# August birthstone: Peridot

> The August birthstone is peridot. Its meaning and history, alternatives at gift-friendly prices, August star signs and pieces you can buy in the UK.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/august
Updated: 2026-10-30

The birthstone for August is peridot. The full list is peridot, sardonyx and spinel. Peridot is gem olivine, formed deep in the Earth and even found in meteorites. Spinel was added to the US list in 2016.

## August birthstones at a glance

- [Peridot](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/peridot)
- [Green aventurine](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/aventurine): traditionally linked with luck and opportunity, the 'gambler's stone'
- [Onyx](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/onyx)

## Where birthstone lists come from

The idea of a stone for each month goes back to the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, described in the Book of Exodus. The modern list was set by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912, and Britain's National Association of Goldsmiths published its own list in 1937. That is why some months have more than one stone.

## August star signs

August birthdays fall under [Leo](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/leo/crystals) (23 July – 22 August) and [Virgo](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/zodiac/virgo/crystals) (23 August – 22 September), so a sign stone is another gift option.

## Gift ideas at every price

- Under £10: a tumbled onyx or peridot in a pouch with a card.
- £10–£30: a pendant, bracelet or point in the birthstone colour.
- £30 and over: a sphere, a larger point or a set with a candle and incense. Orders over £40 travel free.

## Care

Hard stones (7 and above on the Mohs scale) can be washed in warm soapy water. Softer and porous stones need a dry cloth only. Each stone page gives specific care.

## Questions

**What is the August birthstone?**

Peridot, sardonyx and spinel.

**What colour is the August birthstone?**

Peridot is gem olivine, formed deep in the Earth and even found in meteorites.

**Is there a cheaper alternative to peridot?**

Yes: green aventurine and onyx give a similar look or tradition at a lower price.

**Can I wear a August birthstone if I wasn't born in August?**

Yes, anyone can wear a August birthstone. Birthstone lists are a modern jewellers' tradition (set in 1912 in the US and 1937 in the UK), not a rule, and many people choose stones for their colour or meaning. Peridot, Green aventurine and Onyx are the usual choices.

**What is the zodiac stone for a August birthday?**

A August birthday falls under two star signs, and each has its own traditional stones. Check your exact date, then see the [crystals for August](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals-by-month/august) page, which lists both signs' stones. Many people give the birthstone and a sign stone together.

## Related

- [July birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/july)
- [September birthstone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones/september)
- [All birthstones](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/birthstones)
- [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.