August is one of the rare months with not one but three official birthstones — peridot, spinel, and sardonyx — giving anyone born in this month a genuinely interesting range of choices. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, searching for a meaningful gift for an August birthday, or simply curious about the stones associated with this sun-soaked month, there’s more to explore here than most people realize. Understanding what makes each of these gems distinctive will help you choose a piece you’ll treasure for years to come.
Peridot: The Classic August Birthstone
Peridot is the stone most people associate with August, and for good reason. Its signature color — a vivid, olive-to-lime green — is unlike any other gem in the natural world. Uniquely, peridot gets its color entirely from iron within its chemical structure, not from trace impurities as is the case with many other stones. That means you’ll always find it in some shade of green, ranging from yellowish-green to a deeper, more saturated forest tone.
Historically, peridot was called “the gem of the sun” by ancient Egyptians, who believed it protected its wearer from the terrors of the night. Some of the finest peridot in history came from a remote island in the Red Sea. Today, significant deposits are found in the American Southwest, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar. For summer jewelry — particularly pieces worn at the Jersey Shore — peridot’s bright, warm color feels especially right.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Gem Worth Knowing
Spinel was added to the official August birthstone list in 2016, and it deserves far more attention than it typically receives. For centuries, many of the world’s most famous “rubies” — including stones set in crown jewels across Europe — were later identified as red spinels. The confusion is understandable: fine red spinel rivals ruby in both color and brilliance.
What makes spinel especially appealing today is its range. It occurs naturally in red, pink, orange, purple, blue, and near-colorless varieties. It also registers 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it quite durable for everyday wear. For someone who wants a birthstone with a little less familiarity and a great deal of character, spinel is an excellent conversation piece — and a genuinely beautiful one.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Stone With a Story
Sardonyx is the oldest of August’s three birthstones and, admittedly, the least commonly seen in contemporary fine jewelry. It is a banded variety of onyx that combines layers of reddish-brown sard with white or black onyx. The result is a striking, layered stone that has been used in carved cameos and intaglio seals since antiquity. Roman soldiers reportedly wore sardonyx engraved with the image of Mars, the god of war, believing it brought them courage. If you appreciate jewelry with historical depth, sardonyx carries centuries of story in its bands.
Choosing the Right August Birthstone for Your Style
With three stones to consider, the choice comes down to personal taste, lifestyle, and the type of piece you have in mind:
- Peridot is ideal if you love color and want something distinctly summery and cheerful. It pairs beautifully with yellow gold and two-tone settings.
- Spinel suits someone who wants flexibility — you can choose a stone color that complements any metal or wardrobe. Red and pink spinels work especially well as center stones in rings.
- Sardonyx is a natural fit for those drawn to antique, artisanal, or carved jewelry with a sense of history. It’s frequently seen in heirloom-style pieces and pendants.
It’s also worth considering durability. Peridot, at 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, requires a bit more care than spinel and is best protected in a bezel or halo setting for daily wear. Spinel, being harder, holds up well in engagement rings and everyday pieces.
Caring for August Birthstone Jewelry
Each of these stones benefits from gentle, routine care. Warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and a soft brush is safe for peridot and spinel. Sardonyx, as a banded stone, should be kept away from harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. All three should be stored separately from harder gems like diamonds and sapphires to prevent scratching. If a stone ever becomes loose or a setting shows wear, having it inspected by a trusted jeweler before further use is always the right move — a small repair now prevents a larger loss later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main birthstone for August?
Peridot is the primary and most widely recognized birthstone for August. It is the stone most commonly featured in August birthstone jewelry and has been associated with this month for centuries. Spinel and sardonyx are also official August birthstones, recognized by the American Gem Society and the Jewelers of America.
Is peridot an expensive gemstone?
Peridot is generally considered an accessible gemstone relative to rubies, sapphires, or fine emeralds of similar size. Pricing depends on color saturation, clarity, and size, but quality peridot is available across a wide range of budgets. Deeply saturated, eye-clean stones in larger sizes will command a premium.
Can spinel be used in an engagement ring?
Yes, and it holds up well for the purpose. With a Mohs hardness of 8, spinel is durable enough for regular wear when set thoughtfully. Its range of colors — particularly red, pink, and blue — makes it a meaningful and distinctive alternative to more conventional engagement ring center stones.
How do I know which August birthstone is right as a gift?
Consider the recipient’s personal style and the jewelry they already wear. Peridot is a warm, expressive choice that complements gold settings well. Spinel offers color flexibility and strong durability. If the person appreciates antique or artisan-style jewelry, sardonyx in a carved or cameo piece can be genuinely memorable. A knowledgeable jeweler can walk you through options in person and help you make a confident decision.
At M.S. Brown Jewelers, we enjoy these conversations — the ones where a customer comes in curious and leaves with exactly the right piece for exactly the right reason. Whether you stop by our Wildwood location near the boardwalk or visit us in Cape May Court House, our team is happy to show you what we have in peridot, spinel, and other fine gemstones, answer your questions without pressure, and help you find something meaningful. We’d love to be part of the story.