The August birthstone is peridot, a vivid green gem traditionally linked to summer, renewal and the zodiac sign Leo. This guide covers what peridot is, its meaning and history, why it suits Leo, the jewellery styles it works best in, and how to care for it — everything you need to choose an August birthstone piece with confidence.
Peridot is a striking green gemstone, the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine. Unlike gems that take their colour from impurities, peridot is inherently green — from soft olive to vibrant lime — making it one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one colour family. Peridot is recognised as August's birthstone, with spinel and sardonyx as secondary August stones. For the full gemology, see our peridot stone guide.
Known in ancient times as the "gem of the sun", peridot has long been associated with warmth, light and positivity. Traditionally it was believed to bring good cheer and ward off bad dreams — folklore and symbolism that form part of the stone's rich history, rather than any claim about its effects. Its sunny green is a natural fit for August birthdays and the summer associations of the month.
Peridot was mined on Egypt's Zabargad Island (also called St John's Island) in the Red Sea more than 3,500 years ago, and the ancient Egyptians prized it as the "gem of the sun". Across cultures its story continued: in Hawaiian folklore peridot is described as the tears of the volcano goddess Pele, and in medieval Europe it was set into ornaments for peace and protection. Rich green stones were sometimes mistaken for emerald.
Most of August falls under Leo, the zodiac's confident, warm-hearted fire sign ruled by the sun — which is why peridot is the gem most associated with Leos. Its bright, sunny green is often seen as a natural match for Leo's bold, expressive character. Late-August birthdays cross into Virgo. For more on the zodiac link, see our Leo birthstone guide and zodiac August birthstone guide.
At Irosk, peridot is set in 925 sterling silver across every style:
Browse the full August birthstone jewellery collection, or find styling ideas in our peridot jewellery guide.
August also has two birth flowers — the gladiolus and the poppy. Read more in our guide to the August birthstone and flower.
Peridot's fresh green sits beautifully against the cool tone of 925 sterling silver, which gives a clean, modern contrast that lets the colour stand out. For a daytime look, layer minimalist peridot pieces with summer linens and florals; for evening, go bolder with a statement ring or drop earrings.
For a full routine, read how to care for peridot jewellery.
