August birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx
August has three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx.
How to read it
Sardonyx was the August birthstone on the 1912 list, with peridot as its alternate. Peridot is the one usually meant today, a yellowish green to greenish yellow gem. Spinel, which comes in many colours, was added in 2016.
Also searched as: birthstone for August, peridot birthstone, spinel birthstone.
What colour is the August birthstone?
Green, for peridot: GIA describes it as yellowish green to greenish yellow, and the International Gem Society describes it as green in every shade, varying with where it was mined. Spinel comes in red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green, and sardonyx has bands of brownish red with white or black.
When spinel was added
The American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America named spinel the second August birthstone in 2016, National Jeweler reported. GIA notes that for centuries spinel was mistaken for other gems.
Where this symbol came from
oldsymbols.comAugust birth flowers: gladiolus and poppyAugust’s birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy. The Victorian flower dictionaries gave the red poppy consolation; the gladiolus has no entry in them, and its meanings come from modern lists. oldsymbols.comCarnelianCarnelian is red-orange chalcedony, one of the oldest stones engraved as seals. Ancient Egyptians made heart amulets of it, Islamic tradition held that the Prophet wore a carnelian seal ring, and a medieval Spanish lapidary said it gave a timid speaker courage.Find a birthstone by date
stringmash.comBirthstones by monthThe birthstone for any month or birth date, in the current US list, the UK list and the older tradition.Read next
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- The same shape in Lab safety symbolsWear protective clothing sign (M010)A blue circle with a white figure in a long coat means protective clothing must be worn where the sign is posted. It is sign M010 in ISO 7010.
More birthstones
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with circles.
Sources
- August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx (GIA), Gemological Institute of America
- Birthstone Chart: Modern and Traditional Birthstones, International Gem Society
- The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, by George Frederick Kunz, 1913, J. B. Lippincott (Project Gutenberg edition)
- JA, AGTA Add Spinel as August Birthstone, National Jeweler, 2 June 2016, National Jeweler
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 27, 2026. How we research
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