Jewelry IdentifierBirthstone
August Birthstone
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel (added 2016), and traditional sardonyx.
Peridot
Mohs 6.5–7Yellow-green, colored by iron; one of the few gems found in just one color.
Spinel
Mohs 8Added as an August birthstone in 2016; occurs in red, pink, blue, and more.
- Modern birthstone
- Peridot, Spinel
- Traditional / alternates
- Sardonyx
- Color
- Yellow-green
Born in August? Your modern birthstones are peridot — a bright yellow-green gem — and spinel, added in 2016, which comes in many colors including vivid red. The traditional August stone is sardonyx, a banded reddish chalcedony.
What the August birthstone means
Peridot symbolizes strength and protection; ancient Egyptians called it the 'gem of the sun.'
Is your August birthstone real?
Birthstones are among the most-imitated gems — peridot especially is often simulated by glass or synthetics. The fastest way to check what you actually have is to photograph the stone and run it through the free Gemstone Identifier, then confirm whether it's natural with the Is It Real? tool. For what a piece is worth, get a free jewelry appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Birthstones by month
Not sure if your peridot is real?
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