August has two beautiful birthstones to discover: peridot and spinel. Although very different in appearance, both gemstones bring vibrant colour and fascinating histories to this late-summer month.
From the fresh green glow of peridot to the extraordinary range of colours found in spinel, August’s birthstones offer plenty of individuality and character.
Peridot - The Gemstone of Light
Peridot is the gemstone most closely associated with August. Known for its distinctive yellow-green to olive-green colour, it has a brightness unlike almost any other gemstone.
Unlike many gemstones that occur in numerous colours, peridot is always green. Its exact shade can range from pale yellow-green to rich olive and vivid grass green.
Its fresh, luminous colour makes it a fitting gemstone for August, echoing sunlit leaves, warm landscapes, and the abundance of late summer.
The Origin of the Name
The exact origin of the name peridot is uncertain. It may derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem, although its linguistic history is still debated.
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, whose name reflects its characteristic olive-green colour.
Peridot Through History
Peridot has been admired for thousands of years. One of its most famous historic sources is the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, where the gemstone was mined in antiquity.
The ancient Egyptians valued these brilliant green stones, and peridot has sometimes been called the “gem of the sun.”
Its history also includes some fascinating cases of mistaken identity. Before modern gemmology made it possible to distinguish minerals accurately, some green gemstones believed to be emeralds were actually peridots.
Over the centuries, peridot has appeared in jewellery, religious treasures, and decorative objects, valued for its distinctive colour and natural brilliance.
Mineral and Geological Facts
Mineral: Olivine
Typical colour: Yellow-green, olive-green to vivid green
Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale
Sources: Pakistan, Myanmar, China, the United States, and other locations
Peridot receives its green colour from iron that forms an essential part of its chemical composition, rather than from trace impurities as happens with many coloured gemstones.
Interestingly, olivine has also been discovered in certain meteorites, although the gem-quality peridot used in jewellery is generally mined from deposits here on Earth.
Peridot Symbolism and Meaning
Throughout history and in later gemstone traditions, peridot has become associated with light, positivity, protection, and renewal.
Beyond its natural beauty, peridot is traditionally believed to bring several meaningful qualities to its wearer.
Positivity and Happiness
Its bright green colour has made peridot a symbol of optimism and positive energy. It is often associated with letting go of negativity and welcoming a lighter outlook.
Growth and Renewal
Like many green gemstones, peridot is connected with nature, growth, and renewal. It can represent fresh beginnings and the opportunity for positive change.
Protection
Historically, peridot was worn as a protective talisman and was believed to guard its wearer against negative influences.
Balance and Wellbeing
In modern crystal traditions, peridot is associated with emotional balance, confidence, and openness.
Because of its green colour, peridot is often linked with the heart chakra, symbolising compassion, connection, and emotional wellbeing.
These associations belong to historical and metaphysical traditions rather than scientifically established properties, but they remain an interesting part of the gemstone’s cultural story.
Peridot in Jewellery
Peridot’s vivid green colour gives jewellery a fresh and distinctive character. Its natural brightness means even smaller stones can make a beautiful impact.
The gemstone works particularly well with gold and gold-filled metals, where the warmth of the metal enhances its yellow-green tones. Paired with silver, peridot takes on a cooler and more contemporary appearance.
In handcrafted jewellery, its vibrant colour works beautifully as a focal point or alongside other natural gemstones.
Each natural peridot has its own subtle variations in colour, clarity, and inclusions, giving every stone an individual character.
Spinel - A Gemstone of Colour and Hidden Identity
Spinel is August’s other birthstone and one of the gemstone world’s more fascinating treasures.
Unlike peridot, which is always green, spinel occurs naturally in an impressive spectrum of colours, including red, pink, purple, violet, orange, and blue.
For centuries, however, spinel lived somewhat in the shadow of other precious gemstones because it was frequently mistaken for ruby and sapphire.
The Origin of the Name
The origin of the name spinel is uncertain. It may come from the Latin spina, meaning thorn, possibly referring to the pointed shape of some spinel crystals.
Whatever the origin of its name, spinel is now recognised as a distinct mineral with its own fascinating characteristics.
Spinel Through History
The history of spinel is particularly interesting because some famous gemstones once believed to be rubies were eventually discovered to be red spinels.
One of the best-known examples is the Black Prince’s Ruby, a large red spinel with a long royal history that is now set into the Imperial State Crown.
Before the development of modern gemmology, the confusion was understandable. Red spinel can closely resemble ruby and the two minerals can even occur within the same geological deposits.
Today, natural spinel is appreciated in its own right for its colour, brilliance, durability, and history.
Mineral and Geological Facts
Mineral: Spinel
Typical colour: Red, pink, purple, violet, blue, orange, and other colours
Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
Sources: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Tajikistan, and Madagascar
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is a relatively durable gemstone, making it suitable for many types of jewellery.
Different trace elements within the crystal structure contribute to spinel’s remarkable variety of colours.
Spinel Symbolism and Meaning
Spinel has become associated with energy, resilience, hope, and revitalisation.
Energy and Renewal
Spinel is traditionally believed to restore energy and enthusiasm, making it a fitting stone for times of change or new beginnings.
Strength and Resilience
Its durability and rich colours have helped create an association with inner strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Love and Passion
Red and pink spinels are often associated with love, affection, and passion, reflecting the warmth and intensity of their colour.
Calm and Reflection
Blue and violet spinels carry different symbolic associations and are sometimes linked with peacefulness, reflection, and clear thought.
As with other gemstone traditions, these symbolic and metaphysical associations are cultural beliefs rather than scientifically proven properties.
Spinel in Jewellery
Spinel’s extraordinary range of colours makes it incredibly versatile in jewellery.
Red and pink stones can create warm, romantic designs, while blue and violet spinels offer cooler and more unusual colour combinations.
Spinel pairs beautifully with both gold and silver, and its natural brilliance allows the gemstone to become a striking focal point even in delicate designs.
Its durability also makes it suitable for jewellery intended to be worn regularly.
Two Birthstones, Two Different Characters
August offers two gemstones with wonderfully different personalities.
Peridot brings fresh green colour and associations with light, positivity, protection, and renewal.
Spinel offers an extraordinary spectrum of colours together with a fascinating history of mistaken identity, while symbolising resilience, energy, and revitalisation.
Together, they capture something of August itself: colourful, warm, vibrant, and full of life.
Whether chosen as a birthstone, a meaningful gift, or simply because you are drawn to their colour and story, peridot and spinel offer two very different ways to celebrate an August birthday.
At Izabela Rocks, gemstones are selected for their individuality and natural beauty. Each stone carries its own story, shaped by the earth and the geological processes that created it, and every handmade piece is designed to celebrate that uniqueness.
Natural gemstones are incorporated into crocheted and wire-worked jewellery, combined with gold-filled and sterling silver wire, silk, and fine threads. Peridot’s fresh green glow and spinel’s remarkable spectrum of colour bring their own distinctive character to one-of-a-kind jewellery designs.