, microcrystalline structure. It polishes beautifully to a smooth, glassy shine, which makes it perfect for engraved or detailed jewelry pieces.
Origin
Sardonyx forms in beautiful layered patterns and can be found in places like India, Brazil, and Germany. Its name comes from ancient quarries near Sardis in modern-day Turkey, while Madagascar is known for producing high-contrast stones that are perfect for intricate cameos.
Tips for Care and Maintenance
To keep your sardonyx looking its best, gently clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding anything abrasive that could dull its beautiful bands. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat, which can change its colors over time. For cameo pieces, dust them lightly and check the engravings now and then to keep every detail sharp and vibrant.
3. Suggest some birthstone jewelry as a gift for mom and grandma
Gifting August birthstone jewelry transcends mere adornment, becoming a heartfelt emblem of familial bonds. For mothers and grandmothers born in August or cherishing loved ones with this birth month, pieces incorporating peridot, spinel, or sardonyx add layers of sentiment. These items, customizable with birthstones, blend elegance with personalization, making them ideal for anniversaries or quiet expressions of gratitude.
3.1. Mothers birthstone necklace
The mother’s birthstone necklace from Centime Gift is a heartfelt keepsake that celebrates family in style. Made from high-quality 925 sterling silver, with options for 14K gold or rose gold plating, it holds up to eight heart-shaped birthstone charms (one for each child’s birth month) creating a beautiful cascade of color. It’s the perfect gift for a mom’s birthday, serving as a daily reminder of the special bonds she cherishes.
3.2. Birthstone names bracelet for mom
The birthstone bracelet for mom turns family memories into beautiful, wearable art. Crafted from 925 sterling silver and available in silver, gold, or rose gold finishes, this adjustable bracelet can hold five to seven children’s names along with their birthstones. The engraved names appear in black on silver or clear on plated versions, creating a subtle, elegant look that suits any wrist. It’s also a perfect gift for grandmas, celebrating shared milestones and the quiet, lasting strength of motherhood.
Birthstone names bracelet for mom
3.3. Grandma birthstone ring
Celebrating family and lasting love, the grandma birthstone ring features a 3mm birthstone for the grandmother, surrounded by up to eight smaller stones representing her grandchildren. Crafted in 925 sterling silver with options for plating, the stones form a colorful halo that symbolizes joy and family legacy. Its comfortable band makes it perfect for everyday wear, turning this ring into a cherished keepsake that captures the warmth of family gatherings and the bonds that endure through generations, especially meaningful for fans of August birthstones.
3.4. Heart birthstone earrings
Adding a touch of sparkle, the heart birthstone earrings feature charming 5mm heart-shaped charms on 8mm huggie hoops, crafted from 925 sterling silver and available in silver, gold, or rose gold finishes. Each earring holds a single birthstone, offering a simple yet elegant look that’s gentle on the skin and perfect for day or night. They come ready to gift in a pretty box, making them a sweet surprise on their own or paired with other August birthstone pieces. These earrings are a subtle, sparkling way to show someone you care.
4. FAQ - Common question about August birthstone
1. Is peridot the only birthstone for August?
No, peridot isn’t the only birthstone for August. While it’s the most well-known modern choice, spinel and sardonyx are also recognized as August birthstones. These additional options let you pick a stone based on your favorite color, personal style, or even historical significance, making it easy to find a gem that feels just right.
2. What zodiac signs are associated with the August birthstone?
The August birthstones are associated with the zodiac signs Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22). Peridot, with its vibrant and lively green, matches Leo’s fiery and energetic nature, while sardonyx, with its grounding reddish-brown and white bands, perfectly complements Virgo’s practical and steady personality.
3. Can August birthstones be combined in one piece of jewelry?
Yes, August birthstones can definitely be combined in a single piece of jewelry. Many jewelers design multi-stone creations (like cluster rings or layered necklaces) that bring together peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. These combinations showcase the full spectrum of August’s gems, creating vibrant, eye-catching pieces that celebrate the month’s unique colors and meanings.
4. How do I choose the right August birthstone for my skin tone?
When choosing the right August birthstone for your skin tone, start by considering your undertones. Peridot’s vibrant green looks especially flattering on warm complexions, while red spinel beautifully complements cooler tones. Sardonyx, with its banded layers, is a versatile choice that suits most skin tones. To find your perfect match, try viewing the stones in natural light to see how their colors interact with your skin.
5. Are there synthetic versions of August birthstones available?
Yes, synthetic versions of some August birthstones are available. Peridot and spinel are commonly created in labs, offering the same natural beauty and properties in a more affordable and ethical way. Sardonyx, however, is usually found in its natural form due to its unique banded layers, making it a reliable choice for authentic, heirloom-quality jewelry.
5. Final thoughts
The August birthstones stand out for their vibrant colors, meaningful symbolism, and timeless appeal. From peridot’s lively green to spinel’s fiery reds and sardonyx’s earthy bands, each stone carries unique qualities of protection, creativity, courage, and balance. Celebrated for centuries, these gemstones continue to inspire jewelry lovers and offer a perfect way to honor August birthdays or simply enjoy their beauty and positive energy. Whether chosen for their color, meaning, or history, August birthstones remain cherished symbols of elegance, strength, and heartfelt connection.