August Birthstone: Peridot Meaning, History & Jewellery Guide
August's birthstone has the best origin story on the calendar: peridot forms in the Earth's mantle and rides volcanoes to the surface — and a small number of peridots didn't come from Earth at all, but arrived inside meteorites. If you're born in August, your stone is literally forged in fire and occasionally delivered from space.
What is the August birthstone?
August's primary birthstone is peridot (pronounced PAIR-ih-doh or PAIR-ih-dot — both are accepted). August is also a multi-stone month: spinel was officially added as an August birthstone in 2016, and sardonyx is the month's traditional historical stone.
Peridot meaning and symbolism
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on a Red Sea island and called it the "gem of the sun", believing it protected its wearer from terrors of the night. Across cultures it has stood for light, vitality, good fortune and peace — and because of its sunny associations, it's long been considered a stone that wards off negativity and draws in prosperity.
Peridot is also the traditional gem of the 16th wedding anniversary.
What makes peridot unusual?
Most gems form in the Earth's crust. Peridot (gem-quality olivine) forms far deeper, in the mantle, and reaches us through volcanic activity — which is why significant sources include volcanic regions. Rarer still, peridot has been found in pallasite meteorites, making it one of only a couple of gems known to arrive from space.
It's also one of the few gems that comes in only one colour: green. The shade shifts from yellowish-green to olive depending on iron content, but peridot is always green — in fact, its colour comes from the basic chemistry of the mineral itself rather than trace impurities, so it never needs (and rarely receives) treatment. What you see is what nature made. Historically it was nicknamed the "evening emerald" because its green stayed vivid under lamplight.
Peridot measures 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale — durable enough for regular wear, though a notch softer than sapphire or ruby, so it appreciates a little care in rings.
The other August birthstones
Spinel
The newest addition (2016), spinel comes in glowing reds, pinks, purples and blues, and spent centuries being mistaken for ruby — several famous "rubies" in royal crowns are actually spinels. A brilliant choice for an August baby who isn't a green person.
Sardonyx
The traditional stone: banded layers of reddish-brown sard and white onyx, historically carved into cameos and signets. More a heritage curiosity today, but a lovely fact for the birthday card.
Choosing peridot jewellery
Peridot's fresh green is one of the most distinctive birthstone colours — it reads young, optimistic and a little unexpected. It's stunning in yellow gold (the Egyptians had it right) and crisp in silver or white metals.
Earrings and pendants are the easiest wins and suit peridot's hardness perfectly — see our earrings and necklaces ranges alongside the gemstone jewellery collection. Rings are fine for regular wear with sensible care — remove for gym sessions and gardening. For gifting, browse by budget in gifts under $100 or the full birthstone jewellery range.
How to care for peridot
Warm soapy water and a soft brush only — peridot is sensitive to rapid temperature change and acids, so skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Store it away from harder stones, and take rings off for rough work. That's the whole regime.
Frequently asked questions
What is the birthstone for August?
Peridot is the primary August birthstone, with spinel (added officially in 2016) and the traditional sardonyx as alternatives.
What does peridot symbolise?
Light, vitality, good fortune and protection — the ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun. It's also the 16th anniversary gemstone.
What colour is peridot?
Always green — from bright yellowish-green to deeper olive. It's one of the few gems that occurs in a single colour and is almost never treated.
Is peridot expensive?
Peridot is one of the more affordable coloured gems, which makes generous-sized stones accessible — part of its charm as a birthstone gift.
Can peridot be worn every day?
Yes, with light care. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale it handles daily wear in earrings and pendants easily; rings benefit from being removed for rough tasks.
Shop this birthstone
Looking for the perfect piece? Explore our peridot jewellery collection — earrings, pendants and rings to suit every style and budget. Peridot's fresh green is stunning in yellow gold and easy to wear day to day.
Prefer to browse everything in one place? Visit our birthstone jewellery hub to shop by any month. Free express shipping on orders over $99, with Afterpay and Zip available.
Find your birthstone by month
Every month has its own gem. Explore the full series:
January - Garnet · February – Amethyst · March – Aquamarine · April – Diamond · May – Emerald · June – Pearl · July – Ruby · September – Sapphire · October – Opal · November – Topaz & Citrine · December – Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon