August Birthstones: The Complete Guide to Peridot, Spinel, and Pro-Level Jewelry Tips

If you’ve ever asked, “what is the birthstone for August?” the classic answer is peridot, yet modern gem lore now crowns spinel as a co-star. Below you’ll find everything from geology and lore to workshop advice, so you can design, gift, or wear these summer treasures with total confidence.

Why Two Birthstones for One Month?

The original August birthstone - peridot, has appeared in liturgical treasures and royal regalia for well over 2,000 years. In 2016 the American Gem Trade Association officially added spinel, giving August babies a fresh palette of reds, pinks, blues, and violets. So when someone wonders, “What is the birthstone for August?” The genuine answer is both.

August Birthstone Colors at a Glance

Because of Spinel's addition, shoppers can now celebrate August with either that iconic peridot lime or a saturated spinel hue that suits their personality.

Peridot: Geology, Lore & Benefits

Geological Birth

Peridot gemstone is the gem variety of olivine, crystallizing deep in Earth’s mantle and surfacing through volcanic vents. Major sources include the San Carlos Apache Reservation (USA), Zabargad Island (Egypt), Myanmar, and Pakistan’s Kashmir region.

August Birthstone Meaning

As the archetypal August birthstone peridot, this gem has long symbolized renewal, happiness, and protective light. Ancient Egyptians dubbed it “Gem of the Sun,” believing it banished night terrors. Medieval clergy inlaid it into reliquaries to ward off envy.

Peridot Gemstone Benefits

Crystal-healing circles cite numerous peridot gemstone benefits:

• Lifts mood and relieves stress
  

• Balances the heart chakra, fostering forgiveness
  

• Supports metabolism and digestive health
  

Whether or not you subscribe to metaphysical lore, the lively lime hue undeniably brightens any setting, a visual pick-me-up all on its own. Paired with amethyst crystals, not only the duo is a striking combo aesthetically but also they help you relieve stress and welcome more clarity in your life. 
Want to have a visual for live-comparison? Check out our collection of amethyst crystals for sale  and peridot gemstones collection. 

Cutting & Durability

• Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale—suited for daily wear if you avoid rough abrasion.
  

• Refractive Index: 1.65–1.69, giving peridot a honeyed glow rather than diamond-like fire.
  

• Treatments: Virtually none; what you see is Mother Nature’s handiwork.
  

Designers favor checkerboard cushions, pear drops, and fantasy step cuts that highlight subtle color zoning. Browse calibrated sizes on our peridot gemstone for jewelry making page to match castings without costly custom work.

Spinel: The Renaissance Favorite Making a Comeback

Geological Birth

Spinel (MgAl₂O₄) forms in high-temperature limestone skarns and marble pockets. Myanmar’s Mogok Valley, Tanzania’s Mahenge belt, and Vietnam’s Lục Yên district yield some of the world’s most coveted crystals.

Spinel Birthstone Symbolism

Labelled the “great imposter” after centuries of masquerading as ruby, modern gemology finally spotlights spinel for its own virtues: revitalization, perseverance, and harmony. Those traits align beautifully with Virgo’s practicality and Leo’s vibrant enthusiasm, two zodiac signs that straddle August. 

If you go by energetically lucky stone pairings, then consider pairing a pink, purple or lavender Spinel with Citrine crystals, which is believed to be lucky for Virgos. Citrine not only helps balance Jupiter (which is why it’s the birthstone of November babies), but also adds a charismatic radiance to the soft pink to purple shades of a Spinel, making the duo uplift each other.

Mid - P.S - Most of the citrines in the market are basically heat treated amethyst. While in terms of looks it doesn’t matter as the treated ones work just as fine as a real citrine stone, but we can’t deny that the energetic properties are always better when they are shaped inside earth. Get your hands on natural citrine gemstones from our website online, that too at wholesale price. 

As for Leo, they love Peridot and Peridot loves them. They can wear this stunning green stone on its own, but if Leos are seeking some drama, want some eyes as they enter the room (which they always do), pairing red to orange spinel or even lavender spinel with bright green peridots can be one of the decisions you make.
Check out our collection of ruby for sale online in case you’d love to see the drama happening! 

Performance in Jewelry

• Hardness: 8—tough enough for engagement rings.
  

• Refractive Index: 1.71–1.73; sharp brilliance echoes sapphire.
  

• Treatments: High-grade spinel is generally untreated; minor stones may see low-temperature clarity annealing.
  

For jewelers, that translates into bright polish, crisp facet junctions, and long-term wear.

Design Inspiration & Workshop Strategy

Color Pairings

• Peridot + Diamond: White sparkle cools peridot’s lime for bridal or high-end cocktail looks.
  

• Peridot + Blue Topaz: A Caribbean palette ideal for summer capsule lines.
  

• Spinel + Rose Gold: Blush metal intensifies red or pink spinel for modern romance.
  

• Spinel + Black Rhodium: Edgy contrast that makes cobalt and lavender tones pop.
  

Setting Advice

Pricing & Market Position

• Commercial peridot (1–5 ct) wholesales around US $10–40/ct; Pakistan “Kohistan Neon” can top $200+/ct.
  

• Fine spinel in vivid reds or neon pinks (1–3 ct) easily fetches $600–2,000+/ct retail, rivaling ruby yet at a friendlier price point.
  

Understanding these tiers lets you pitch value to clients who ask about August birthstone spinel versus classic peridot.

Care & Cleaning Routine

Knowing how to care for each August birthstone color keeps that midsummer radiance blazing for decades.

Taking the Next Step

Now that you’ve mastered the science, symbolism, and studio tactics behind both August gems, the only thing left is to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Whether you crave the sunlit zest of peridot or the regal sparkle of spinel, summer birthstones offer limitless design freedom.

Ready to source? View our full lineup on the GemstonesForSale - gemstones shop, then cherry-pick ethically sourced rough, calibrated parcels, or finished stones to elevate your next masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What is the main birthstone for August?
Ans: Peridot is the primary birthstone for August, known for its vibrant green color and positive energy.

Q2. Are there multiple birthstones for August?
Ans: Yes, August has three birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx.

Q3. What does Peridot symbolize?
Ans: Peridot symbolizes strength, protection, and prosperity.

Q4. Is Spinel a rare gemstone?
Ans: Yes, Spinel is rarer than many gemstones and is prized for its brilliant colors.

Q5. Which August birthstone is best for jewelry?
Ans: Peridot and Spinel are both durable and stunning choices for everyday jewelry.

Q6. Can August birthstones be worn daily?
Ans: Yes, especially Spinel and Peridot, which are durable enough for regular wear with proper care.

Q7. Where can I buy natural August birthstones online?
Ans: You can buy natural Peridot and Spinel gemstones online from trusted gemstone stores and jewelers.