August Birthstone
Quick answer
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the most common, a vivid lime to olive green at 6.5 to 7 Mohs. Spinel was added in 2016 and offers vivid reds, pinks and blues at 8 Mohs. Sardonyx, the older traditional stone, is a banded brown and white chalcedony often used in signet rings.
August stones at a glance
| Stone | Colour | Hardness | List |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Lime green to olive green | 6.5 to 7 Mohs | Modern |
| Spinel | Red, pink, lavender, blue, grey | 8 Mohs | Modern |
| Sardonyx | Banded brown, white, orange | 6.5 to 7 Mohs | Traditional |
Modern vs traditional
Sardonyx is the older traditional August birthstone, used in Roman signet rings. Peridot was added as the main modern stone, and spinel joined the modern list in 2016 to give August-born wearers a much broader colour palette and a more durable option for rings.
Colour and meaning
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of olivine, and its green is part of the mineral itself rather than a trace impurity. Spinel was historically confused with ruby and sits in vivid reds, hot pinks, lavender, grey and blue. Sardonyx pairs the reddish-brown of sard with white onyx in clear bands. August stones traditionally stand for strength, healing and protection, with peridot in particular being linked to the sun.
Durability and best uses
Peridot at 6.5 to 7 Mohs is fine for rings with reasonable care, but it benefits from a protected setting and is softer than sapphire or spinel. Spinel at 8 Mohs is genuinely durable and a strong choice for a coloured engagement ring. Sardonyx at 6.5 to 7 is suitable for signet rings and pendants, where the carved surface is less exposed than a ring face.
History and lore
Ancient Egyptians called peridot the gem of the sun and mined it on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea from at least 1500 BC. Some of Cleopatra emeralds are believed to have actually been peridot. Spinel sat under the Crown Jewels for centuries before mineralogists separated it from ruby in the 18th century. Sardonyx was carved into Roman signets and military seals for the same reason it still works today: it takes a sharp detailed engraving.
Gift ideas
For August, a peridot pendant in yellow gold suits the warm green colour well. For a more contemporary look, a spinel cocktail ring in pink or red gives the impact of a ruby at a friendlier price. For a signet ring or an heirloom piece, sardonyx with a hand-engraved monogram is the classical option that still looks right today.
Care
Peridot should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners, since peridot can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Spinel is safe for ultrasonic cleaning and warm soapy water. Sardonyx tolerates warm soapy water but should be stored separately to keep the polish bright.
Zodiac and anniversary
Zodiac: Leo (until 22 August) and Virgo (from 23 August).
Anniversary: Peridot is the traditional 16th anniversary gift. Spinel is the 22nd.
Designing a custom piece
Start a custom design
Birthstone rings and pendants are usually made to order. Tell us the stone, the wearer and the piece you have in mind, and we will help you compare options before we draw anything up.
Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the birthstone for August?
- August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Peridot is the most common modern stone, spinel was added in 2016, and sardonyx is the older traditional stone, mostly used in signet rings today.
- Is peridot only green?
- Yes. The green is part of the mineral structure, not a trace impurity, so peridot always comes in shades of green. The colour ranges from a vivid lime to a deeper olive.
- Is spinel a good engagement ring stone?
- Yes. Spinel is 8 on the Mohs scale with good toughness, which makes it a strong choice for a coloured engagement ring. Fine red spinel is sometimes called the closest natural alternative to ruby.
- Why is sardonyx still listed as an August birthstone?
- It is the older traditional stone, with a long history in Roman and medieval signet rings. Most modern jewellery for August uses peridot or spinel, but sardonyx is still recognised and remains popular for engraved heirloom pieces.
Still deciding
Talk through the august birthstone with us
Send the wearer, the piece you have in mind and a sense of budget, and we will help you compare stones and settings before we draw anything up.
Contact the studio