August Birthstone: Peridot
August's birthstone is peridot. Lime green, and traditionally a symbol of strength, lightness, warmth.
- Stone
- Peridot
- Colour
- lime green
- Hardness
- Mohs 6.5–7
- Zodiac
- Leo · Virgo
Peridot
One of the very few gems found in only a single colour — peridot's lime-green comes from iron in its own structure, not a trace impurity, so the colour is the stone. Some of it isn't even of this earth: peridot has been found in meteorites and in the dust of a comet's tail.
Traditionally a symbol of strength, lightness, warmth, and Mohs 6.5–7 — tough enough for everyday wear. How to care for it →
Where does peridot come from?
Peridot is mined chiefly in San Carlos, Arizona, USA — a leading source; also Pakistan and Myanmar.
San Carlos, Arizona, USA
a leading source; also Pakistan and Myanmar
Where is peridot cut and traded?
Peridot is cut and traded in San Carlos, Arizona, USA.
Modern & traditional
Birthstone lists have shifted across cultures and centuries — the modern one was standardised by the American jewellers' trade in 1912 and updated since. Peridot is the modern choice for August. Sardonyx is August's traditional stone; peridot leads the modern list, and spinel was added alongside it in 2016.
Common questions
What is August's birthstone?
August's birthstone is peridot. Sardonyx is August's traditional stone; peridot leads the modern list, and spinel was added alongside it in 2016.
What colour is August's birthstone?
Peridot is lime green.
What does August's birthstone mean?
Peridot traditionally stands for strength, lightness, warmth — associations carried by custom, not science.
Where is peridot mined?
Chiefly San Carlos, Arizona, USA — a leading source; also Pakistan and Myanmar.
What is the Leo and Virgo birthstone?
August runs from Leo into Virgo, and peridot serves both — though sign-based tables can differ from the calendar-month lists.
Is peridot tough enough for everyday wear?
Peridot is Mohs 6.5–7, hard enough for daily wear.