August Birthstone Guide: Perdiot, Sardonyx, and Spinel

While many months have just one birthstone, August stands out with three different gemstones — sardonyx, peridot, and spinel. While peridot is the most commonly referenced of these three, the other two hold significant value and history. Here is a look at each of August’s birthstones’ properties, meaning, and history.

Peridot: The Vibrant Green Gem of Summer

As August’s primary gemstone, peridot is known for its brilliant lime green glow. It is a form of olivine created deep in the Earth’s surface via volcanoes, and, in rare cases, also appears in meteorites. Peridot is unique in that it is found in only one color, although varying quantities of iron can result in yellowish-green to olive to brownish-green shades. While it measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, finished gemstones are quite durable. Pendants, earrings, bracelets, and engagement rings commonly use peridot, as the bright green hue adds eye-catching appeal.

Many believe the name comes from the Arabic word for gem, “faridat”, while the Greek word peridona, meaning “giving plenty,” is considered by some to be the origin. At one time, Peridot symbolized the tears of the volcano goddess Pele. Outside of Hawaii, it’s often associated with prosperity and good fortune.

Peridot jewelry was worn in ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians believed it protected wearers from the terrors of the night. They often called it the “evening emerald,” claiming that the green's shine was better visible in the moonlight. The discovery of deposits in Pakistan revived its popularity in the 1990s. Today, most of the world’s peridot deposits are found in Arizona.

Sardonyx: The Ancient Stone of Strength and Protection

Sardonyx is an instantly recognizable gem with alternating layers of sard and onyx minerals. The gem is reddish with white bands, measures 6.6 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is often used in inexpensive jewelry. The color contrast between the different layers is most evident in the carved form. Gems originating from India feature the sharpest contrasts, but sardonyx is also found in Germany, Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.

People have worn Sardonyx for over 4,000 years. The meaning of this August birthstone’s name breaks down into sard, referring to the ancient city of Sardis, now in Turkey. Onyx is a Greek word that means nail or claw.

Ancient Greeks and Romans engraved sardonyx talismans with images of heroes and gods, believing that it protected them and granted them courage and victory. In Roman times, the stone was used for seals and signet rings because hot wax didn’t stick to it. It was later associated with eloquence in the Renaissance. Throughout history, sardonyx was popular among elite and regular people because of its abundance and relative affordability.

Spinel: The Rare and Radiant August Gem

While it resembles ruby or pink sapphire, spinel has a lower Mohs hardness than both and distinguishes itself by its octahedral crystal structure and single refraction. Spinel is most desirable when vivid red, but it’s also found in cobalt blue, bright orange, bright pink, lavender, black, gray, pale pink, yellow, or brown. Jewelers often cut the gemstone into round, oval, octagon, pear, and cushion shapes. 

The color, clarity, and size of a spinel determine its value. Red and cobalt blue gems are the most valuable due to their vivid hue and rarity. Spinels with minimal inclusions hold more value than those with inclusions, as they take away from the stone’s appearance. Spinels over five carats are especially valuable as it’s rare to find stones of that size. 

Throughout history, spinel is often confused with other gemstones. Famous rubies, including the “Timur Ruby” and “Black Prince’s Ruby,” were, in fact, spinel. In Central and Southeast Asia, emperors and kings owned large spinel crystals called Balas rubies. Magnetite, a type of magnetized spinel, was used in compasses by mariners as early as the 11th century. Today, you can find spinel in Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Tanzania, Brazil, the United States, and many other countries.

Shop Our August Birthstone Collection Online or In-Store 

Discover the August birthstone jewelry collection at Jeweler’s Touch to shop for pieces made with peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. If you’re looking for an original piece, our professional jewelers in Orange County can include your gem of choice in custom birthstone jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. 

Continue browsing to learn more about what we do, our financing, or layaway plans, and to access our exclusive educational resources. We also offer full jewelry services, including repairs, appraisals, permanent bracelets, and cleanings. Feel free to make an appointment online or call us directly at (714) 266-3818.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing an August birthstone for myself or as a gift?

These birthstones can make perfect August baby gifts, birthday gifts, or personal purchases. When shopping for August birthday gifts, consider your budget, the gem’s quality, and its durability. Birthstone gifts featuring these gems can vary significantly in price, with spinel often being the most expensive and sardonyx being the least costly. The quality of the gem will also affect the price, as those with a high clarity and cut are more expensive. If you’re prone to bumping or damaging your jewelry, choose a harder gem, such as spinel, to prevent scratches or cracks.

What is a good price range for jewelry with these birthstones?

The price of jewelry with these birthstones will depend on the cut, clarity, and color. The average cost of a one-carat peridot stone is between $50 and $80. Depending on color, spinel can vary from $200 to $3,000 per carat. Sardonyx often ranges from $20 to $50 per carat.

What kind of care and maintenance do these gemstones require?

Clean peridot, sardonyx, and spinel regularly using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and long periods of direct sunlight, as these can damage the surface or change the color. It’s also essential to store these gemstones separately from other pieces or in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.