Peridot is the yellow green gem variety of olivine. It is found in various places around the world with Arizona being the main source in the U.S. Its name probably comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. It was the most popular stone during the Baroque period in Europe. The largest cut Peridot is 311.8 carats and is in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Peridot is also the gem given to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary.

An alternate August birthstone is Spinel. The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, which means thorn (the shape of spinel crystals). It can come in colors: red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green. Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. It has two types of the mineral chalcedony that is a reddish gemstone striped with white bands.