August is one of the few months that has three officially recognized birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Each has a different history and symbolism.
1. Peridot (Traditional & Most Popular)
Color: Lime green to olive green
Meaning:
- Strength and protection
- Good fortune and prosperity
- Peace and harmony
- Confidence and renewal
History:
- Peridot has been treasured for over 3,500 years.
- Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it protected against evil spirits.
- Much of the ancient world’s finest peridot came from an island in the Red Sea known today as Zabargad.
- Some historians believe certain “emeralds” in ancient royal collections were actually peridot.
Fun fact: Peridot is one of the few gemstones that naturally occurs in essentially one color—green—with slight variations depending on its iron content.
2. Spinel (Added as an August Birthstone in 2016)
Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, orange, gray, black, and more
Meaning:
- Hope
- Revitalization
- Energy
- Devotion and resilience
History:
- Spinel was often mistaken for ruby for centuries because high-quality red spinel looks remarkably similar.
- Several famous “rubies” in royal crown jewels, including the Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, are actually red spinel.
- In 2016, industry organizations officially added spinel as an August birthstone to provide more variety.
3. Sardonyx (The Ancient Birthstone)
Color: Brown, reddish, white, and black bands
Meaning:
- Courage
- Stability
- Protection
- Happiness in marriage
- Clear communication
History:
- Sardonyx has been used for thousands of years in carved seals and cameos because of its naturally layered colors.
- Ancient Romans believed it brought bravery to soldiers, who often wore sardonyx engraved with images of heroes or gods.
- Before peridot became the primary August birthstone, sardonyx was the traditional stone associated with August.
Quick Comparison
| Birthstone | Main Color | Symbolism | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Green | Protection, prosperity, renewal | Classic August birthstone |
| Spinel | Many colors | Hope, energy, resilience | Often mistaken for ruby |
| Sardonyx | Banded red, brown, white | Courage, strength, stability | Ancient carved cameos |
Which is the “real” August birthstone?
All three are officially recognized today:
- Peridot is the best-known and most widely purchased.
- Spinel is the modern addition, offering many color choices.
- Sardonyx is the historic, traditional birthstone dating back to ancient times.