August is one of those months that seems to carry summer’s full warmth — and its birthstone reflects that perfectly. Peridot, the primary birthstone of August, glows with a distinctive yellow-green light that has captivated jewelry lovers for thousands of years. Whether you’re shopping for an August birthday, a meaningful gift, or simply drawn to its color, peridot is a gem with a rich history and a character entirely its own.

The Birthstone of August: Meet Peridot

Peridot (pronounced pehr-ih-doh or pehr-ih-dot — both are accepted) is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color: green. What varies is the intensity and tone, ranging from a pale, almost lime yellow-green to a deep, richly saturated olive. That color comes from iron within the stone’s mineral structure — not from trace impurities, as with many other colored gems. This makes peridot’s green an intrinsic part of what it is, not an accident of geology.

Peridot belongs to the mineral family called olivine and forms deep within the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure. It reaches the surface through volcanic activity, and some specimens have even been found in meteorites — making it, in a very literal sense, a stone that has traveled from beyond our world.

A Gemstone with Ancient Roots

Peridot’s story stretches back more than 3,500 years. Ancient Egyptians mined it on a remote volcanic island in the Red Sea called Zabargad — known to early traders as “the Isle of Gems” — and considered it the “gem of the sun.” They believed peridot held the power to ward off evil spirits and bring the wearer good fortune. For centuries, many peridots were mistaken for emeralds; historians believe some of Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may actually have been peridot.

The stone appears throughout medieval European church treasuries as well, often set in reliquaries and ceremonial pieces alongside more traditionally “precious” gems. Its long history as a stone of protection, light, and renewal gives it a weight that goes beyond its physical beauty.

August Actually Has Three Birthstones

While peridot is the most recognized birthstone for August, the month is one of a few on the calendar with three officially recognized stones. The full list includes:

• Peridot — the classic and most widely associated August stone, known for its warm yellow-green hue
• Spinel — added to the official birthstone list in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association; spinel occurs in a wide range of colors, including vivid reds, pinks, and blues, and is increasingly prized by collectors
• Sardonyx — a banded variety of onyx and carnelian with reddish-brown and white layers; one of the oldest recorded birthstones, with roots in ancient Roman tradition

Each offers something different in character and appearance, giving those born in August a genuinely broad range of meaningful options when choosing a piece of jewelry.

Wearing Peridot: What to Know Before You Buy

Peridot scores between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is durable enough for regular wear but benefits from a degree of care. It is well suited to earrings, pendants, and necklaces; rings are lovely but should be worn with some mindfulness, as harder everyday surfaces can scratch the stone over time. A protective bezel or halo setting can offer additional security in ring designs.

In terms of care, peridot should be cleaned gently with warm water and mild soap — avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, both of which can damage the stone. Store it separately from harder gems like diamonds and sapphires to prevent scratching.

When evaluating peridot quality, look for stones with strong, even color saturation and good clarity. Eye-clean stones — meaning no visible inclusions to the naked eye — are the standard for fine peridot jewelry. The most desirable hue is a medium, well-saturated green without too much brown or yellow pulling the color off-center.

Peridot in Custom and Meaningful Jewelry

Because of its warm, distinctive color, peridot pairs beautifully with yellow gold, which complements and deepens its green tones. White gold and silver settings, by contrast, bring out its cooler, limier qualities — a subtly different effect that some prefer. It works well as a center stone in pendants and earrings, or as an accent stone in more complex designs alongside diamonds or other colored gems.

For customers interested in a custom piece — a birthstone ring for a milestone birthday, a pendant for a new mother, or a meaningful gift marking an August anniversary — peridot is a stone that photographs beautifully and carries genuine sentimental weight. At M.S. Brown Jewelers, our team can work with you on custom design, whether you’re starting from a sketch or simply an idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birthstone for August?

August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Peridot is the most traditional and widely recognized of the three, celebrated for its warm yellow-green color. Spinel was added more recently and is valued for its range of vivid hues, while sardonyx is a historically significant banded stone with ancient roots.

Is peridot a durable stone for everyday jewelry?

Peridot is moderately durable, rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is a practical choice for earrings, pendants, and necklaces worn regularly. Rings are certainly possible but benefit from protective settings and a bit of care, as the stone can be scratched by harder materials encountered in daily life. Proper storage and gentle cleaning will keep peridot looking its best for years.

What does peridot symbolize?

Throughout history, peridot has been associated with light, warmth, protection, and good fortune. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it had protective qualities. In more modern tradition, it is often linked to renewal, positivity, and strength — qualities that make it a meaningful gift for birthdays, new beginnings, or significant milestones.

Can peridot be used in an engagement ring or custom jewelry?

Peridot can absolutely be incorporated into custom jewelry, including non-traditional engagement rings, anniversary pieces, and birthstone gifts. Because it is softer than stones like sapphire or ruby, a well-designed protective setting is recommended for pieces worn daily. Many customers choose peridot for its personal significance and unique color rather than following conventional gemstone choices — and the result is often something genuinely distinctive.

If you’re shopping for an August birthday, marking a special occasion, or simply want to explore what peridot and spinel look like in person, we’d love to show you what we have. Stop by M.S. Brown Jewelers at our Wildwood location on Pacific Avenue or our Cape May Court House showroom, and one of our team members will be happy to help you find something that feels right — no pressure, just good conversation about beautiful things.