If you have your birthday in August, then consider yourself one of the lucky ones! Why? Well, as an August-born, you can choose between two beautiful gemstones as your birthstone – the lush green Peridot, and the pretty Spinel. These befitting gemstones are the perfect presents for August babies. Read the brief information about these two popular birthstones for August.
Peridot, the olive-green August gemstone comes from a magnesium-rich variety of olivine. The formation of peridots takes place in silica-deficient rocks such as volcanic basalt and pallasitic meteorite. It is a gemstone that comes in only one color tone which is the olive-green hue.
Spinel is its own mineral and comes in a variety of colors. The red spinel is sometimes mistaken for a ruby, for example, The Black Prince Ruby. Contrary to the name, this royal gem is a spinel. Spinel received its name from the Spanish word, Spinella which means spine, in reference to its pointed crystals.
Let’s learn more about these August gemstones in detail.
1. What is Peridot Gemstone?
One of the rarest gemstones in the world is the peridot. It is a semi-precious gemstone and comes from the mineral olivine. Peridot is known for its rich, vibrant color and excellent value. This gemstone is a rare variety of the mineral olivine and derives its vibrant green color from the presence of the trace element iron.
Peridot seems to have a rich and extensive cultural significance. It is one of the oldest gemstones believed to have been mined in 1500 BC on St. John’s Island in the red sea. Ancient Egyptians called this gemstone the “Gem of the sun” while the medieval Christians used peridots on their religious relics.
Peridot can be mined in several locations around the world. Australia, Brazil, Pakistan, Burma, Egypt, Kenya and Mexico are some of the prominent sources of peridot gemstones. Peridot ranks 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a durable gemstone for everyday jewelry. GemsNY’s Peridot rings collection is definitely worth a try.
Also read>> Leo Soulmates for the magnificent August borns.
Let’s continue learning about peridot as one of the August gemstones. Visit our peridot education section to learn in detail.
What are some important facts about peridot gemstones?
- The base mineral of peridot gemstone is olivine. In the past, the gemstone had no other name but olivine. Another name for Peridot is Chrysolite.
- In 1912 peridot became the official birthstone for the 8th month of the year – August, along with Sardonyx.
- Miners have to dig really deep to find peridot. It lies deep under igneous rocks, especially in areas where there have been volcanic eruptions.
- According to some beliefs, the August gemstone peridot wards off evil spirits and brings positive energy to the wearer.
What is the connection between celebrities & peridot gems?
The verdant green peridot gems have adorned a lot of celebrities and important personalities.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
The royals definitely know how to style. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of earrings featuring double oval peridot, blue topaz, and diamond stud earrings set in 18-karat yellow gold to attend the UK premiere of African Cats in 2012.
Benedict Cumberbatch
“Lo and behold, Doctor Strange is guarding a Time Stone”. This was the reaction of fans when at the Met Gala 2019, Benedict Cumberbatch wore an 18-karat yellow gold, peridot, diamond and platinum nosegay brooch from Verdura circa 1965. What do you think? Is it a jewel that came to life from the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Anna Wintour
In the 2022 Met Gala, Vogue’s global editorial director appeared wearing a tiara made of diamonds and peridots. It was an unusual but striking choice, don’t you think? The tiara in floral and ribbon motifs is said to be Wintour’s family heirloom which was made in 1910.
2. What is Spinel Gemstone?
One of the recent gemstones that has found its place in the list of birthstones for August is Spinel. It is a variety of the mineral group spinel with which it shares its name. Much like sapphires, the August gemstone spinel can be found in an array of colors and hues.
The most popular color of spinel is red, though it comes in a wide spectrum of vibrant colors such as pink, green, yellow, blue etc. In spite of the popularity of red and blue spinels, the gemstone is often overlooked. This may be due to the fact that in ancient times, people used to confuse red spinels with rubies.
Spinel scores a reputable 8 on the 10 point Mohs scale of hardness. This score is quite comparable to some of the more pricey gemstones such as emeralds. So, it is indeed a durable and versatile option for jewelry. GemsNY has the finest quality spinel jewelry that you can get for yourself.
The color of a gemstone is one of the most important elements that decide the primary value of the gem. When the color saturation of the gemstone increases, its value increases. However, as the color in a spinel becomes oversaturated and eventually opaque, the price drops substantially.
What are some important facts about spinel gemstones?
- A synthetic variety of spinel is now available, especially for commercial use. It looks like glass, but is considerably stronger and more resistant to pressure.
- The famous 170 carat Black Prince’s Ruby is not only the centerpiece of the Imperial Crown of England, but it is also a red spinel!
