For those born in the eighth month of the year, the selection of a birthstone is not a singular choice but a rich tapestry of geological marvels, ancient history, and diverse symbolism. August is uniquely endowed with three official birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio offers a spectrum of color and meaning, from the vibrant green of volcanic gems to the fiery reds of mistaken rubies and the banded earthiness of ancient seals. Each stone tells a distinct story of formation, discovery, and cultural significance, providing a wealth of options for August-born individuals seeking a personal connection to the mineral kingdom.
The modern list of birthstones was standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America), with peridot as the original representative. The list has since evolved, with spinel being officially added in 2016 to provide more variety and to recognize a gem long overshadowed by its resemblance to other precious stones. Sardonyx, the original August birthstone, boasts a history that stretches back over four millennia, serving as a favored material for ancient carvers and warriors. Together, these gems reflect the energy of late summer, offering choices that range from a bright, uplifting green to a versatile spectrum of colors and a deeply grounding, banded appearance.
History and Lore: The Ancient Sun Gem and Its Companions
The historical narrative of August’s birthstones is dominated by the luminous history of peridot. Valued since antiquity, peridot has been a source of fascination and confusion for centuries, often mistaken for other prized green gems. Its story is one of solar power, protective magic, and royal adornment.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun The most traditional of the August stones, peridot, has a name derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem. Ancient Egyptians held this stone in particularly high regard, mining it on the island of Topazios in the Red Sea—a location so treacherous and misnamed that it led to peridot being confused with topaz for generations. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it possessed powerful protective qualities, warding off nightmares and evil spirits. It was also thought to bring the wearer happiness and strength. Pharaohs adorned themselves with peridot, and its vibrant green was believed to be a conduit for divine light.
This confusion with other gems continued well into the medieval period. The spectacular peridots adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, totaling 200 carats, were for centuries believed to be emeralds. It was only later that gemologists confirmed these magnificent gems were, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famed collection of emeralds may have actually consisted of large peridots. The gem’s association with light and the sun was so pervasive that it was also nicknamed the “Evening Emerald,” as its green hue would sparkle brilliantly under candlelight. Its lore extends to the spiritual, where it is linked to the heart chakra, promoting harmony for the mind, body, and spirit.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Strength and Courage As the original August birthstone, sardonyx has a lineage that predates the modern calendar. With a history spanning more than 4,000 years, this banded variety of chalcedony was a favorite material for ancient engravers in Greece and Rome. Sardonyx is a combination of two minerals: sard, which provides the reddish-brown layers, and onyx, which provides the white or black bands. Its name is a direct portmanteau of these two components.
This stone was not merely decorative; it was functional and symbolic. Warriors and soldiers in ancient Rome and Greece wore sardonyx amulets and rings, believing the stone would grant them courage and protection in battle. Its hardness and distinct banding made it ideal for carving cameos and intaglios, which were used as seals to authenticate documents. The stone’s symbolism is deeply rooted in themes of strength, courage, stable relationships, and protection against harm, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking a gem with ancient grounding energy.
Spinel: The Great Impostor Finds Its Fame Spinel’s journey to becoming an official August birthstone is a story of mistaken identity and eventual recognition. For centuries, red spinel was confused with ruby, one of the most precious gems on Earth. Many famous "rubies" in royal collections were later discovered to be spinels. The most notable of these is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a massive 170-carat red gem that sits in the British Imperial State Crown. Despite its name, this magnificent stone is a red spinel. Similarly, the Timur Ruby, another colossal red stone, is also a spinel.
For centuries, spinel lived in the shadow of ruby, underappreciated and misidentified. However, as consumers began seeking alternatives to ruby and as gemological science advanced, spinel began to be appreciated for its own merits. It was officially added to the list of August birthstones in 2016 by Jewelers of America, finally giving this versatile gem the recognition it deserves. Historically, spinel was associated with renewal and inspiration, offering high energy to restore vitality and encourage hope during difficult times.
Geological Formation and Sources: From the Mantle to the Meteorites
The origins of August’s birthstones are as varied as their appearances, ranging from the fiery depths of the Earth’s mantle to the vastness of outer space.
