August has not one but three birthstones to its name — a distinction shared by only a handful of months on the calendar. At the center of them all is peridot, a gem with a history stretching back thousands of years and a color unlike anything else in the mineral world. Whether you’re shopping for an August birthday or simply drawn to its warm, grassy glow, peridot and its companion stones deserve a closer look.

The August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx

Most months claim a single birthstone, but August offers three. Peridot is the most recognized and widely worn of the three. Spinel was added to the official birthstone list in 2016 and has been gaining well-deserved attention ever since. Sardonyx, a banded variety of onyx with warm reddish-brown and white layers, is the oldest of the three and was once among the most prized gems in the ancient world.

For most people, though, when someone says “August birthstone,” they mean peridot — and for good reason. It’s approachable, distinctive, and full of character.

Peridot: What Makes It Special

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that forms in only a single color: green. While the exact shade ranges from a bright yellowish-green to a deeper olive, that signature hue comes from iron within the stone’s chemical structure — not from trace impurities as is the case with many other colored gems. The most valued peridots tend toward a rich, pure green with minimal yellow or brown.

What’s remarkable about peridot is where it comes from. Most gems form in the earth’s crust, but peridot forms much deeper, in the upper mantle, and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It has even been found in meteorites — making it, quite literally, a gem from another world. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it protected its wearer from evil spirits, particularly at night.

Today, major sources of peridot include the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona, Pakistan, and Myanmar. Pakistani peridot, in particular, is known for producing stones of exceptional size and depth of color.

Wearing and Styling Peridot

Peridot’s warm green tone pairs especially well with yellow gold, which brings out the gem’s brightness and complements its natural warmth. That said, white gold and sterling silver settings offer a cooler, more contemporary look that appeals to many modern tastes. Neither is wrong — it comes down to personal preference and what else you’re wearing.

A few things worth knowing as you shop:

• Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale — softer than sapphire or diamond, so it benefits from protective settings, especially in rings worn daily.
• It looks particularly striking in pendants and earrings, where it catches light beautifully without the wear concerns of a ring.
• Peridot’s color makes it a natural complement to warm neutrals, creams, and earthy tones, as well as deeper colors like navy and burgundy.
• The gem pairs nicely with other colored stones — citrine, garnet, and even amethyst can create interesting combinations in layered or stacked looks.

A Word on Spinel — August’s Underappreciated Gem

Spinel deserves more credit than it typically gets. For centuries, some of the world’s most famous “rubies” — including several in the British Crown Jewels — turned out to be red spinels. The confusion is understandable: fine red spinel and fine ruby look remarkably similar. But spinel comes in a wide range of colors beyond red, including vibrant pink, deep blue, lavender, and orange.

Because spinel remains less widely known than other gems, it often offers exceptional beauty at a more accessible price point than comparable sapphires or rubies. For an August birthday gift that feels genuinely distinctive, a spinel is worth considering. Its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale also makes it a practical choice for everyday jewelry.

Caring for Your August Birthstone Jewelry

Peridot and spinel are both relatively easy to care for, though each benefits from a little attention:

• Peridot: Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, as peridot can be sensitive to rapid temperature changes. Store it separately to prevent scratching from harder stones.
• Spinel: More durable than peridot and generally safe with mild soap and water. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually fine, though checking with a jeweler before using one is always wise.
• Both stones should be kept away from harsh household chemicals and removed before activities that might expose them to hard impacts.

If you have a peridot or spinel piece that needs cleaning, a professional check-up, or a prong re-tip, our team handles jewelry repair and maintenance at both our Wildwood and Cape May Court House locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary birthstone for August?

Peridot is the most widely recognized birthstone for August and the one most commonly associated with the month. August also has two additional birthstones — spinel and sardonyx — offering those born in August a range of options in terms of color, style, and price point.

Is peridot a durable stone for everyday wear?

Peridot rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it’s suitable for jewelry worn occasionally or with care, but may show wear over time in rings used daily. Settings that protect the stone — such as bezel settings — can extend its life considerably. For everyday wear, peridot shines brightest in earrings and pendants, which experience far less contact and abrasion than rings.

How do I know if I’m getting a quality peridot?

Look for a stone with a clean, even green color and good clarity — peridot is typically found in eye-clean specimens, meaning visible inclusions are less common in quality stones. The depth of color matters: the most desirable peridots have a rich, pure green without too much yellow or brown. Working with a knowledgeable jeweler who can walk you through the stone’s qualities in person is the most reliable approach.

Can August birthstone jewelry be customized?

Absolutely. Peridot and spinel are both available as loose stones and can be set in custom designs. Whether you have a specific setting style in mind or want to incorporate a birthstone into a family piece, custom design work allows you to create something truly personal. We offer custom jewelry design at M.S. Brown Jewelers and are happy to discuss what’s possible during a visit to either of our shore locations.

If you’re searching for a meaningful August birthday gift — or simply want to add a little of that warm, summery green to your own collection — we’d love to help you find the right piece. Stop in and see us at our Wildwood showroom on Pacific Avenue or at our Cape May Court House location, and we’ll take the time to show you what we have and answer any questions along the way. There’s no pressure, just genuine conversation from people who love this craft.