August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx — Three Gems, Three Stories

When we think of an August birthstone, Peridot is probably the first gemstone that comes to mind — fresh, vibrant and unmistakably green.

But did you know that August actually has three birthstones: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx?

Each one has a completely different appearance, history and personality, making August one of the most interesting birthstone months.

Peridot — The Gem of Light

Peridot is the traditional and perhaps most recognisable August birthstone. Its beautiful yellowish-green to olive-green colour comes naturally from iron within the gemstone, giving it a distinctive glow that feels almost like captured summer sunlight.

Its history is also fascinating. Ancient Egyptians valued Peridot, and some of the world's historic Peridot came from the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Even more extraordinary, Peridot has occasionally been found in meteorites — meaning that some Peridot has travelled to Earth from beyond our planet.

Perhaps this is why Peridot has long been associated with light, protection and positive energy.

Spinel — The Misunderstood Beauty

If Peridot represents summer light, Spinel brings a completely different story.

For centuries, Spinel was often mistaken for other gemstones, particularly ruby. Some famous historical "rubies" were later identified as Spinel. One of the best-known examples is the Black Prince's Ruby, set in the British Imperial State Crown, which is actually a red Spinel.

Today, Spinel is appreciated in its own right. It can occur in a remarkable range of colours — from vivid red and hot pink to blue, purple, grey and black.

Spinel also has excellent durability, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it an attractive choice for jewellery that is both beautiful and practical.

Its story is a reminder that being misunderstood does not make something less valuable.

Sardonyx — The Ancient Storyteller

The third August birthstone is Sardonyx, a variety of chalcedony recognised by its distinctive layers of colour.

Typically showing bands of reddish-brown, orange, black, white or cream, Sardonyx has a bold and almost architectural appearance. Its layered structure also makes every piece individual — like a small landscape created by nature.

Sardonyx has been valued since ancient times and was particularly popular for cameos, seals and carved jewellery, where its contrasting layers could be used to create detailed designs.

Traditionally, Sardonyx has been associated with strength, courage and protection.

Three Birthstones, Three Personalities

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about August is that there isn't just one way to express its birthstone story.

Peridot — fresh, luminous and full of summer energy.

Spinel — colourful, resilient and once misunderstood.

Sardonyx — ancient, distinctive and rich in layers.

Three gemstones. Three very different personalities.

And that is one of the things we love about gemstones at Gem Decode: a gemstone is never simply a colour or a name. Behind every stone is a story — of geology, history, craftsmanship, culture and sometimes even a little mystery.

So, if you were born in August, which story feels most like you?