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August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx Meaning, Colors, and Where to Find Them

When most people think of birthstones, they usually imagine a single gem representing their birth month. But if you were born in August, you get something special: not one, not two, but three birthstones to choose from! Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx each carry their own unique beauty, history, and symbolic meaning. Whether you're into astrology, jewelry, or just love hunting for gemstones in the wild, the August birthstones offer a fascinating look into the world of minerals and mythology.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the three August birthstones, where they come from, how to identify them, and even where you might be able to dig for them yourself. Let's dive in!

What Is the Birthstone for August?

Unlike many months that have just one official birthstone, August is represented by three gemstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each of these stones has its own backstory and appeal.

• Peridot is the most commonly recognized August birthstone and is known for its vibrant green color.
• Spinel is a lesser-known gem that can look like ruby or sapphire, but with its own brilliant sparkle.
• Sardonyx is a banded gemstone with layers of reddish-brown and white, often associated with strength and protection.

All three stones offer different things—whether it's striking color, symbolic power, or historical depth.

Peridot: The Green Gem of the Sun

Let's start with the most famous of the three: peridot. This gemstone has a glowing, lime-green color that can be spotted a mile away. What makes it even more special is that it's one of the few gemstones that comes in just one color.

History and Symbolism

Peridot has been prized for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it protected its wearer from evil spirits. Some historians think Cleopatra's famous emeralds were actually peridots. In medieval Europe, people used it to ward off nightmares and bad dreams.

Symbolically, peridot is associated with prosperity, healing, and good luck. It's thought to bring peace, happiness, and restful sleep.

Color and Properties

Peridot is always green, but its exact shade can vary from yellow-green to olive green, depending on how much iron it contains. It belongs to the olivine mineral family and ranks around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a relatively soft gemstone.

It has a glassy luster and often looks like it's glowing, especially under sunlight.

Where Is Peridot Found?

Peridot can be found in many places around the world, including:

• Arizona, especially on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, is one of the top sources in the U.S.
• New Mexico and Nevada also have deposits.
• Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), and China are major international sources.

Interestingly, peridot has also been found in meteorites! That's right -- some of this gem's crystals literally come from outer space.

Can You Mine for Peridot Yourself?

Yes, but it depends on the location. Some sites in Arizona allow for limited rockhounding. However, many of the richest deposits are located on tribal lands, where mining is restricted or not allowed to the public.

If you do go searching, be sure to bring tools like rock hammers, safety glasses, and a few small containers to collect your finds. Always check land access rules before you dig.

Spinel: The Gem That Fooled Kings

Spinel is one of the most underappreciated gemstones around. For centuries, people mistook spinel for ruby because of its similar red color. In fact, some of the most famous "rubies" in history turned out to be spinels!

History and Symbolism

The most famous example is the Black Prince's Ruby, a massive red stone in the British Crown Jewels. It was believed to be a ruby for hundreds of years until scientists realized it was actually spinel.

Spinel symbolizes revitalization, hope, and renewed energy. It's a stone that represents resilience and personal strength.

Color and Properties

Spinel comes in many colors: red, pink, blue, purple, orange, and even black. The red variety was most commonly confused with ruby.

Spinel ranks around 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than peridot. It has excellent clarity and brilliance, making it a great stone for jewelry.

Where Is Spinel Found?

The best quality spinels are found in:

• Myanmar (Burma)
• Sri Lanka
• Vietnam

In the U.S., spinel is much harder to find, but some have been found in metamorphic rock regions.

Can You Find Spinel While Rockhounding?

Because spinel is rare and often forms in metamorphic rocks, it's not commonly found in public rockhounding sites. However, you might come across it in gravel beds, river deposits, or old mining areas. If you're lucky, you might discover spinel in the form of small crystals.

Identifying spinel can be tricky since it looks like ruby or garnet, but a gemologist can confirm with a refractometer or other tools.

Sardonyx: The Oldest Birthstone of August

Sardonyx is the least well-known of the three August birthstones, but it has the longest recorded history.

History and Symbolism

Sardonyx was used by ancient Greeks and Romans in seals, signet rings, and amulets. Warriors would wear it engraved with heroes and gods to give them strength and courage.

This stone is all about protection, courage, and stability. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good fortune and strong relationships.

Color and Properties

Sardonyx is a banded stone made up of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (typically white). It's a type of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz.

It has a waxy luster and rates about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The banding makes each piece unique and often striking.

Where Is Sardonyx Found?

Some of the best sardonyx comes from:

• India, especially for engraved pieces
• Brazil and Uruguay
• In the U.S., sardonyx or similar banded agates can be found in Oregon, Montana, and Michigan

Is Sardonyx a Good Rockhounding Target?

Absolutely. Sardonyx is easier to find than spinel and doesn't require fancy tools. If you're already searching for agates, jasper, or other chalcedony forms, you might come across sardonyx too.

Look for it in stream beds, rocky outcrops, or desert areas where chalcedony is common.

Comparing August Birthstones

Each August birthstone has something different to offer. Peridot is bright and cheerful, spinel is elegant and rare, and sardonyx is earthy and historical. Choosing the right one depends on your personal taste or what the stone means to you.

In terms of hardness and durability, spinel ranks highest, followed by peridot and then sardonyx. But if you're looking for a gem you can find yourself in the U.S., sardonyx and peridot offer more opportunities.

Where to Dig for August Birthstones in the U.S.

If you're interested in digging up your own August birthstone, here are a few places you might consider:

• Peridot: Try areas near the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona (note: some areas are off-limits, so check access rules). Some parts of New Mexico and Nevada may have olivine-bearing rocks.
• Spinel: Rare, but worth exploring metamorphic rock zones in the East Coast Appalachian region. Small spinel crystals have been found in New York and New Jersey.
• Sardonyx: Look for it in places known for banded agates and chalcedony. Lake Superior agate fields in Minnesota and Michigan, and parts of Oregon and Montana, can yield sardonyx-like stones.

Before heading out, make sure you have the right tools (rock hammer, chisel, gloves, buckets) and always verify land access and collecting laws. Many public lands and fee-dig sites have specific rules for collectors.

August Birthstone Jewelry

Peridot is the most common August birthstone used in jewelry today. It looks especially striking in gold settings, and its affordability makes it a great gift option. Spinel is less common but rapidly growing in popularity for high-end jewelry. Sardonyx, with its layered appearance, is often carved into cameos or beads.

If you're buying jewelry, make sure the stone is natural and not synthetic or treated unless clearly stated. A trustworthy seller or gemologist can help.

Spiritual and Metaphysical Uses

Some people believe that peridot helps with emotional balance and protection from negativity. Spinel is thought to revitalize energy and promote inner peace. Sardonyx is considered grounding, helping people feel more stable and connected to the earth.

Whether you believe in crystal energy or not, there's no denying that these stones carry powerful stories and symbolism.

FAQs About August Birthstones

Final Thoughts: Which August Birthstone Is Right for You?

If you were born in August, consider yourself lucky. You get a trio of beautiful birthstones, each with something unique to offer. Whether you're drawn to the lush green of peridot, the dazzling hues of spinel, or the earthy charm of sardonyx, there's an August gem out there that matches your personality.

And if you love the thrill of discovery, maybe you'll even get a chance to dig one up yourself. After all, there's something extra special about finding your own birthstone in the wild. It's like uncovering a little piece of who you are, formed deep within the earth over millions of years.

Happy rockhounding!