August
August's birthstones are peridot and spinel (added 2016) — symbols of abundance, positive energy and protection; the traditional list is sardonyx.
August’s birthstones are peridot and spinel (added 2016) — symbols of abundance, positive energy and protection; the traditional list is sardonyx. A yellow-green touched with sunlight, and a red mistaken for centuries.
About the August Birthstone
August has two modern birthstones. Peridot is a yellow-green gem whose green is a self-colour, needing almost no treatment; spinel is mostly natural and untreated, long mistaken for ruby. The traditional August stone is sardonyx — a red-and-white banded chalcedony, seen by the ancients as a stone of courage and protection.
The Meaning of This Month
Peridot symbolises abundance and positive energy — ancient Egypt’s “gem of the sun”, believed to drive away the terrors of the night; spinel symbolises vitality and renewal. To give one to someone born in August is to wish “abundance and brightness, like sunlight”.
History & Culture
The birthstone tradition traces to the twelve gems of the Breastplate of Aaron, matched to the months and zodiac, and standardised into the modern list by the American jewellers’ association in 1912. Peridot was ancient Egypt’s “gem of the sun”, and some believe part of Cleopatra’s “emerald” collection was in fact peridot; spinel was formally added to the August list by the jewellers’ associations in 2016 — a rare amendment in a century.
The Lists
| List | August birthstone |
|---|---|
| Modern (1912 · US, spinel 2016) | Peridot · Spinel |
| Traditional | Sardonyx |
| Zodiac | Leo (to 8/22) · Virgo (from 8/23) |
Explore this month's stones
FAQ
What is August's birthstone?
Modern is peridot and spinel; the traditional list is sardonyx.
When did spinel become a birthstone?
In 2016, formally added to August by the jewellers' associations (JA / AGTA) — a rare amendment in a century.
What does peridot symbolise?
Abundance and positive energy; ancient Egypt called it the "gem of the sun", believed to drive away the terrors of the night.
Does peridot need treatment?
Almost never — the green is a self-colour, which is its reassurance; but it is a little soft, so wear it with care.
Which zodiac signs go with August?
Leo (to August 22) and Virgo (from August 23).