If you were born in August, you're one of the lucky few with not one but three birthstones to call your own. August's birthstones are peridot, spinel and sardonyx — a trio that spans thousands of years of history and covers everything from vivid lime greens to rich reds and striking banded browns. Whether you're shopping for an August birthday gift or treating yourself, here's everything you need to know about these beautiful gemstones.
Why Does August Have Three Birthstones?
August is one of only three months in the year to have three officially recognised birthstones. Sardonyx was the original August birthstone, treasured since antiquity. Peridot was added in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) modernised the official birthstone list. Most recently, spinel joined the lineup in 2016, when both the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America recognised its long-overlooked beauty and historical significance.
Together, peridot, spinel and sardonyx give August babies a wonderful range of colours and styles to choose from.
Peridot: The "Gem of the Sun"
Peridot is the most widely recognised August birthstone, and it's easy to see why. Its distinctive yellow-green to olive-green colour is unlike any other gemstone, radiating warmth and vibrancy that perfectly suits the height of summer.
History and Meaning of Peridot
The ancient Egyptians called peridot the "gem of the sun" and believed it could protect its wearer from the terrors of the night — particularly when set in gold. Some even strung the gems onto donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.
Peridot forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Remarkably, peridot has also been found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, making it one of only two gemstones of extraterrestrial origin — though you're unlikely to find meteorite peridot in a jewellery shop!
Today, peridot symbolises strength, harmony and positivity. It's also the traditional gemstone gift for a 15th wedding anniversary, making it a meaningful choice well beyond August birthdays.
Peridot Colour and Appearance
Peridot's signature colour is a gorgeous blend of yellow and green, ranging from bright lime to a deeper olive hue. Unlike many gemstones whose colour depends on trace impurities, peridot's green comes from iron within the crystal structure of the mineral olivine, giving every stone its characteristic warm glow.
Peridot Durability and Care
On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, peridot sits at 6.5 to 7. It's a beautiful stone for earrings, necklaces and pendants, though it's softer than sapphires or diamonds, so rings should be worn with some care and may not be ideal for heavy daily wear.
When cleaning peridot, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, as the stone is sensitive to thermal shock. The safest method is a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap in warm water — gentle and effective.
Spinel: The Crown Jewel Imposter
Spinel is the newest addition to August's birthstone family, and it has one of the most fascinating stories in gemstone history. For centuries, it was mistaken for ruby — and some of the world's most famous "rubies" are actually spinels.
History and Meaning of Spinel
The most celebrated example sits at the very front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. The Black Prince's Ruby — a large, irregular cabochon stone weighing approximately 170 carats — is not a ruby at all. It's a red spinel.
The stone's history is as colourful as the gem itself. In 1367, following the Battle of Nájera in Spain, Edward of Woodstock (the Black Prince) received the stone as a reward for his military alliance with Don Pedro of Castile. Don Pedro himself had reportedly taken it from the Moorish King of Granada. The stone has been in the possession of English monarchs ever since, and it now sits in the cross pattée above the famous Cullinan II diamond in the Crown.
It wasn't until the 18th century that advances in gemology allowed scientists to distinguish spinel from ruby based on their different chemical compositions. In 2016, spinel finally received the recognition it deserved when it was officially named an August birthstone.
Spinel is associated with revitalisation and fresh energy, and it's the traditional gemstone for a 22nd wedding anniversary.
Spinel Colour and Appearance
One of spinel's greatest appeals is its remarkable colour range. It comes in vivid reds, bright pinks, rich oranges, deep purples, blues and even bluish greens. The most prized spinels display an intense, saturated colour that rivals the finest rubies and sapphires.
Spinel Durability and Care
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is an excellent choice for all types of jewellery, including everyday rings. It's harder than both peridot and sardonyx, making it the most durable of August's three birthstones.
Spinel can generally be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner or steam, though caution is advised if the stone contains any visible fractures. To play it safe, warm soapy water and a soft cloth will do the job well. It's worth noting that prolonged exposure to very high heat may cause some spinels to lose a little colour intensity.
Sardonyx: The Ancient August Birthstone
Sardonyx is the oldest of August's three birthstones, with a history stretching back over 4,000 years. It's a variety of chalcedony made up of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown stone) and onyx (typically white or black), creating a striking banded appearance.
History and Meaning of Sardonyx
In the ancient world, sardonyx was hugely popular. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings and amulets engraved with images of Mars, the god of war, believing the stone would bring them courage and protection in battle. It was also the material of choice for signet rings and official seals, because hot wax wouldn't stick to its polished surface — making it perfect for stamping documents and correspondence.
Sardonyx is perhaps best known today as the traditional material for cameo jewellery, where skilled artisans carve portraits and scenes into the layered bands of the stone. The contrasting colours of the layers create a natural depth and dimension that makes each cameo a miniature work of art.
The stone symbolises courage, happiness and clear communication, and has long been associated with harmony in marriages and partnerships.
Sardonyx Colour and Appearance
The GIA describes sardonyx's colours as bands of brownish-red to brown to dark orange, alternating with white or black layers. No two sardonyx stones are exactly alike, giving each piece a unique character.
Sardonyx Durability and Care
Like peridot, sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. It should be handled with care, particularly in ring settings where it's more exposed to knocks and scratches. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, and opt for a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap in warm water for the best results.
How to Choose the Right August Birthstone
With three stones to pick from, choosing the right August birthstone comes down to personal style and how you plan to wear it.
If you love vibrant green tones and want a classic summer gemstone, peridot is the natural choice. For durability and a wider palette of colours — especially if you're looking for a ring you'll wear every day — spinel is hard to beat. And if you're drawn to antique styles, cameos and stones with a deep historical connection, sardonyx is wonderfully distinctive.
All three make thoughtful, personal gifts for August birthdays, anniversaries or simply because someone deserves something special.
Shop August Birthstone Jewellery at Jordans Jewellers
At Jordans Jewellers in Dorchester, Dorset, we carry a carefully curated selection of August birthstone jewellery featuring peridot, spinel and sardonyx pieces. Whether you're looking for an elegant peridot and diamond ring, a striking spinel pendant or a beautifully carved sardonyx cameo brooch, our collection has something to suit every taste.
Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Our bespoke design service means we can create a one-of-a-kind piece around your chosen August birthstone — crafted to your specifications and budget.
Browse our August birthstone collection →
You're also welcome to visit us at 29 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BY, or book an appointment with Sandy for personalised advice on finding the perfect piece. We offer free Royal Mail tracked delivery across the UK and Klarna is available at checkout for flexible payments.
Looking for birthstone jewellery for other months? Explore our jewellery collections or read more on our news blog.
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