August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx — Complete Guide (2026)

If you're shopping for an August birthday gift — or you were born in August and want to know your birth gem — you've got more options than most. The August birth gem isn't just one stone. It's three: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each has its own color, history, and meaning, and together they give August one of the richest birthstone lineups of any month.

Written by the AJLuxe team — specialists in personalized sterling silver jewelry. Last updated: July 2026.

What Is the August Birthstone?

August has three official birthstones. Peridot is the primary one — the bright lime-green gem most people picture when they think of August. Spinel is the modern addition, brought in by GIA in 2016 and loved for its wide color range. Sardonyx is the ancient one, a banded agate with roots in Roman history. Let's go deeper on each so you can decide which one speaks to you.

Peridot — August's Primary Birthstone

Peridot is one of the rare gems that comes in only one color family: green. It ranges from a bright lime green to a deeper olive, with some stones showing a yellowish tint depending on how much iron is in the crystal. You won't find a red peridot or a blue one — what you see is what you get, and that consistent green is part of what makes it so instantly recognizable.

The history of peridot goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it protected the wearer from evil spirits, especially at night. Cleopatra's famous emerald collection is now thought by many historians to have actually been peridot. According to GIA, peridot has even been found in meteorites — making it one of the few gems with an extraterrestrial origin.

Today, peridot is mined in Arizona (the San Carlos Apache reservation is one of the world's largest sources), Egypt, Pakistan, and Myanmar. It sits at 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it's durable enough for everyday jewelry but benefits from a protective bezel setting over exposed prongs. Yellow gold and rose gold both bring out the warmth in peridot's green without competing with it.

Peridot is the go-to August birthstone for a reason — it's beautiful, affordable, and loaded with history.

Spinel — August's Modern Birthstone (Added in 2016)

Spinel is the newcomer. GIA officially added it to the August birthstone list in 2016, alongside peridot — and the jewelry world took notice. Unlike peridot's single-color story, spinel comes in a wide range: red, pink, purple, blue, black, and everything in between. That variety makes it one of the most versatile birthstones of any month.

What's interesting about spinel is that it spent centuries hiding in plain sight. Many famous "rubies" in royal collections — including stones in the British Imperial State Crown — turned out to be red spinel. It's that similar to ruby in appearance, but it's a completely different mineral. At 8 on the Mohs scale, it's actually harder than peridot and stands up well to daily wear.

If you're drawn to something other than green for an August gift, spinel is the answer. A deep red spinel reads bold and luxurious. A pale pink spinel feels romantic. A blue spinel rivals sapphire at a fraction of the cost. Fine red spinels can reach $500 per carat, but smaller stones in other colors are very accessible.

Spinel gives August birthdays a color option for every personality — that's why GIA added it, and it earns its place.

Sardonyx — The Traditional August Birthstone

Sardonyx is the oldest of the three August stones. It's a variety of banded agate, layered in brown-red (sard) and white (onyx), sometimes with black bands in the mix. The look is earthy and graphic — very different from peridot's glowing green or spinel's rich hues. Ancient Romans used sardonyx to carve cameos and signet rings, believing it brought strength, protection, and good fortune in battle.

Roman soldiers famously wore sardonyx engraved with the likeness of Mars, god of war, into battle for protection. It was also associated with happy marriages and was given as a wedding gift to promote harmony. For early August birthdays, sardonyx was the only recognized birthstone for centuries before peridot became the modern primary choice.

Sardonyx sits at 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and is one of the most affordable gemstones you'll find — typically $5–$20 per carat. It pairs well with silver and gold settings alike. If you're looking for a birthstone gift with deep historical roots and a one-of-a-kind banded pattern, sardonyx is a compelling choice that most people haven't seen before.

Sardonyx is ancient, affordable, and genuinely distinctive — a great pick for someone who wants something different.

What Generic August Birthstone Guides Get Wrong About Spinel

Most articles mention spinel was "added" as an August birthstone in 2016 and move on — but they rarely explain why it needed adding at all: for centuries, some of history's most famous "rubies," including gems in royal European crown jewels, later turned out to be red spinel. Spinel was historically mistaken for ruby and sapphire because it forms in similar deposits and shares similar colors, but it's a completely distinct mineral. True natural spinel (not to be confused with cheap synthetic spinel used as a diamond substitute in costume jewelry) is genuinely rare in fine colors like vivid red or cobalt blue, and well-cut natural spinel can rival sapphire in brilliance at a lower price point.

On peridot: guides rarely mention that peridot is one of only two gemstones that form in the earth's mantle rather than the crust (the other being diamond) — some peridot has even been found in meteorites. It's also acid-sensitive, so avoid perfume, lotion, and chlorine contact, and clean it only with mild soap and a soft brush, never ultrasonic.

August Birthstone Color

The dominant color of the August birthstone family is green — specifically peridot's lime-to-olive green. Peridot's color comes from iron in its crystal structure (unlike most colored gems, which get their color from trace impurities of a different element). The more iron, the deeper and more olive the green. The less iron, the brighter and more yellow-lime it appears.

What makes peridot's green special compared to emerald or tsavorite is its yellow warmth. It's never a cold or blue-green. It's always sunny, vibrant, and very distinctly "peridot green." Spinel adds red, pink, blue, purple, and black to the August palette. Sardonyx brings in the warm earth tones: brown, red, and white in bands.

Together, the three August stones cover nearly the full spectrum — which means if someone tells you they don't like green, you still have great birthstone options to offer them.

August Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism

Peridot has always been linked to the sun. Ancient cultures believed it carried solar energy that protected the wearer from darkness, nightmares, and evil spirits. In crystal healing traditions today, peridot is associated with releasing anger, jealousy, and negative patterns — it's often called a stone of positive transformation. It's also linked to prosperity and abundance, which is why it makes such a meaningful gift.

Spinel is associated with revitalization and clarity. It's said to boost energy, help with mental focus, and encourage new beginnings — fitting for a stone that was itself given a new identity when it joined the birthstone list in 2016. Sardonyx carries symbolism rooted in strength, courage, and protection. The Romans wore it because they believed it made them brave and kept them safe in difficult circumstances.

If you're giving an August birthstone as a meaningful gift, peridot's message is: I wish you protection, positivity, and joy. That's a beautiful thing to say through a piece of jewelry.

Who Should Wear the August Birthstone?

August covers two zodiac signs: Leo (July 23–August 22) and Virgo (August 23–September 22). Peridot works beautifully for both. Leo is a fire sign that thrives with bold, bright energy — peridot's lime green has exactly that kind of presence. Virgo is an earth sign that values practicality and natural beauty — peridot's earthy olive tones and long history appeal to Virgo's sensibility.

Spinel suits Leos especially well. Its strong reds and deep pinks match Leo's love of drama and presence. Sardonyx has long been associated with Virgo energy — grounded, ancient, unpretentious, and rooted in tradition. Beyond zodiac, peridot is also the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary, making it a perfect milestone gift for couples celebrating that year together.

August birthstone jewelry works for anyone born in August — but knowing the zodiac angle helps you choose the right stone for the person you're gifting.

How to Choose August Birthstone Jewelry

Metal pairing matters a lot with peridot. Yellow gold is the classic choice — it echoes peridot's warm, sunny green and creates a rich, cohesive look. Rose gold is a softer, modern alternative that works especially well with lighter lime-green stones. Sterling silver works too, giving peridot a cooler contrast that makes the green pop differently.

For setting style, a bezel setting is the safer choice for peridot since it protects the stone's edges (peridot can chip at prongs over time with daily wear). Spinel, at 8 Mohs, is harder and handles prong settings well. Care is simple: warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth for all three stones. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for peridot and sardonyx — the vibrations can cause fractures. On price, peridot is very accessible at $10–$80 per carat for most commercial stones. Fine red spinel can reach $500+ per carat. Sardonyx is the most affordable of the three at $5–$20 per carat.

If you want a ready-made gift, check out our peridot crystal necklace — it's a delicate, wearable piece that works for any August birthday. For more birthstone options, browse our full birthstones by month guide or the birthstone meaning guide. And if you're interested in the healing side of gemstones, our crystals for healing article is a great next read.

Knowing the stone, the metal, and the care requirements makes it easy to buy an August birthstone gift you'll feel confident about.

August Birthstone Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions — August Birthstone

What is the birthstone for August?

August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is the primary modern birthstone. Spinel was added by GIA in 2016. Sardonyx is the oldest and most traditional August stone.

What color is the August birthstone?

Peridot, the primary August birthstone, is lime to olive green. It's one of the only gemstones that comes in a single color family. Spinel comes in red, pink, blue, and purple, while sardonyx features banded brown-red and white layers.

Why does August have 3 birthstones?

Birthstone lists have evolved over centuries. Sardonyx was the original August stone in ancient tradition. Peridot became the modern primary choice. Then in 2016, GIA officially added spinel to expand options and recognize a historically overlooked gem.

What does peridot mean spiritually?

Peridot is associated with solar energy, protection, and positive transformation. It's traditionally believed to release anger and jealousy, promote abundance, and shield the wearer from negative energy. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun."

Is peridot expensive?

No — peridot is one of the more affordable colored gemstones. Most commercial-quality peridot ranges from $10 to $80 per carat. Very fine, large stones with deep olive color can reach higher prices, but it's generally budget-friendly for jewelry.

What is the modern August birthstone?

Spinel is the most recent addition to the August birthstone list, added by GIA in 2016. It's available in red, pink, blue, purple, and black, and at 8 Mohs hardness it's one of the most durable birthstones for any month.

Can Leos wear peridot?

Yes — peridot suits Leo well. Its bright, bold green matches Leo's vibrant energy and love of standing out. Red or pink spinel is another great Leo option if you want a stone that leans into the fire sign's dramatic side.

Can Virgos wear peridot?

Absolutely. Peridot's earthy olive tones align with Virgo's grounded, practical nature. Sardonyx is also a great match for Virgos — it's ancient, understated, and connected to the earth in a way that resonates with Virgo's sensibility.

How do you care for peridot jewelry?

Clean peridot with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners — both can cause fractures in peridot. Store peridot separately to prevent it from being scratched by harder stones.

What metal goes best with peridot?

Yellow gold is the classic pairing — its warmth complements peridot's lime-to-olive green beautifully. Rose gold is a popular modern alternative. Sterling silver works well too if you prefer a cooler contrast that makes the green appear brighter and more vivid.

Final Thoughts

August birthdays come with three genuinely beautiful stone options — peridot's iconic green, spinel's color-spanning versatility, and sardonyx's ancient, banded character. Whether you're shopping for a Leo or a Virgo, a first birthday gift or a 16th anniversary, there's an August birthstone that fits. If you want to start with the classic, shop our peridot crystal necklace and give an August birthday gift with 3,000 years of meaning behind it.