Let’s just say it: August is a misunderstood month. It doesn’t have the fireworks of July or the coziness of September. It’s sticky. It’s transitional. It’s Leo season in full dramatic flair or Virgo’s whisper of back-to-school productivity. It’s late summer romance and late summer malaise all at once. Which is probably why its birthstones, peridot, spinel, and sardonyx, are equally unexpected: vibrant, moody, storied, and, somehow, perpetually underrated.
This is your official deep dive into the August birthstone question, with a tour through three fascinating gems, peridot, spinel, and sardonyx, along with their jewelry potential, historical lore, and astrological magic.
A Quick Introduction: What Is August’s Birthstone?
August is incredible in that it boasts not one, not two, but three birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each comes with its own color palette, mythology, and beauty.
If you’re a Leo (bold, fiery, unignorable) or a Virgo (grounded, precise, emotionally astute), you’ve lucked into a gemstone trifecta that reflects both power and nuance.
Peridot: The Lime-Light Gem
Let’s begin with the star of the August birthstone lineup: peridot. This stone is everything August isn’t typically given credit for: lush, bright, and born from fire.
The Origin Story
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Unlike most gemstones, which form in the Earth’s crust, peridot comes from the mantle, the scorching layer below. It’s brought to the surface through volcanic activity or, in even rarer cases, delivered via meteorite. That means that peridot is literally out of this world.
Major peridot deposits are found in Arizona, Myanmar, Pakistan, and China, but some of the oldest known sources come from Egypt’s St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. The ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun, believing it protected against nightmares and evil spirits. It is said that Cleopatra may have even worn peridot, mistaking it for emerald, something you could absolutely do if you're not paying close attention.
Peridot Birthstone Traits
From a metaphysical perspective, the peridot birthstone is associated with warmth, openness, and harmony. It’s considered a heart chakra stone, ideal for August babies trying to balance confidence and compassion.
Astrologically, peridot is thought to enhance the natural charisma of Leos while softening their tendency toward... theatrical outbursts. For Virgos, it brings emotional clarity and a touch of radiant spontaneity. And from a color standpoint, few things say late summer like the zesty green of a fine peridot ring.
Peridot: Color, Cut, and Character
Peridot’s unmistakable green ranges from fresh lime to mossy olive, thanks to its high iron content. Unlike other gemstones, it only comes in shades of green, no rainbow necessary. Its most coveted tones are vibrant, medium greens with minimal brown or yellow undertones.
As for shapes? Peridot loves to play. It dazzles in oval, cushion, and emerald cuts just as easily as it thrives in modern bezel-set designs. Whether you’re after a timeless peridot necklace or a playful pair of peridot earrings, the stone’s crystal clarity and sunny disposition make it surprisingly versatile.
Explore our colored gemstones collection for similar vibrant greens, including tourmalines and green sapphires, if peridot is currently elusive.
Spinel: The Comeback Gem
Spinel is the cool girl of the gemstone world, the one who’s been mistaken for ruby for centuries, but finally gets her very own spotlight.
What Is Spinel?
A magnesium aluminum oxide by nature, spinel often forms in the same geological conditions as ruby and sapphire. And for much of history, the three were lumped together like awkward roommates. The British Imperial State Crown contains a 170-carat red spinel known as the “Black Prince’s Ruby.” Oops.
But spinel is no consolation prize. It boasts brilliance, durability (8 on the Mohs scale!), and a spectacular range of colors: ruby red, hot pink, violet, orange, gray, even steely blue. Unlike ruby, spinel is singly refractive, meaning it has a cleaner, crisper sparkle. Consider it Ruby’s laid-back, low-maintenance cousin.
Spinel Birthstone Significance
Only officially recognized as an August birthstone in 2016, spinel symbolizes revitalization, energy, and the renewal of life, a fitting match for those born in the dog days of summer, when the heat can be oppressive but the sunsets are unparalleled.
For Leos, spinel feeds their fire. For Virgos, the clean geometry and saturated hues offer mental clarity and grounding. Spinel is often seen as a stone of hope, ideal for a new season or a new chapter.
