In the gemstone world, emeralds get all the shine for their beautiful verdant color but don’t be so quick to overlook the yellow-green peridot. Now’s as good a time as any to draw the spotlight to this gem—it is the August birthstone, after all.
Once you set your sights on the stone, it’ll be hard to look away; its color demands notice. Energetically speaking, there is more to peridot than meets the eye. However, its yellow-green hue can allude to what it symbolizes. “Peridot represents prosperity, good luck, and good fortune,” says astrologist and spiritual teacher Jill Wintersteen, founder of Spirit Daughter. Viewed this way, August babies can consider the stone their lucky charm. What’s more, peridot is a reminder of our strength, willpower, compassion, and creativity, according to astrologist Rachel Lang, author of Modern Day Magic.
These reasons alone make for an enticing proposition to harness this gem’s energy, whether you were born in August or another month of the year. If you’re curious to learn more, find intel below about the properties, meaning, and symbolism behind peridot and other, but no less fabulous, stones to serve you well this month.
Properties of the August birthstone: the beautiful yellow-green peridot
- Birthstone color: Lime-green
- Element: Wood
- Planet: Venus
- Chakra: Heart and solar plexus chakras
- Origin: Unknown
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, and though often characterized by its yellow-green hue, it comes in various shades of green.
The stone typically comes from volcanic rocks, but it can also come by way of meteorites, says integrative medicine and crystal expert Elizabeth Trattner, AP, DOM, owner of wellness center The Helia House. That said, you would be hard-pressed to find a peridot from outer space.
It’s thought that peridot was first discovered on an island in the Red Sea. While its origins are unclear, it’s sourced from various locations around the world today. The largest sources of peridot are in Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Himalayas, and an estimated 80 to 95 percent of peridot is located in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona.
Birthstone meaning and symbolism of peridot
Peridot has long been associated with light. Early Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun,” while it was known as the “evening emerald” by Romans, who believed it glowed in the dark. It was also once referred to as chrysolite, from the ancient Greek word for “golden stone.”
Peridot, with all its associations, makes it a fitting choice for Leo season spans from July 22 to August 22. In astrology, Leo is ruled by the sun, which represents the way we shine our light in the world, Lang told Well+Good—and boy, does Leo shine. The lion born leader that is confident in their expression with a warm aura that illuminates those around them, which are key among Leo’s traits.The fiery zodiac sign is also associated with regality, and peridot was long thought to be a protective stone for those in positions of power, says Lang—yet another reason why the stone is apropos for those born in Leo.
According to Lang, Virgos born in August will also benefit from the energetic properties of peridot. The gem was long thought to dispel worries and fears, which are often a challenge for self-critical Virgos. Key among Virgo’s traits are their analytical adeptness. However, this also makes them prone to overthinking, which can lead to unnecessary worry and stress when left unchecked. Peridot can help strengthen their confidence to overcome worries. “Peridot can help clear negativity or obstacles from your path,” says Lang.
While peridot has long been linked to the sun, it comes in green tones that are reminiscent of foliage that is often symbolic of abundance and prosperity—and it just so happens that the stone is also associated with these themes. “Peridot was said to help usher in abundance, especially for people born this month,” says Wintersteen. “Traditionally, August was the time of year when people were putting in hard work under the summer sun for an abundant future once it was time to harvest the crops.”
Given its green tones, it makes sense that peridot has been identified with the heart chakra, which also glows bright green. “As with many green stones, it relates to the heart chakra, and is known for being a stone of compassion,” says Lang, with Dr. Trattner calling it a “heart-opener.” According to Wintersteen, “it also helps us tap into our third chakra [or solar plexus chakra]—the center of our will and identity.” As such, it can help you tap into your creativity and willpower, says Lang.
To harness the energetic powers of peridot, Lang says you can meditate with the stone to call upon your inner strength or for clarity when the path forward is unclear.
What are the other August birthstones?
While peridot is the most commonly seen August birthstone, spinel, and sardonyx are also considered as birthstones for the month—each of which are unique onto their own.
“Spinel is a resiliency stone,” Lang says. “It is helpful when you’re going through a hard time because it helps bring energy into your body. It can help you open to abundance and security, and the red varieties are associated with the root chakra, making it a protective stone.”
Sardonyx is the original birthstone for August, and according to Lang, is a stone that is primarily connected to courage. “It helps boost your courage when you’re gearing up for a big event,” she says. In addition, “it’s associated with clarity and focus, making it a great stone for when you are finishing a project.”
What are birthstones?
Birthstones are gemstones that represent a person’s birth month or zodiac sign. Their origins are believed to trace back to biblical times, and the first-century historian Flavius Josephus associated the 12 gemstones on Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus with the months of the year and the 12 zodiac signs. However, the custom of wearing an individual gem per month didn’t begin until around the 15th or 16th century in Germany or Poland. Birthstones are also found to have origins in Eastern Culture. The Ratna Pariksha, a fifth-century Hindu text, linked specific gems to deities, celestial bodies, and days of the week, while Vedic astrologers recommend certain gems to individuals based on their astrological birth chart.
In 1912, the American Council Association of Jewelers (which is currently known as the Jewelers of America) created a standardized list of birthstones in the United States. This list was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of America and later by The American Gem Trade Association to include new types of birthstones for certain months of the year.
An overview of the birthstones for every month of the year
Want to pick a crystal that corresponds to your birth month? Here’s a quick overview of the birthstones for every month of the year:
- January Birthstone: Garnet
- February Birthstone: Amethyst
- March Birthstone: Aquamarine and Bloodstone
- April Birthstone: Diamond
- May Birthstone: Emerald
- June Birthstone: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone
- July Birthstone: Ruby
- August Birthstone: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
- September Birthstone: Sapphire
- October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline
- November Birthstone: Topaz and Citrine
- December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon
Frequently asked questions about the August birthstone
What is the true birthstone for August?
August has three birthstones—namely, peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—but according to Lang, peridot is the primary gemstone associated with the month.
What does the August birthstone represent?
The August birthstone most commonly represents strength, willpower, compassion, and creativity, as well as prosperity and abundance.
What is the original birthstone for August?
The original birthstone for August is sardonyx—and, according to Lang, it is associated with courage, clarity, and focus.