If you were born in August, you are one of the fortunate few to have a choice of three distinct and historically rich birthstones. While many months are assigned a single gem, August boasts a unique triumvirate: the vibrant peridot, the resilient sardonyx, and the dazzling spinel. This diverse selection offers a spectrum of color, lore, and value, ensuring that every August-born individual can find a gemstone that resonates with their personal style and spirit. Each stone tells a different story—from the fiery depths of the Earth and the cold expanse of space to the ancient battlefields and the high-pressure environments that forge gems of great beauty and significance.
This article delves into the comprehensive world of August's birthstones, exploring the geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and modern significance of peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. We will journey from the volcanic landscapes that birth peridot to the ancient quarries that yielded sardonyx, and uncover the long-overlooked brilliance of spinel. By understanding the unique characteristics of each gem, enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a meaningful piece of jewelry can make an informed choice that celebrates the rich tapestry of August's heritage.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, with its signature lime-green glow, is arguably the most recognized of the August birthstones. Its captivating color and unique origin story have made it a favorite for millennia, prized for both its beauty and its purported uplifting energy.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is as ancient and fascinating as the gem itself. The word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic term faridat, which simply means "gem." For centuries, this gem was often mistaken for other precious stones, most notably emerald. Historical accounts suggest that Cleopatra’s famous collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been comprised of peridot. This confusion is understandable; peridot’s vibrant green hue can be strikingly similar to that of an emerald, especially under certain lighting conditions. In fact, peridot has been referred to as the "evening emerald" because of the way it fluoresces a brilliant green under artificial light.
One of the most significant historical examples of this misidentification can be found in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings is adorned with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds for centuries but are now known to be peridot. This August birthstone was highly valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. It appeared in priests’ jewelry as early as the second century BCE and was later used in the chalices and churches of medieval Europe.
Beyond its use in adornment, peridot was believed to possess powerful protective qualities. It was used for centuries as a protective talisman, said to shield the owner from evil spirits and the "terrors of the night." Ancient beliefs held that it could ward off nightmares and bring the wearer happiness and strength. The Egyptians so revered this gem that they called it "the gem of the sun," believing it was a gift from the sun god Ra, capable of warding off darkness and evil.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s origin story is one of the most remarkable in the gem world. It is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Unlike many gems that are formed deep within the Earth’s crust under immense pressure, peridot can be brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within the Earth’s mantle.
What makes peridot truly exceptional is that it is also one of the few gems found in meteorites—extraterrestrial sources that have journeyed to Earth from outer space. This celestial connection adds a layer of mystique to the gem. While some peridot has been found in exotic locales like Peridot Beach in Hawaii, where the sands shimmer a luminous green, most of the peridot seen in jewelry today comes from commercial sources in China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States.
The oldest recorded source of this August birthstone is the Egyptian island of Zabargad (historically known as Topazios). Mining on this island may have begun as early as 340–279 BCE. Despite producing beautiful peridot, the island was known for its harsh conditions and earned ominous names like the "Island of Death" and Ophiodes ("snake island"). Peridot from Zabargad has been prized for centuries and remains highly desirable among collectors.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s unique yellow-green color is not derived from trace amounts of impurities, as is the case with many other gemstones, but from the presence of iron in its chemical composition. This fundamental difference is what gives peridot its consistent and recognizable hue.
- Chemical Composition: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is durable enough for most jewelry applications, including rings, as long as it is treated with reasonable care. It is a relatively stable gem, though it can be susceptible to scratching if worn against harder materials.
Sardonyx: The Original August Birthstone
While peridot may be the most famous, sardonyx holds the distinction of being the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. This banded variety of chalcedony offers a unique aesthetic and a deep connection to ancient civilizations.
History and Lore
Sardonyx is a combination of two varieties of layered chalcedony: sard (a reddish-brown stone) and onyx (a black and white stone). The resulting gem features alternating bands of these colors, creating a striking contrast that has been admired since antiquity. Its use as a gemstone is ancient, predating many other gems that are more common today.
In the ancient world, sardonyx was highly valued for its use in cameos and intaglios—carved gems that depicted profiles, symbols, or scenes. The distinct layers of color made it an ideal medium for carving, allowing artisans to create detailed images with natural contrast. Roman soldiers, for instance, often wore sardonyx rings carved with the image of Mars, the god of war, believing it would grant them courage and protection in battle.