How to Wear It
Spinel jewelry is especially glorious in rings. Spinel rings add bold color without sacrificing sophistication. Deep red and pink varieties shine as spinel engagement rings—unexpected and utterly romantic. Violet or gray spinels look dazzling in spinel earrings or spinel necklaces, especially when paired with rose gold or platinum settings for a vintage-modern twist.
Sardonyx: The Original August Birthstone
Before there was peridot. Before spinel made its comeback. There was sardonyx: the original August birthstone. It’s the one your great-grandmother might have known, carved into cameos or tucked into Victorian lockets.
What Is Sardonyx?
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx composed of sard (a reddish-brown form of chalcedony) and white bands of onyx. The result is a layered stone, often warm-toned with stunning natural striations. The bands are typically cut to reveal intricate cameos and intaglios, making sardonyx jewelry feel as storied as a secret diary.
It was believed to promote courage, happiness, and clear communication, traits you might want to borrow from the Leo handbook.
Sardonyx Birthstone Meaning
If you’re wondering what an August birthstone is in the classical sense, this is it. Sardonyx was revered in Roman times as a symbol of strength and protection. Warriors would carry sardonyx rings engraved with Mars or Hercules before battle. Over time, it also became associated with marital bliss, making it an under-the-radar pick for unique wedding bands or anniversary tokens.
Today, sardonyx bracelets, sardonyx necklaces, and sardonyx earrings are rare finds, though you can often spot similar cameo-style work in vintage collections.
When sardonyx is out of reach, turn to red jasper or banded agate, both provide a similar visual warmth and earthy allure.
How August Birthstones Are Used in Jewelry
What ties peridot, spinel, and sardonyx together, aside from their August birthdays, is their sheer flexibility in design.
Peridot Jewelry
The green glow of a fine peridot engagement ring is both whimsical and elegant, perfect for someone who wants a nontraditional yet timeless stone. Peridot earrings and peridot necklaces add a pop of color to neutrals or complement floral patterns in spring and summer wardrobes. Our favorite use? A vintage peridot cocktail ring that turns heads without having to shout.
Browse our cocktail rings or wedding bands for pieces that blend playfulness with polish.
Spinel Jewelry
A bright pink spinel ring pairs beautifully with diamonds in modern cluster designs. Violet spinels make for moody, romantic spinel necklaces, especially when paired with antique metalwork. And red spinels in vintage brooches or bracelets? Pure drama.
Sardonyx Jewelry
You’re more likely to find sardonyx earrings and sardonyx necklaces as antique heirlooms than modern designs, but when you do, they’re breathtaking. Seek out cameo pendants, carved rings, and statement sardonyx bracelets that feel as bold as they are refined.
Limited Choices? Consider These Sparkling Substitutes
Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx aren't always the easiest gems to find. The best things in life are sometimes those that aren't readily available. At Trumpet & Horn, we pride ourselves on curating rare and one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Because we deal in authenticity, our supply of true peridot jewelry, spinel jewelry, and sardonyx jewelry can sometimes be limited, but fear not. If the birthstone of your dreams is out of stock, there are alternatives with equally magnetic charm.
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For Peridot: Green sapphire, tourmaline, or chrysoberyl can mimic that verdant glow with subtle differences in saturation.
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For Spinel: Ruby (for red), pink sapphire, and garnet deliver that rich saturation and depth.
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For Sardonyx: Banded agate or carnelian offer that layered, earthy look with a similar historical feel.
August is a Truly Multifaceted Month
If you were born in August, your gemstones reflect everything that makes this month quietly spectacular. You get fire and grace. You get boldness and balance. Whether you’re drawn to the radiant optimism of peridot, the moody mystique of spinel, or the historical gravitas of sardonyx, you’re in good company and great style.
Explore our full collection of vintage rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to find a piece that speaks to your summer story. Or book an appointment for a personalized experience with our expert curators.
Because August deserves its moment in the sun, just like you.