- Sri Lanka and Burma are two primary sources of spinel gemstones. It can also be found close to corundum deposits containing rubies and sapphires.
Explore August Gemstones @ GemsNY
GemsNY has a phenomenal collection of different types of accessories such as earrings, rings, pendants, etc with a collection of more than 50,000 natural gemstones that will woo you. To get your hands on these beautiful August gemstones explore GemsNY.com now.
Month-wise Zodiac Signs & Birthstone List
FAQ
What are the official August birthstones and their meanings?
Peridot, spinel and sardonyx are the three August gemstones. Peridot has another name- gem of the sun, whereas spinel is called the great imposter due to its uncanny resemblance to ruby and sapphire. Sardonyx has a reputation to guard the wearer from evil and bestow courage & clear communication.
How do peridot and spinel compare in color, rarity and symbolism?
Peridot is green whereas spinel comes in many colors, the most famous being blue and red. Peridot is rarer though spinel has a higher hardness score.
Which is more suitable for engagement rings: Peridot or Spinel?
Both August gemstones are equally suitable for engagement rings because of their distinct appearance and symbolism. If you like the feel of vibrant nature, go for peridot but if you like the vastness of the ocean, go for blue spinel. To express your love and commitment in a traditional way of red, spinel is your go-to.
Where to find authentic peridot and spinel August birthstone jewelry online?
There are many online sellers offering both Peridot and Spinel August birthstones but you need to be wary of unscrupulous ones. Always buy from well established & reputed sellers such as GemsNY, who offer no questions asked returns and a certificate of authenticity from credible labs.
What are the natural color variations of spinel gemstones?
While the most popular colors of spinel are blue and red, it also comes in pink, orange, green black and many shades in between.
Why is spinel considered a rare and underrated gemstone?
Spinel gemstones are found in select geographical locations around the world and the quantity extracted from the earth every year is less than precious stones or diamonds for that matter. This makes the August gemstone rare. And since it faces tough competition with other red and blue gemstones such as rubies and sapphires, the prices are not that high.
Which famous celebrities wear peridot or spinel gemstone jewelry?
Benedict Cumberbatch, Anna Wintour, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge are some of the prominent celebs who wear these gemstones.
What are the best tips to clean and protect peridot and spinel jewelry?
The best way to clean your August gemstone jewelry at home is with water. Use a mix of lukewarm water and soft detergent and dip your jewelry for 5-10 minutes. Then use a soft brush to clean, rinse it with clean water and pat dry.
Are there any deals or discounts on August birthstone jewelry this month?
Yes, GemsNY keeps on coming up with numerous offers and discounts to make jewelry accessible to everyone. You can visit our website regularly to know the offers. And if you want to stay ahead, then subscribe to your newsletters and texts.
Is peridot typically found untreated, and how rare is it?
Yes, most peridot gemstones in the market are untreated. Some peridot stones having fractures may require filling but it is uncommon. If a stone is treated, it is obligatory on the seller to disclose it to the customer.
Where can I buy untreated natural peridot and spinel for August birthdays?
GemsNY is the best place to buy peridot and spinel for August birthdays. We offer these stones in all shapes and sizes suitable for all types of budgets. You can also create your own jewelry by using our make-your-own feature.
For August gemstone jewelry, is peridot or spinel a better choice?
Both stones are a phenomenal choice for any kind of jewelry. While peridot gives you the option of bright green, spinels turn up red and blue sparkles. Both stones are affordable and durable for engagement rings, earrings, bands etc.
Are untreated peridot and spinel gemstones gaining popularity in 2025?
As more and more people are getting aware of the existence and quality of these gemstones, their popularity keeps growing. And since these stones typically come untreated, it adds to their natural appeal.
Where to buy rare and certified spinel engagement rings online?
GemsNY is a reputed brand offering rare and untreated gemstones. For rare and certified spinel rings things are no different. You can browse our huge collection of stones and view certificates online before making a purchase.
Why do collectors value untreated gemstones like peridot and spinel?
Untreated gemstones retain their integrity and value for almost forever. For collectors it is important to have investment potential.
Besides peridot and spinel, are there other rare gemstones for August?
Yes. Sardonyx is another August birthstone besides the two. It has a hardness score of 6.5-7 which is less than that of the other two stones. Sardonyx forms in layers which comprises reddish-brown sard, and black, white, or clear onyx.
How to tell if your peridot or spinel gemstone is natural or treated?
For an ordinary individual it’s not easy to tell whether any gemstone is treated or untreated. The best way to establish the fact is through a certificate from credible lab such as GIA or AGL etc. GemsNY provides these certificates for our stones so that you have peace of mind, always.
