Introduction
August babies get options. According to the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), August has three official birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. But the real gossip lies with Peridot and Spinel.
Peridot is the fresh, lime-green stone that feels like monsoon in India — bright, hopeful, and underrated. Spinel is the ultimate identity thief — a stone that fooled kings, queens, and jewelers for centuries, often parading as ruby or sapphire.
If emerald is Amitabh and ruby is Madhuri, then peridot is Alia Bhatt (fresh, youthful, glowing), and spinel is Kangana Ranaut (controversial, unpredictable, always making headlines).
Peridot: The Lime-Green Glow
– Mineral: Olivine (magnesium iron silicate).
– Color: Olive to lime green, always with a golden undertone.
– Hardness: 6.5–7.
– Symbolism: Prosperity, protection, renewal.
History & Gossip:
– Ancient Egyptians called peridot the ‘gem of the sun.’ Cleopatra’s famous ’emeralds’ may actually have been peridots from Zabargad Island mines — a mix-up that lasted centuries.
– Hawaiians linked peridot with Pele, goddess of volcanoes.
– In modern India, peridot is marketed as a budget alternative for panna (emerald) in astrology, but no serious gem dealer confuses the two.
Bollywood & Celeb Masala:
– Used by stylists when they want a splash of green without emerald prices.
– Gossip: A Bollywood stylist once dressed a Cannes star in peridots, claiming ‘rare green gems’ — fashion reporters didn’t question it.
– Olivia Wilde has flaunted peridot earrings, reviving its trend.
Spinel: The Great Impostor
– Mineral: Spinel, magnesium aluminum oxide.
– Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, black.
– Hardness: 8, durable.
– Symbolism: Energy, revitalization, transformation.
History & Gossip:
– Spinel often masqueraded as ruby. The Black Prince’s ‘Ruby’ in the British Crown Jewels is actually spinel.
– Mughal emperors prized inscribed spinels more than rubies.
– Gossip: Dealers today pitch red spinel as ‘ruby lite’ — similar glam, lower price.
Bollywood & Celeb Masala:
– Spinel is rising in international auctions.
– Priyanka Chopra once wore a spinel ring, mistaken by tabloids for ruby.
– Gossip: A Delhi socialite flaunted a ‘Burma ruby’ necklace later revealed to be spinel.
| Property | Peridot | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Olivine | Spinel |
| Hardness | 6.5 – 7 | 8 |
| Colors | Olive to lime green | Red, pink, blue, purple, black |
| Symbolism | Prosperity, renewal | Energy, vitality |
| Sources | Pakistan, Myanmar, China, USA | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Africa |
Astrology Masala
– Peridot: Sometimes prescribed as panna substitute (Mercury). Believed to improve learning, speech, wealth.
– Spinel: Not mainstream, but red spinel occasionally used as softer ruby substitute (Sun stone).
– Gossip: Jaipur dealers quietly market both as ‘trial gems’ for those hesitant about costly panna or ruby.
Styling Tips: 2025
– Peridot: Cocktail rings, pendants, fresh green summer jewelry.
– Spinel: Bold rings, alternative bridal stones, black spinel beads in men’s malas.
Masala: Peridot is playful chic; spinel is scandalous chic.
Gossip Meets Spirituality
– Peridot: Said to ward off nightmares and promote prosperity. In vastu, placed in offices for growth.
– Spinel: Called ‘rejuvenation stone’ in crystal healing; boosts energy.
– Gossip: Bollywood yoga gurus swear by spinel malas for ‘creative unblock.’
Indian Market Drama
– Jaipur trades heavily in Pakistani peridot and African spinel.
– Spinel is still ‘offbeat’ in India but trending in auctions abroad.
– Gossip: Dealers call spinel the ‘sleeper investment’ — cheap now, big later.
Care & Cleaning
– Peridot: Avoid acids and strong cleaners. Scratches easily.
– Spinel: Durable, safe for daily wear.
Final Masala: Why August Rocks
– Peridot: Fresh, affordable, youthful.
– Spinel: Fiery, rebellious, scandalous.
If garnet is Ranveer, amethyst is Deepika, aquamarine is SRK, diamond is Kareena, emerald is Amitabh, ruby is Madhuri — then August is split:
– Peridot = Alia Bhatt (youthful glow).
– Spinel = Kangana Ranaut (fiery controversy).
Conclusion
August babies get two powerful choices — peridot for freshness, spinel for drama. From Mughal thrones to Cannes carpets, these stones prove the underdogs often bring the juiciest stories.
Born in August? Enjoy your double gem privilege. Not August-born? Wear them anyway — they’re unforgettable.