August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the best known, a lime-to-olive green gem that is August's main birthstone. Spinel was added to the list in 2016 and comes in red, pink, blue and violet. Sardonyx, banded in reddish brown and white, is the oldest of the three.
So when someone asks "what color is the August birthstone?", the short answer is green, from peridot. Here is what each stone means, where it comes from, and how to choose August birthstone jewelry.
Peridot: August's Green Birthstone
Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine. It is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one color family, from yellowish lime to deep olive green, and the color comes from iron in the crystal. Peridot forms deep in the Earth's upper mantle and reaches the surface through volcanic activity. It has even been found inside meteorites.
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on Zabargad, an island in the Red Sea, and called it the gem of the sun. An old tradition held that peridot set in gold protected the wearer from nightmares. Today most gem peridot comes from Arizona, Pakistan, Myanmar and China, and green peridot sand covers beaches in Hawaii.
Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it is suited to pendants and earrings and to rings worn with some care.
August Peridot Birthstone Claddagh Ring, Made in Ireland — $149.99
Pavé CZ shank with a peridot-green heart.
August Birthstone Claddagh Ring — $99.99
Sterling silver Claddagh with an August birthstone heart.
Spinel: The Newest August Birthstone
The American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America added spinel to the August list in 2016. For centuries red spinel was mistaken for ruby. The famous Black Prince's Ruby in Britain's Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel. Spinel is harder than peridot, at 8 on the Mohs scale, and comes in red, pink, orange, blue and violet.
Sardonyx: The Original August Stone
Sardonyx is a banded chalcedony that layers reddish-brown sard with white onyx. Romans carved it into seals and signet rings, and it was said that hot wax would not stick to it, and it has long been used for cameos. It is associated with courage, strength and happy marriages.
What Does the August Birthstone Mean?
Peridot is linked to light, protection and renewal, fitting for a stone born in fire and named for the sun. Spinel stands for vitality and revitalized energy. Sardonyx stands for courage and lasting relationships. Together they make August one of the most varied birthstone months.
August Birthstone Jewelry With Irish Meaning
Peridot's green is the green of Ireland, which is why it pairs so naturally with the Claddagh. A peridot heart held in the Claddagh's hands says love, loyalty and friendship in August's color. For a mother or grandmother, a family birthstone pendant carries every child's month in one piece.
Personalized Family Tree of Life Birthstone Pendant — $149.99
Add a birthstone for every member of the family.
Sterling Silver Lab Diamond Natural Peridot Claddagh Ring — $399.99
A natural peridot heart framed by lab diamonds.
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Looking for another month? Browse all birthstone jewelry, or read about June's three birthstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birthstone for August?
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot, a lime-to-olive green gem, is the main August birthstone. Spinel was added in 2016 and comes in red, pink, blue and violet. Sardonyx, banded in reddish brown and white, is the oldest August birthstone.
What color is the August birthstone?
The August birthstone color is light green, from peridot. Peridot ranges from yellowish lime to deep olive green, and the color comes from iron in the crystal. August's other birthstones add more colors: spinel in red, pink, blue or violet, and sardonyx in reddish brown and white bands.
Why does August have three birthstones?
August has three birthstones because the list grew over time. Sardonyx is the oldest, peridot has been on the official American birthstone list since 1912, and the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America added spinel in 2016 to give August buyers more colors and price points.
Is peridot expensive?
Peridot is one of the more affordable precious gemstones. Small and medium stones are widely available, so peridot jewelry often costs far less than emerald. Large, clean peridots with a rich green color are rarer and command higher prices.
What does the peridot birthstone mean?
Peridot symbolizes light, protection and renewal. Ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun, and an old tradition held that peridot set in gold guarded against nightmares. Today it is given as a symbol of happiness and good fortune for August birthdays.
About the Author
Jennifer Derrig founded The Irish Jewelry Company in 2006. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she designs Celtic and Irish jewelry that carries the stories, symbols and language of Ireland. Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