Beyond its use in carving, sardonyx was a symbol of strength and protection. It was believed to bring stability and courage to the wearer, making it a popular choice for amulets and talismans. Its enduring history as a gem of significance makes it a meaningful, if less common, choice for a modern August birthstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx, like other forms of onyx and chalcedony, is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz. It is formed when silica deposits fill cavities in volcanic rock and then crystallize in alternating layers of different colors. The distinct banding is the result of changes in the chemical composition of the silica gel during the slow crystallization process. Major sources for sardonyx include India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
As a variety of chalcedony (quartz), sardonyx shares many properties with other members of this mineral family.
- Chemical Composition: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
- Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
- Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline)
- Refractive Index: 1.53 to 1.54
With a hardness of 7, sardonyx is quite durable and suitable for all types of jewelry. Its toughness and relative affordability make it an excellent choice for intricate carvings and statement pieces.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Beauty
For centuries, spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often living in the shadow of more famous stones like ruby. It was only recently, in 2016, that spinel was added as a modern birthstone for August, finally giving this brilliant gem the recognition it deserves.
History and Lore
The story of spinel is one of mistaken identity. For hundreds of years, magnificent red spinels were mistaken for rubies. Some of the world's most famous "rubies" are, in fact, spinels. The "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown and the "Timur Ruby" are two of the most famous examples. This long history of confusion has led to spinel being underappreciated, but today’s consumers are increasingly seeking it out as a beautiful and durable alternative to ruby.
Unlike many gems that are associated with ancient myths, spinel’s lore is more modern, centered on its recent elevation to birthstone status. Its addition to the August list was a move by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) to provide consumers with a wider range of choices and to highlight a gem of exceptional quality and beauty. Spinel is now celebrated for its brilliance and the wide array of colors in which it is found, from the coveted red to vibrant pinks, blues, and purples.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄) and forms under high-temperature, low-pressure conditions, often in the same geological environments as ruby and sapphire. It is found in alluvial deposits and metamorphic rocks.
Key sources for high-quality spinel include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Myanmar, in particular, is famous for producing some of the finest red spinels, known as "balas rubies," which have been mined in the Mogok region for centuries.
Gemological Properties
Spinel’s properties make it an outstanding gemstone for jewelry, combining beauty with excellent durability.
- Chemical Composition: MgAl₂O₄
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Refractive Index: 1.71 to 1.73
Its hardness of 8 makes it highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry. Spinel also has excellent clarity, often being found with fewer inclusions than many other gems. Its vibrant colors and high refractive index give it a brilliant luster that can rival that of ruby and sapphire.
Comparing the Three Gems
To provide a clear overview of the gemological differences between the three August birthstones, the following table summarizes their key properties.
| Property | Peridot | Spinel | Sardonyx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Family | Olivine | Spinel Group | Chalcedony (Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | MgAl₂O₄ | SiO₂ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Cubic | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Typical Colors | Yellowish-green, Olive Green | Red, Pink, Blue, Purple, Black | Banded Brown, White, Black |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, offering a range of options for those who seek meaning in their gems.
- Peridot: As "the gem of the sun," peridot is associated with light, positivity, and warmth. It is believed to dispel negativity, reduce stress, and bring happiness and strength to the wearer. Its protective qualities, particularly against nightmares and evil spirits, have been valued since ancient times.
- Sardonyx: This stone is a powerful symbol of strength, protection, and courage. It is believed to foster stability and discipline, making it an excellent talisman for those seeking to overcome challenges or build self-confidence. Its protective properties were historically relied upon by warriors.
- Spinel: As a newer addition to the birthstone family, spinel is associated with revitalization and renewal. It is said to bring energy and passion to the wearer, while also promoting hope and joy. Its vibrant colors are a reflection of its life-affirming energy.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of any gemstone. The durability of each August birthstone varies, and understanding these properties is key to their long-term preservation.
- Peridot: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable. It should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. It is safe to clean peridot with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as sudden temperature changes can cause the gem to fracture.
- Sardonyx: As a variety of quartz with a hardness of 7, sardonyx is quite durable. It can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally stable when exposed to light and heat.
- Spinel: Spinel is the most durable of the three, with a hardness of 8 and good toughness. It is very easy to care for and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is stable with respect to light and heat and is not susceptible to chemical reactions.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity that reflects the richness of the month itself. From the solar glow of peridot, a gem born of both terrestrial volcanoes and celestial meteorites, to the ancient, banded strength of sardonyx, and the brilliant, long-misunderstood beauty of spinel, each stone provides a unique narrative and aesthetic. Together, they form a trio that is both historically significant and perfectly suited to modern tastes. For the August-born, this selection is not just a choice of color or style, but an opportunity to connect with a legacy of geological wonder, ancient lore, and enduring beauty. Whether chosen for its uplifting energy, its protective strength, or its dazzling brilliance, an August birthstone is a timeless and meaningful treasure.