August babies really lucked out. While most months get one stone, August struts in with three. Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx each bring their own color, history, and vibe. Some sparkle green, some blaze red, and others show off earthy stripes.

This guide breaks down what makes each August birthstone special, how to wear them, and even how to keep them shining for years. If you’ve ever wondered why August has so many options or which one is right for you, you’re in the right place.

What is the August birthstone

August isn’t greedy, but it does get three birthstones. The lineup is peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.

• Peridot is the modern star of August. Bright green, fresh, and hard to miss.

• Spinel was added to the list in 2016. It shows up in red, pink, blue, and more. Basically, the chameleon of gems.

• Sardonyx is the oldest of the three. It’s a striped mix of reddish brown and white that the ancients carved into cameos and talismans.

So, if you’re born in August, you’ve got choices. Sparkling green, fiery shades, or earthy stripes. Not a bad birthday perk.

August birthstone colors at a glance

Here’s the quick color cheat sheet for August’s trio.

• Peridot. Always green. It ranges from lime-bright to deep olive. If it isn’t green, it isn’t peridot.

• Spinel. Comes in a rainbow. You’ll see it in fiery reds, bubblegum pinks, ocean blues, lavender, even black. It’s the color playground of August.

• Sardonyx. Earthy and striped. Think reddish brown with crisp white bands running through it, almost like nature’s version of layered candy.

Each stone has its own personality, so picking your favorite is really about the mood you want to wear.

Meanings and History of Each August Birthstone

Peridot has been turning heads for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it warded off evil spirits. Today it’s tied to happiness, good vibes, and maybe even a touch of luck. Fun fact: some peridot actually comes from outer space, found inside meteorites.

Spinel spent centuries being mistaken for ruby and sapphire. In fact, some of the most famous “rubies” in royal crowns turned out to be spinel. That little mix-up gave it a hidden-royalty status. After finally being added as an official August birthstone in 2016, it’s enjoying the spotlight it always deserved.

Sardonyx goes way back. The Romans loved it for carved cameos and seals, believing it brought courage and victory in battle. Its bold stripes made it easy to carve and instantly recognizable. Even now, it keeps its reputation as the classic and historic option for August.

Durability and Daily Wear Guide

Let’s be honest. Some gems can handle daily chaos better than others. Here’s how August’s trio stacks up.

• Peridot. Hardness is about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Translation: fine for pendants and earrings, but rings need protective settings. It’s not the best partner for rough gym sessions or rock climbing.

• Spinel. Around 8 on the Mohs scale. Tough, reliable, and ready for daily wear. If you want a birthstone ring you don’t have to baby, spinel is your friend.

• Sardonyx. About 6.5. Softer and more likely to scratch, so think pendants, earrings, or carved cameos. Rings can work if you’re careful, but don’t go gardening with it.

So, durability-wise, spinel is the winner. Peridot and sardonyx just need a little extra TLC.

Care and Cleaning Checklist

Keeping August gems looking fresh isn’t hard. Just follow these simple rules.

• Peridot. Stick to warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Also, don’t leave it baking in the sun or near sudden heat changes. Peridot can be a little heat-sensitive.

• Spinel. Low maintenance compared to the others. A gentle wash with warm water and mild soap does the job. It’s durable enough that you don’t have to panic every time you bump it.

• Sardonyx. Treat it like a delicate cameo. Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Store it separately so harder stones don’t scratch those crisp bands.

A good rule of thumb: if in doubt, soap, water, and a soft cloth will never fail you.

Value and Rarity Notes

Here’s the money talk on August birthstones.

• Peridot. Affordable and widely available. You can find it in all sizes, from dainty accents to large statement gems. Rare pieces from meteorites are collector’s items, but most jewelry peridot is easy on the wallet.

• Spinel. This one can swing from budget-friendly to sky-high. Everyday spinel is accessible, but the best reds and neon blues can sell for thousands per carat. It’s the “sleeper hit” of the gem world.

• Sardonyx. Usually the most affordable of the three. Its beauty lies in its stripes and carvings rather than big price tags.

In short, peridot gives you sparkle without the splurge, spinel can climb into luxury territory, and sardonyx stays classic and affordable.

How to Choose Your August Birthstone

Think of it like picking your favorite ice cream flavor. Go with what fits your style and lifestyle.

• Peridot. If green is your color and you love something fresh and vibrant, this one’s for you. Just remember it’s softer, so look for rings with protective settings or choose earrings and pendants.

• Spinel. Want durability plus a rainbow of options? Spinel checks every box. It’s the most versatile of the three and perfect if you want a birthstone ring you can actually wear every day.

• Sardonyx. If history and bold stripes speak to you, sardonyx delivers. Great for statement pieces and cameos that feel timeless.

At Barkev’s, we’ve seen people mix and match too, green peridot paired with fiery spinel looks stunning. It all comes down to what makes you smile when you wear it.

August Birthstone Jewelry Ideas

August stones cover every style mood, so the jewelry options are wide open.

• Peridot. Shines in pendants and earrings where its bright green pops. In rings, it works best in settings that protect the stone, like halos or bezels.

• Spinel. Strong enough for anything, engagement rings, stacking bands, tennis bracelets, or everyday studs. Its rainbow of colors makes it fun to match with your wardrobe.

• Sardonyx. A natural fit for carved cameos, bold pendants, and vintage-inspired pieces. It has that old-world charm that feels different from typical gems.

At Barkev’s, we love using peridot in modern designs. The green is pure eye candy.

August Birthstone by Zodiac

Birthstones and zodiac signs go hand in hand, even if it’s more tradition than science.

• Leo (July 23 – August 22). Peridot is often linked here. Its bold green suits Leo’s confident personality.

• Virgo (August 23 – September 22). Virgo gets connected with peridot too, but modern lists sometimes add spinel and sardonyx. The idea is balance, protection, and a little extra sparkle for Virgo’s practical side.

So whether you’re a roaring Leo or a thoughtful Virgo, August stones have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About the August Birthstone

1. What is the August birthstone?
August has three: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.

2. Why does August have three birthstones?
Sardonyx was the original. Peridot was added later, and spinel joined the modern list in 2016.

3. What color is the August birthstone?
Peridot is always green. Spinel comes in reds, pinks, blues, and more. Sardonyx has reddish-brown stripes with white bands.

4. Which August birthstone is most durable?
Spinel takes the crown. At about 8 on the Mohs scale, it’s tougher than peridot and sardonyx.

5. Is peridot good for engagement rings?
Yes, but it needs a protective setting. It’s softer than diamonds, so treat it with care.

6. How do I clean peridot safely?
Warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

7. Which August birthstone is most valuable?
Fine spinel, especially vivid reds and blues, can command high prices.

8. Is peridot rare?
Not usually. It’s widely available, but pieces from meteorites are extremely rare.

9. Can I mix August birthstones in one piece?
Absolutely. Designers often combine peridot, spinel, and sardonyx for colorful contrast.

Quick Comparison Table for August Birthstones

Here’s a side-by-side look to make choosing easier:

 

This table sums up durability, colors, and care at a glance, so you don’t have to memorize a gemology textbook.

Final Buying Tips for the August Birthstone

Pick the stone that matches your style, not just the calendar.

• Love green? Go with peridot. Just give it a safe setting if it’s in a ring.

• Want durability and color variety? Spinel is your best bet.

• Crave history and stripes? Sardonyx has that timeless carved look.

The smart move is to buy from a trusted jeweler so you know what you’re getting. At Barkev’s, we work with these gems in designs that show off their best qualities, whether it’s a bold peridot pendant or a ring for daily wear.