August Birthstones

August Birthstones: Peridot Meaning & Healing Powers

People born in August are associated with three unique birthstones:

• Precious Gem: Peridot
• Common Gem: Serpentine
• Additional Gem: Sardonyx

These gemstones embody protection, strength, and renewal, offering their wearers courage, prosperity, and emotional balance.

1. Peridot – The Precious Birthstone of August

1.1 Overview and Meaning

Peridot is the primary and precious birthstone for August, symbolizing prosperity, warmth, and protection. With its distinct yellow-green hue, Peridot has been revered for its ability to repel negativity and attract abundance.

1.2 History and Mythology

• The name Peridot is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem.”
• Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”, believing it carried the energy of light and renewal.
• Peridot was mined as early as 1500 BCE on the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea.
• In Hawaiian legend, Peridot is thought to be the tears of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
• Medieval European clergy wore Peridot to symbolize divine wisdom and purity.

1.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties

✅ Protection & Cleansing – Dispels negative energy, jealousy, and emotional burdens.
✅ Abundance & Success – Attracts prosperity, growth, and opportunities.
✅ Emotional Balance – Encourages positivity, confidence, and inner peace.
✅ Chakra Connection – Linked to the Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras, promoting emotional clarity and personal power.

1.4 Variations and Colors

Peridot ranges from light yellow-green to deep olive-green, with the most valuable stones exhibiting a vibrant, golden-green color.

1.5 Uses and Jewelry

• Peridot is used in rings, pendants, and earrings, known for its bright, uplifting energy.
• It is a popular gift for 16th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing growth and renewal.
• Healers use Peridot in energy cleansing and manifestation practices.

2. Serpentine – The Common Birthstone of August

2.1 Overview and Meaning

Serpentine is the common or alternative August birthstone, known for its grounding, protective, and healing properties. This earthy green stone is associated with ancient wisdom, spiritual awakening, and Kundalini energy activation.

2.2 History and Mythology

• The name Serpentine comes from the Latin word serpens, meaning “snake”, due to its scaly, green appearance.
• It was used in ancient Egyptian amulets for healing and spiritual enlightenment.
• In Chinese medicine, Serpentine is believed to balance Chi (life force energy).
• Indigenous cultures used it to ward off evil spirits and enhance dreamwork.

2.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties

✅ Protection & Detoxification – Shields against negative influences and clears energetic blockages.
✅ Spiritual Awakening – Activates Kundalini energy and deepens meditation.
✅ Emotional Balance – Promotes inner peace and emotional resilience.
✅ Chakra Connection – Primarily linked to the Heart and Root Chakras, aligning love, stability, and grounding.

2.4 Variations and Colors

Serpentine comes in various shades of green, from pale lime to deep forest green, often with black or white patterns.

2.5 Uses and Jewelry

• Serpentine is commonly used in beaded bracelets, worry stones, and pendants for spiritual grounding.
• It is popular in meditation, chakra healing, and energy work.
• Many people carry Serpentine in their pockets to maintain a sense of calm and protection throughout the day.

3. Sardonyx – The Additional Birthstone of August

3.1 Overview and Meaning

Sardonyx is an ancient protective stone that symbolizes strength, stability, and courage. With its striped layers of red, brown, and white, Sardonyx has been used throughout history for bravery, endurance, and spiritual fortitude.

3.2 History and Mythology

• The name Sardonyx comes from the Greek words sard (red) and onyx (striped gemstone).
• Ancient Romans and Greeks carved Sardonyx into signet rings to symbolize leadership and power.
• Warriors in ancient Egypt and Rome wore Sardonyx into battle for strength and protection.
• Sardonyx was used in Renaissance talismans to attract happiness, stability, and marital harmony.

3.3 Healing and Metaphysical Properties

✅ Courage & Strength – Instills confidence, endurance, and resilience.
✅ Mental Clarity & Focus – Enhances logical thinking and decision-making.
✅ Protection & Grounding – Shields against negative energies and strengthens personal boundaries.
✅ Chakra Connection – Primarily linked to the Root and Sacral Chakras, promoting stability and motivation.

3.4 Variations and Colors

Sardonyx is found in reddish-brown, orange, black, and white banded layers, with each color carrying unique properties.

3.5 Uses and Jewelry

• Sardonyx is commonly used in carved amulets, rings, and talismans for its protective qualities.
• It is popular in manifestation and grounding practices.
• It is often gifted as a symbol of strength and commitment.

4. Comparing Peridot, Serpentine, and Sardonyx

5. Care and Maintenance of August Birthstones

5.1 How to Cleanse and Charge Peridot, Serpentine, and Sardonyx

• Water Cleansing: All three stones can be gently rinsed with lukewarm water, but Peridot should not be exposed to salt water.
• Sunlight Charging: Peridot and Sardonyx can be charged in direct sunlight, but Serpentine prefers indirect light to prevent fading.
• Moonlight Charging: All three stones benefit from full moon energy for cleansing and rejuvenation.
• Smudging: Use sage, palo santo, or incense smoke to clear negative energies.
• Selenite or Quartz Charging: Placing these stones on a selenite plate or near clear quartz amplifies their energy.

5.2 Storing and Handling

• Peridot is softer than most gemstones, so it should be stored separately to avoid scratches.
• Serpentine and Sardonyx are more durable but should be kept away from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

6. Conclusion

August’s birthstones—Peridot, Serpentine, and Sardonyx—offer prosperity, grounding, and strength. Whether choosing the bright, rejuvenating Peridot, the earthy, protective Serpentine, or the bold, stabilizing Sardonyx, each stone provides unique benefits for emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Related Entries

• April Birthstones
• December Birthstones
• February Birthstones
• January Birthstones
• July Birthstones