If you’re searching what is the August birthstone, the answer most people recognise is peridot. Bright, lime-green, and full of radiant sparkle, peridot feels fresh and uplifting the moment you see it. But its value isn’t only visual. Over centuries, it has been associated with protection, renewal, and positivity, which is why it remains a meaningful choice for August birthdays and gift-giving.
This guide covers what peridot is, its history, August birthstone meaning, and how to wear and care for it.
Peridot: The Vibrant Birthstone for August
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that appears only in shades of green. Its colour can range from soft yellow-green to deeper olive, depending on iron content. That natural green tone, combined with its lively brilliance, is why peridot stands out so well in jewellery, especially in rings and pendants where light hits it often.
What Is Peridot?
Peridot is the gem-quality variety of olivine, formed deep in the Earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure. One of its defining traits is its glow-like brilliance. When cut well, it reflects light in a way that can look almost “lit from within,” giving it a fresh, lively presence even in simple settings.
A Birthstone With Ancient Origins
Peridot has been treasured for thousands of years. One of the earliest known sources was Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, where Egyptians mined it as early as 1500 BC. Ancient cultures valued it for both beauty and belief, treating it as a stone connected to light, protection, and wellbeing.
August Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
The August birthstone meaning is often tied to growth, new beginnings, and emotional clarity. When people talk about August birthstone symbolism, they usually describe peridot as a stone that supports positive change and balanced energy, which fits its fresh green colour and “summer” feel.
Here are the symbolic meanings most commonly associated with peridot:
• Renewal and rebirth: linked to transformation and fresh starts
• Emotional balance: associated with calmness, clarity, and inner peace
• Protection and prosperity: traditionally worn to ward off negativity
• Love and harmony: connected with compassion, forgiveness, and stronger bonds
For many August-born people, peridot feels personal because it represents confidence and self-growth, not just a birth month.
Why Does August Have 3 Birthstones?
A common question is why does August have 3 birthstones. Birthstone lists evolved over time, and different cultures and jewellery associations recognised different stones. Modern lists often include multiple options to give people choice based on style, availability, and budget.
For August, you may commonly see:
• Peridot: the best-known modern August birthstone
• Spinel: valued for bright colour variety and durability
• Sardonyx: a traditional option with a long historic legacy
This doesn’t reduce peridot’s importance. It simply gives August more than one meaningful stone option.
Peridot in Modern Jewellery Design
Peridot’s colour makes it ideal for both classic and contemporary jewellery. It can look delicate in minimalist styles and bold in statement pieces, which is why designers use it in everything from elegant pendants to unique engagement rings.
It pairs especially well with yellow gold, which enhances its warmth, but it also looks striking in white metals like platinum and silver where the green becomes more vivid by contrast. Modern designs sometimes combine peridot with stones like amethyst, citrine, or topaz for a colourful, multi-stone look.
Styling Peridot Jewellery
Peridot is easy to style because its green looks fresh across seasons and works with both casual and formal looks. These are the most natural ways to wear it:
• Statement ring: wear a peridot cocktail ring with neutral outfits for a clean pop of colour
• Layered necklaces: stack peridot pendants with delicate chains for everyday chic
• Personalised jewellery: pair peridot with other birthstones for a meaningful gift or stack
• Warm-toned outfits: match peridot earrings with warm colours to amplify the glow
Caring for Peridot Jewellery
Peridot is moderately durable (around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale), so it’s fine for regular wear but needs gentle care to stay bright.
• Avoid chemicals: keep away from acids, cleaners, and chlorinated water
• Clean gently: use warm soapy water and a soft brush
• Skip ultrasonic cleaning: it can stress or damage the stone
• Store separately: protect it from harder gemstones like diamonds
• Avoid sudden heat changes: extreme temperature shifts can harm the gem
Celebrate August With Peridot
Peridot is more than a beautiful gemstone. It’s a symbol of renewal, warmth, and positivity, backed by centuries of history and a look that still feels modern today. Whether you’re buying an August birthstone gift, designing a bespoke pendant, or choosing a unique ring, peridot brings meaning and colour in equal measure.
At ComparetheDiamond.com, we specialise in bespoke jewellery design, helping you create one-of-a-kind pieces featuring peridot, from elegant rings to striking pendants.