Peridot: How to Pick the Best August Birthstone Jewelry

August is one of the few months that boast multiple birthstones, offering a rich variety of colors, meanings, and traditions. Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx are the three gemstones associated with this summer month. Among them, Peridot stands out as the most iconic and widely recognized birthstone for August, admired for its fresh green glow and ancient spiritual significance.

This article explores everything you need to know about Peridot as August’s primary birthstone—from its origins and symbolism to care and durability. We will also briefly introduce Spinel and Sardonyx, which add additional color and historical depth to August’s birthstone collection.

What Are the Birthstones for August?

August is one of only three months, along with June and December, that have more than one official birthstone. Today, there are three stones recognized for August:

• Peridot. A vibrant yellow-green gem known for its protective energy and ancient associations with the sun.
• Spinel. A colorful gem often mistaken for ruby or sapphire. It was officially added to the August list in 2016.
• Sardonyx. The oldest August birthstone, made up of layered red and white bands, and historically used in seals and intaglios.

While all three stones offer beauty and meaning, Peridot remains the primary gem associated with August birthdays. Its unique green color, celestial origin, and long history make it a favorite among jewelers and gem enthusiasts.

What Makes Peridot the Main August Birthstone?

What Is Peridot?

Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is one of the few gemstones that appear in only one color—green—though the shade can range from pale yellow-green to deep olive depending on its iron content.

The finest Peridots exhibit a vibrant, grass-green hue with high clarity and minimal inclusions. Its bright, radiant appearance under natural light has earned it the title "gem of the sun" in ancient Egypt.

What Does Peridot Symbolize?

Peridot has been used for centuries as a talisman to protect against evil spirits and emotional unrest. Ancient cultures believed it could bring the wearer peace, happiness, and good health. The gem was also thought to improve sleep and ward off nightmares.

In modern symbolism, Peridot is linked to personal growth, transformation, and harmony. It is also the traditional gift for the 16th wedding anniversary, representing enduring love and renewal.

What Is the History Behind Peridot?

The history of Peridot dates back over 3,500 years. It was first mined on Zabargad Island (then known as Topazios) in the Red Sea. This island became a legendary source for high-quality Peridot during ancient Egyptian times. Priests wore Peridot in rituals, and it was frequently used in religious artifacts.

Interestingly, many historians believe that what was once thought to be Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually been Peridot. During the Middle Ages, Peridot was also valued in European churches and was used to decorate cathedral treasures.

Its appeal continued through the centuries, not only for its beauty but also for the mystical qualities attributed to it by different cultures.

Where Is Peridot Found Around the World?

Peridot is sourced from various regions, each offering slightly different qualities depending on geological conditions. Its formation in volcanic and sometimes extraterrestrial environments makes it an especially fascinating gem.

Where on Earth Is Peridot Mined?

• Egypt. Zabargad Island remains the most historically significant source of Peridot, though it is no longer actively mined.
• Pakistan. The Kashmir region in northern Pakistan produces some of the finest Peridot available today, known for its vivid, saturated green color.
• Myanmar (Burma). Peridot is mined near Mogok, a region also famous for rubies and Spinel.
• United States. Arizona is one of the largest producers of Peridot, especially from the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
• China, Vietnam, and Tanzania. These countries provide large quantities of Peridot for global markets.

Is Peridot Found in Space?

Beyond Earth, Peridot has also been discovered in rare meteorites known as pallasites. These space-born crystals are chemically identical to Earth-mined Peridot but are extremely rare. This gives Peridot the unique distinction of being one of the few gemstones with both terrestrial and extraterrestrial origins.

How Durable Are August Birthstones?

When choosing a gemstone for jewelry, especially for rings or bracelets, durability matters. The Mohs hardness scale is used to measure a gemstone’s resistance to scratching and wear.

Is Peridot Durable Enough for Daily Wear?

Peridot ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it somewhat softer than other popular gems like sapphire or diamond. It can scratch more easily and is susceptible to chipping if struck. That said, with proper settings and cautious wear, it is perfectly fine for rings, earrings, pendants, and other daily-use jewelry.

To protect Peridot in rings, consider settings that surround or shield the gem. Be mindful when wearing it during activities that could cause impact or abrasion.

How Do Spinel and Sardonyx Compare?

• Spinel is the most durable of the three, ranking at 8 on the Mohs scale. It is suitable for everyday wear and is resistant to most scratches.
• Sardonyx, like Peridot, has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. Its banded structure can make it more vulnerable to chipping, especially along the layers.

How Should You Clean and Care for Peridot Jewelry?

Peridot, while beautiful, requires a little extra care to maintain its luster and integrity over time.

Cleaning Peridot

• Use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush to clean gently.
• Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone.
• Do not expose Peridot to harsh chemicals, acidic solutions, or high heat.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Storing Peridot

Store Peridot separately from harder stones like diamonds or sapphires to avoid scratches. Use soft fabric pouches or a jewelry box with individual compartments to keep your gems safe.

Caring for Spinel and Sardonyx

• Spinel is more resilient and can be safely cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners, though hand cleaning remains the safest method.
• Sardonyx should be treated similarly to Peridot. Clean with gentle soap and water, avoid sudden impacts, and store with care to protect its banded layers.

What About Spinel and Sardonyx?

Although Peridot is the main birthstone for August, both Spinel and Sardonyx add unique historical and aesthetic value to the month.

Spinel

Spinel has been historically confused with ruby due to its brilliant red hues. A famous example is the 170-carat "Black Prince’s Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown, which is actually a Spinel. It also comes in pink, purple, orange, and blue, making it one of the most colorful and versatile gems. Spinel is associated with revitalization, inner strength, and renewal. It is also gifted on the 22nd wedding anniversary.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony that features alternating layers of sard (reddish-brown) and onyx (white or black). It was widely used in ancient Roman signet rings and Renaissance cameos. Symbolically, Sardonyx represents strength, courage, and honest communication. It is an affordable and meaningful choice for those who appreciate historical gemstones.

Conclusion

If you were born in August, you are lucky to have a birthstone with as much depth and beauty as Peridot. Its brilliant green color, cosmic origin, and long-standing history make it one of the most fascinating and meaningful gems you can wear.

Whether you choose it for its appearance, symbolism, or both, Peridot jewelry offers timeless appeal and lasting value. And if you are drawn to other styles or colors, Spinel and Sardonyx provide compelling alternatives that carry their own stories and charm.

No matter which gem you choose, August birthstones are more than just beautiful accessories. They are wearable expressions of history, identity, and personal meaning.