August Birthstones: Peridot & Spinel – Gems of Summer’s Glow

If you’re born in August, consider yourself lucky—because instead of just one birthstone, you get three august birthstones to choose from. That’s right, the birthstone for August isn’t just one gem—it’s a whole gem variety featuring peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.

Each gemstone has its own story, with a history steeped in ancient times, legendary royal treasures, and vibrant hues. Peridot birthstone shines like bottled sunlight, red spinel has often been confused with ruby, and sardonyx birthstone carries an old-world charm that feels timeless.

So whether you’re into beautiful peridot jewelry, obsessed with the fiery sparkle of spinel birthstone, or drawn to the deep layers of sardonyx are the three birthstones, we’re diving into everything you need to know about August’s birthstones—history, care, style, and why they make the perfect gift for anyone born in the month of August.

The History Behind August Birthstones

Peridot: The Sun Gem of Ancient Times

The source of this august birthstone is as mystical as it gets. Peridot from Zabargad, an island in the Red Sea, was so adored by Egyptian pharaohs that they believed it could ward off "terrors of the night". This birthstone jewelry was often set in karat gold, its hue glowing in candlelight.

• Actually produced peridot: Egypt was one of the first civilizations to mine gem-quality peridot.
• Owned by a succession of rulers, peridot birthstone adorned crowns and sacred temples.
• Even today, peridot beach sand in Hawaii contains tiny crystals of this august birthstone, naturally formed from lava flows.

Spinel: The Gemstone That Fooled Kings

For centuries, spinel birthstone information was… kind of a mess. Spinel is found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, but for the longest time, people mistook it for ruby.

• The most historic red spinel is set in Great Britain’s State Crown, known as the Black Prince’s Ruby (spoiler: not a ruby).
• Spinel is set in great royal treasures worldwide, thanks to its wealth of colors and brilliance.
• Many moorish and Spanish kings adored pink spinel as much as they loved actual ruby.

So, if you love a gemstone with drama, intrigue, and a little identity crisis, spinel birthstone is for you.

Sardonyx: The Warrior’s Birthstone

Before sardonyx was believed to be an elegant statement piece, it was a gem for August that warriors wore in battle. Carved into cameos and signet rings, this original august birthstone was a symbol of strength, courage, and protection.

• Composed of sard and onyx, the alternating bands of color give it a uniquely bold aesthetic.
• Spanish kings before Edward III prized it for its earthy, noble look.
• Ancient Romans thought wearing sardonyx birthstone meant you’d win any argument (now that’s a power move).

Mohs Scale of Hardness: Can Your August Birthstone Survive Daily Life?

Gemstone durability matters—especially if you’re wearing your birthstone jewelry every day. The mohs scale of hardness ranks gemstones based on how scratch-resistant they are.

Birthstone	Mohs Scale of Hardness	Best For
Peridot	6.5-7 (softer than many)	Earrings, pendants
Spinel	7.5-8 (spinel is 8, durable)	Rings, everyday wear
Sardonyx	6.5-7	Statement jewelry

 

If you want jewelry today that holds up to daily wear, spinel in the imperial category is your best bet, while peridot and sardonyx need a little extra care.

How to Style August Birthstones

Peridot Jewelry: Vibrant and Fresh

• Best paired with karat gold to enhance its natural hue.
• Perfect for layering necklaces with an ethereal crystal aesthetic.
• Ideal for summer wardrobes, effortlessly glowing like a peridot beach sunset.

Spinel Jewelry: Chic and Unexpected

• Pink spinel and red spinel make killer statement rings.
• Looks amazing with emerald and sapphire for a colorful twist.
• A must-have if you love royal vibes—since spinel is set in great historical jewelry.

Sardonyx Jewelry: Timeless and Bold

• Works beautifully in bands of color for vintage-inspired rings.
• Best in chunky statement pieces that make a lasting impression.
• The second birthstone for August, but it deserves just as much attention.

How to Care for Your August Birthstones

• Peridot: Clean with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Spinel: Since spinel is 8 on the mohs scale of hardness, it's durable and safe for ultrasonic cleaning.
• Sardonyx: Stick to gentle cleaning methods to maintain the variety of colors in the stone.

If you want your august birthstones to discover their full brilliance, proper care is key.

Ona Beam’s August Birthstone Collection

At Ona Beam, we believe that birthstone jewelry should be as unique as the people who wear it. Whether you're drawn to the luminous glow of peridot birthstone, the fiery elegance of red spinel, or the bold sophistication of sardonyx birthstone, our collection is designed to highlight the beauty of august birthstones in every form.

PeriRosé Peridot Necklace

Noir & Pearl Spinel Bracelet

Classic, but make it a little rebellious. Noir & Pearl is that perfect clash—lustrous pearls meet the inky depth of black spinel, creating a contrast that’s both timeless and effortlessly cool. Think Audrey Hepburn with a leather jacket. Wear it when you want to keep things sleek, sophisticated, and just the right amount of edgy.

Spinel & Peridot Drop Earrings

Sunlight, but make it jewelry. Eight round-cut peridots, each glowing with that fresh green energy, linked by delicate 14K gold for the perfect amount of movement. Light, effortless, and just the right touch of rich but chill. Wear them when you want to look put together—without even trying.

Birthstones and discover the perfect piece from Ona Beam’s collection—where history, luxury, and contemporary design meet.

FAQs:

Q: Is peridot the only August birthstone?
A: No, three birthstones for August exist—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.

Q: Where does peridot come from?
A: Peridot from Zabargad is the most famous, but it's also found in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona.

Q: Why was spinel often confused with ruby?
A: Many gems such as topaz and ruby have been mistaken for spinel and sardonyx, but now we know better.

Final Thoughts: Birthstones and Discover the Perfect One for You

August’s birthstones by month offer something for everyone. Whether you gravitate toward the hot pink sparkle of spinel birthstone, the glowing green of peridot birthstone, or the timeless layers of sardonyx birthstone, there’s a gem for August that fits your style.

Discover the perfect gift in Ona Beam’s birthstone jewelry collection, where history meets modern elegance.