If you are born in August, you are lucky to have three beautiful gemstones to choose from as your birthstone: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Each of these stones has a unique history, color and meaning that can make your birthday gift more personal and meaningful. In this blog post, we will explore the August birthstone color and flower, as well as some other interesting facts about these August birthday symbols.

Peridot: The Light Green August Birthstone
Peridot is the most popular and official birthstone for August. It is a yellowish green to greenish yellow gemstone that belongs to the mineral olivine. Peridot has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was first mined on a small island in the Red Sea called Topazios, which gave its name to the gemstone topaz. However, the island actually produced peridot, not topaz, and was later renamed Zabargad. Peridot was also confused with emerald for centuries, and some of the famous emeralds in history may have been actually peridot, such as Cleopatra’s collection and the gems in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany.

Peridot is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in hardened lava that came from deep within the Earth’s mantle, as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, although its hue can vary from lime green to olive green depending on the amount of iron in its structure. The most desirable color for peridot is a pure grass green without any hint of yellow or brown. Peridot is also a relatively affordable gemstone, compared to other green gems like emerald or tsavorite garnet.

Peridot has been used as a protective talisman for centuries, believed to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. It is also associated with light, happiness and prosperity. Peridot is said to enhance confidence, creativity and positive energy. It is also a symbol of loyalty, friendship and harmony. Peridot is the gem given to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary.

Spinel: The Colorful August Birthstone
Spinel is a recent addition to the list of August birthstones, officially recognized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in 2016. However, spinel is not a new gemstone; it has been known and valued for centuries, especially in Asia. Spinel is a durable and brilliant gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, purple, blue, orange and black. Spinel is often compared to ruby and sapphire, as it can exhibit similar hues and sparkle. In fact, spinel was often mistaken for these gems in the past, and some of the most famous rubies and sapphires in history are actually spinel, such as the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels.

Spinel is composed of magnesium aluminum oxide, and its name comes from the Latin word “spina”, meaning thorn, because of its pointed crystal shape. Spinel is found in many locations around the world, such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Tajikistan. The most valuable color for spinel is a vivid red with a slight blue undertone, followed by hot pink and cobalt blue. Spinel is also a relatively affordable gemstone, compared to ruby and sapphire.

Spinel has been regarded as a stone of hope, revitalization and renewal. It is said to enhance vitality, passion and courage. It is also a symbol of love, fidelity and harmony. Spinel is believed to stimulate creativity, intuition and spiritual growth. Spinel is the gem given to celebrate the 22nd wedding anniversary.

Sardonyx: The Original August Birthstone
Sardonyx is the oldest and traditional birthstone for August. It is a type of chalcedony quartz that has alternating layers of brownish-red sard and white or black onyx. Sardonyx has been used for jewelry and carving since ancient times, especially by the Romans and Greeks. Sardonyx was prized for its ability to create intricate cameos and intaglios that depicted portraits, scenes and symbols. Sardonyx was also worn by soldiers as a talisman of protection and courage.

Sardonyx is named after its colors: sard comes from the Persian word “sered”, meaning yellowish-red, and onyx comes from the Greek word “onux”, meaning nail or claw. Sardonyx is found in many places around the world, such as India, Brazil, Germany and Uruguay. The most desirable color for sardonyx is a clear contrast between the red and white layers. Sardonyx is also a very affordable gemstone, compared to other August birthstones.

Sardonyx has been associated with strength, stability and happiness. It is said to enhance willpower, confidence and discipline. It is also a symbol of marriage, partnership and communication. Sardonyx is believed to attract good fortune, success and prosperity. Sardonyx is the gem given to celebrate the 10th wedding anniversary.

August Birthstone Color and Flower
The August birthstone color is light green, based on the primary birthstone peridot. However, August babies can also enjoy other colors from their alternative birthstones, such as red, pink, purple and blue from spinel, and brown, white and black from sardonyx. The August birthstone color reflects the freshness and vitality of summer, as well as the optimism and joy of those born in this month.

The August birthstone flower is the gladiolus, also known as the sword lily. The name comes from the Latin word “gladius”, meaning sword, because of its long and pointed shape. The gladiolus symbolizes strength, integrity and loyalty. It also represents remembrance, infatuation and admiration. The gladiolus comes in many colors, such as red, pink, yellow, orange, purple and white. Each color has a different meaning, such as red for passion, pink for romance, yellow for friendship, orange for enthusiasm, purple for grace and white for innocence.

Conclusion
August is a month of abundance and diversity, as reflected by its three birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx. Each of these gemstones has its own charm, beauty and significance that can make your birthday gift more special and meaningful. Whether you choose the light green peridot for its history and protection, the colorful spinel for its brilliance and renewal, or the layered sardonyx for its carving and stability, you are sure to find a gemstone that suits your personality and style. Happy birthday to all August babies!