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Birthstones

August birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx

By the Merrylet teamUpdated

August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is a yellowish green gem once worn for protection, spinel comes in reds, pinks and blues, and sardonyx, the original August stone, stands for courage and happiness.

Plate VIIIAugustA painted green peridot, an August birthstoneA painted red spinel, an August birthstoneA painted banded sardonyx, an August birthstone
PeridotSpinelSardonyx

Three stones for August

Peridot

Olivine (forsterite)

Protection, an old talisman against evil spirits

Colors
Yellowish green to greenish yellow
Hardness
6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
Anniversary
16th

Spinel

Spinel

Harmony and calm, in old beliefs about red spinel

Colors
Red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue
Hardness
8 on the Mohs scale
Anniversary
22nd

Sardonyx

Chalcedony (quartz)

Courage, happiness and clear communication

Colors
Red-brown bands with white or black
Hardness
6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
ZodiacLeo, then Virgo from August 23
Three stonesLike June and December

What does peridot mean?

Peridot was worn for centuries as a protective talisman, believed to shield its owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night”. Its name comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem.

It is the yellowish green to greenish yellow variety of the mineral olivine, and it forms in extreme places: in lava carried up from deep in the Earth’s mantle, and in meteorites.

It was often mistaken for emerald. The 200 carats of “emeralds” on the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral are in fact peridot.

From spaceSome peridot reached Earth inside pallasite meteorites, made of nickel-iron and olivine. Only a few have held gem-quality stones.

What does spinel mean?

Red spinel was believed to ease anger and promote harmony. Its name comes from the Latin spina, thorn, after the shape of its crystals.

It comes in more colors than most gems: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green.

For centuries it was mistaken for ruby, and it was only told apart by its chemistry in the 18th century. Today many choose it as an alternative to ruby.

170 ctThe Black Prince’s “ruby” in Britain’s Imperial State Crown, which is really a red spinel.

What does sardonyx mean?

Sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, and with bringing stability to marriages and partnerships. It is the original August birthstone, with a history of more than 4,000 years.

It is made of two kinds of chalcedony in layers: brownish red to orange sard, banded with white or black onyx. Those bands made it a favorite for carved cameos.

Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings carved with the image of Mars, for protection in battle.

Hot wax won’t stick

Why the Romans used sardonyx for seals and signet rings.

Peridot, spinel or sardonyx: which August birthstone?

All three are correct. Peridot is listed first, sardonyx is the original, and spinel is the one people are rediscovering as an alternative to ruby.

PeridotSpinelSardonyx
ColorYellowish to grass greenRed, pink, purple, blueRed-brown and white bands
Mohs hardness6.5 to 786.5 to 7
For a daily ringNot recommendedDurableWear with care
Known forLava and meteoritesPassing as rubyRoman seals and cameos

Peridot can be harmed by some acids, even long contact with sweat. Clean it with mild dish soap, warm water and a soft brush, never steam or an ultrasonic cleaner.

August’s birth flowers: gladiolus and poppyWhat they mean, and how to send it →
Give them their stone

A birthday card with a portrait inside, like an old cameo

The Locket birthday card

The Locket birthday card plays on their phone: an antique gold locket lies closed on old lace, in candlelight. They tap the clasp, the lid swings open, pressed petals drift out, and inside is a painted miniature of them, made from a photo you add, that comes alive and meets their eyes. Add their name and a few words, send it by text, and they just tap the link.

Something to write inside
  • Wishing you a year of courage, happiness and easy days.
  • Green as late summer and twice as bright. Happy birthday.
  • Some stones come from the stars. So, I suspect, did you.
See the card play, then sendAll birthday cards

Watch the card before you write a word. Your first greeting card is free.

August birthstone questions

What are the August birthstones?
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. It is one of only three months with three birthstones, along with June and December.
What does peridot mean?
Peridot was used for centuries as a protective talisman, believed to shield its owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night”. Its name comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem.
Is spinel a ruby?
No. Red spinel was mistaken for ruby for centuries, and some famous “rubies” are really spinel, including the Black Prince’s Ruby in Britain’s Imperial State Crown. The two were only told apart by their chemistry in the 18th century.
What anniversary is peridot for?
Peridot is the gem for the 16th wedding anniversary. Spinel, another August birthstone, is traditionally given for the 22nd.
What is the August birth flower?
August has two birth flowers: the gladiolus and the poppy. People born in August are Leo until August 22 and Virgo from August 23.

Birthstones for every month

← July: rubySeptember: sapphire →

All birthstones, month by month

Sources