August Birthstone
Peridot
Alternates: Spinel, Sardonyx
- Color
- Peridot: yellowish to olive green. Spinel: many colors, including red, pink, blue and black. Sardonyx: banded reddish-brown and white.
- Hardness (Mohs scale)
- Peridot 6.5 – 7; sardonyx 6.5 – 7; spinel 8
Meaning & history
Ancient Egyptians mined peridot on an island in the Red Sea, and peridot crystals have even been found in meteorites. Spinel was long confused with ruby; some famous "rubies" in historic crown jewels are actually spinel. Sardonyx was used in Roman times for carved seals and cameos.
Folklore and symbolism are shared here as tradition, not as fact or as health claims.
Care tips
Clean peridot and sardonyx with warm, soapy water and avoid rapid temperature changes. Spinel is durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.
Design ideas
- A peridot cocktail ring
- A red spinel solitaire
- A sardonyx cameo-inspired pendant
- August stones in a mother's ring
Imagining something with peridot or spinel or sardonyx? Let's design it together.
Design with peridot