The birthstones for August are peridot and sardonyx. Peridot ranges in color from yellow to green and measures 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. It was favored by Cleopatra in Egypt and is believed to be tears of the Hawaiian goddess Pele. Sardonyx is a form of layered onyx and chalcedony known for its red bands. It was thought to bring courage, victory, and success in legal matters for Romans. Both stones were thought to protect against nightmares and bring prosperity to the wearer.