August Birthstone
The August birthstone is peridot, a glittering green gemstone with a rich history. Learn more about this unique gem and discover top August birthstone jewelry as we go over all things peridot.
Peridot Birthstone Color
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot comes in only one color: a vibrant yellow-green. The lime green color of peridot shines in both natural and artificial light, allowing it to look equally striking during day and night. Because of this, peridot is sometimes called the “evening emerald.”
Peridot Birthstone History
Peridot is one of the most ancient gemstones, dating back 4.5 billion years. Peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites, which are remnants of the solar system’s birth. We know that peridot exists in outer space to this day, as peridot was found in comet dust that was brought back by the Stardust robotic space probe in 2005.
On Earth, peridot forms in molten rock, rather than in the Earth’s crust like most gemstones. Peridot stone deposits have been found all across the world, including in Myanmar, China, Pakistan, Tanzania, and the United States. Peridot Beach in Hawaii is famous for its glimmering green sand, which gets its color from peridot formed by nearby volcanic eruptions.
Peridot Birthstone Meaning
Peridot has been treasured by people throughout history. Hawaiians view peridot as the tears of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun.” They believed peridot talismans would protect the wearer from the “terrors of the night.”
Today, peridot is seen as a symbol of good luck and calm. It also has a royal association, in large part due to Cleopatra’s famous love of green gemstones. The Egyptian Queen had a vast collection of stones she called emeralds–but many of these gems were actually peridots.
August Birthstone Jewelry Gifts
Searching for the perfect August birthday gift? Discover some of our favorite peridot jewelry pieces.
Featuring two round peridots and gleaming gold settings, these classic studs are the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
Simulated diamonds sparkle alongside genuine peridots in this gorgeous stackable ring.
Thanks to their sparkling halo settings, these peridot studs offer both color and brilliance.
This mixable ring features alternating peridot and diamond gemstones within a beautifully detailed white gold setting.
This diamond and peridot ring shines as a cocktail ring or as a unique engagement ring.
Two gorgeous green peridots add vibrance to this chic bangle bracelet.
Alternative August Birthstones
Peridot is the most popular August birthstone, but there are two alternative birthstone options for August: sardonyx and red spinel.
Sardonyx, an opaque reddish brown and white gemstone, is the traditional August birthstone. A combination of the gemstones sard and onyx, sardonyx typically has a banded appearance. This earthy gem is associated with happiness and courage. It can be found across the world, most notably in India and Brazil.
Alongside peridot, red spinel is one of two modern birthstones for the month of August. This sparkling gemstone looks similar to a ruby, so much so that many famous “rubies” of history were actually spinel. Like other red gems, red spinel is associated with passion and devotion. Red spinel is a rare form of spinel. The majority of the world’s supply of red spinel has been found in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
| MODERN | TRADITIONAL | |
| JANUARY | GARNET | GARNET |
| FEBRUARY | AMETHYST | AMETHYST |
| MARCH | AQUAMARINE | BLOODSTONE |
| APRIL | DIAMOND | DIAMOND |
| MAY | EMERALD | EMERALD |
| JUNE | ALEXANDRITE | PEARL |
| JULY | RUBY | RUBY |
| AUGUST | PERIDOT SPINEL | SARDONYX |
| SEPTEMBER | SAPPHIRE | SAPPHIRE |
| OCTOBER | TOURMALINE | OPAL |
| NOVEMBER | GOLDEN TOPAZ CITRINE | TOPAZ |
| DECEMBER | BLUE ZIRCO NBLUE TOPAZ TANZANITE | TURQUOISE LAPIS LAZULI |
Discover August Birthstone Jewelry at Frank Jewelers
Find a birthday gift they’ll treasure in our collection of August birthstone jewelry. Click the link below to browse peridot earrings, necklaces, rings, and more.