Month 08 · gemstone almanac
August
birthstone
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color - olive green. It's formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to surface by volcanic activity. Some peridot even comes from meteorites!
Share the August birthstone guide
Immediate answer
Peridot and Spinel and Sardonyx
- Modern list
- Peridot · Spinel · Sardonyx
- Traditional list
- SardonyxA different stone from the modern list
- Hardness
- 6.5-7 on Mohs scale
- Reference policy
- Primary sources over folklore summariesAlternatives remain visible when a source lists them
Which list are you being given?
August has two defensible answers
Most pages that answer “what is the august birthstone” quote one list without saying which. There are two in common use: the modern American list standardised by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and revised since, and the older traditional list that preceded it.
| List | Stone(s) for August | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Modern | Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx | Standardised in 1912 and maintained since; used by current gemological guidesThe list this site leads with |
| Traditional | Sardonyx | Older lists predating the 1912 standardisationStill widely quoted, especially outside the United States |
What changed: Sardonyx is the older August stone. Peridot became the modern primary, and spinel was added in 2016.
The modern list was designed around transparent, faceted gems so that jewellers could set several children's stones in one ring. That commercial motive, not a gemological discovery, is why some months changed. Later revisions added alexandrite and citrine in 1952, tanzanite in 2002, and spinel in 2016.
Neither list is more “correct”: a birthstone assignment is a published convention, not a property of the gem or of the month. If a gift matters, ask which list the recipient grew up with.
Gem facts
Identity, color, and durability
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color - olive green. It's formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to surface by volcanic activity. Some peridot even comes from meteorites!
- Names in use
- Olivine · Evening Emerald
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7 on Mohs scale
Typical color palette
- #9ACD32
- #6B8E23
- #ADFF2F
- #808000
Symbolic tradition
Meanings and crystal traditions
Peridot symbolizes strength, prosperity, and protection from evil. Its vibrant green color represents nature's renewal and is said to bring success and peace to the wearer.
- Crystal traditions associate peridot with renewal and optimism
- Symbolic readings connect peridot with abundance
- Ancient traditions carried peridot as protection from night fears
- Its bright green color is often linked with growth and harmony
- These interpretations are traditions, not scientific effects
Interpretation label: Personality words such as strong, positive, protective, abundant, harmonious belong to symbolic birthstone readings. They are not traits caused by a gemstone or birth month.
Context
History and cultural variations
Ancient Egyptians called peridot 'the gem of the sun' and mined it on Zabargad Island. Cleopatra's famous emeralds may have actually been peridots. The name possibly comes from the Arabic 'faridat' meaning gem.
Gem of the sun, protected against evil spirits
Tears of the goddess Pele
Adorned churches and shrines
Popular evening wear due to its glow
Variation note: Historical beliefs are presented as beliefs. A source can document a tradition without proving a physical or medical effect.
Practical guide
Jewelry care and gift ideas
- Clean with warm soapy water only
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners
- Protect from hard impacts
- Store separately from harder gems
- Avoid extreme temperature changes
Care note: Treatments, inclusions, and settings can change safe cleaning methods. Ask a qualified jeweler when a stone's treatment history is unknown.
Budget ideas
Peridot stud earrings · Small peridot pendant · Peridot chip bracelet
Mid-range ideas
Peridot ring · Peridot drop earrings · Peridot bracelet
Premium ideas
Large peridot statement piece · Burmese peridot jewelry · Custom peridot design