Peridot’s Extraordinary Origins Peridot possesses one of the most unique formation stories in the gem world. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a common mineral in Earth’s upper mantle. Peridot can be brought to the surface by volcanic activity, often found in hardened lava. This process can also push the gem into the rock types known as peridotite. This origin from extreme conditions makes it a true gem of the Earth’s interior.
Adding to its mystique, peridot is also found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, making it one of the few gems not of this world. These extraterrestrial peridots are extremely rare and not used for jewelry. The vast majority of commercial peridot today is sourced from volcanic regions. Key sources include Arizona in the United States, which produces high-quality peridot from ancient volcanic fields. Other significant sources are found in Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Myanmar, with each location yielding stones that may vary slightly in their hue and clarity.
Spinel’s Formation While the provided sources do not detail the specific geological formation of spinel, they emphasize its historical sourcing and its identity as a distinct mineral. Red spinel, the most prized variety, has historically been sourced from the same regions as ruby, particularly in Southeast Asia. The famous stones that were mistaken for rubies came from areas like Burma (now Myanmar) and Sri Lanka. Spinel also forms in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits, where it is mined today. Its addition to the birthstone list highlights its growing importance in the gem market as a beautiful and durable alternative to ruby.
Sardonyx’s Geological Roots Sardonyx, as a variety of chalcedony (a microcrystalline form of quartz), forms in volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Its distinctive bands of reddish-brown sard and white onyx are the result of successive layers of silica deposited during the gem’s formation. Historically, the finest sardonyx came from India, which was the primary source for the ancient world’s cameos and seals. Today, significant sources also include Germany, Brazil, and the United States. Its durability and ability to take a high polish made it a practical and beautiful material for ancient artisans.
Gemological Properties: A Spectrum of Science
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these gems is essential for appreciating their unique characteristics and for their care. Each of the August stones has a distinct profile on the Mohs scale of hardness and a unique chemical composition.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Composition | Mohs Hardness | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | 6.5 - 7 | Typically eye-clean; color from yellow-green to olive; has "liver spots" or tiny dark inclusions. |
| Spinel | Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | 8 | Often eye-clean; wide range of colors (red, pink, blue, black, etc.); single refraction. |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | SiO₂ | 7 | Opaque to translucent; distinct bands of reddish-brown and white; good durability. |
Peridot Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow variety of the mineral olivine. Its color is its most defining feature, ranging from a bright lime green to a deeper olive. The presence of iron is responsible for its green hue. Peridot is typically found without visible inclusions, though it can sometimes contain small, dark "liver spots" or tiny silicate crystals. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it reasonably durable for most jewelry, though it can be susceptible to chipping if struck hard. It is a doubly refractive gem, meaning light splits into two as it passes through the stone.
Spinel Spinel is a magnesium aluminium oxide with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching—harder than quartz and almost as hard as corundum (ruby and sapphire). This durability makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. Spinel is a singly refractive gem, similar to diamond and garnet. It boasts an exceptionally wide range of colors, from the coveted red and vibrant pink to cobalt blue, orange, and even black. This variety gives it the nickname the "great impostor," as it can mimic many other gems, but also makes it a versatile and exciting stone for jewelers. High-quality spinel is typically eye-clean.
Sardonyx Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, which is itself a microcrystalline form of quartz. Its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale, giving it good durability for jewelry and carved items. Its primary visual characteristic is its bold, contrasting bands of reddish-brown (sard) and white or black (onyx). The stone is opaque to translucent. As a member of the quartz family, it is relatively abundant and has been used for centuries not only in jewelry but also for cameos, intaglios, and decorative objects. Its structure and banding are the result of its formation in layers, creating a unique pattern in every piece.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs: A Trio of Energies
Beyond their physical beauty, each of the August birthstones carries a rich legacy of symbolism and metaphysical beliefs, offering different forms of spiritual and emotional support.
Peridot is overwhelmingly associated with joy, positivity, and abundance. As the "gem of the sun," it is believed to carry the energy of light and warmth, helping to dispel negativity and foster a sense of well-being. It is often called the "Stone of Joy and Harmony," recommended for those seeking to balance their mind, body, and spirit. Its connection to the heart chakra makes it a powerful stone for opening the heart to love and releasing old emotional patterns. For August-born individuals, peridot offers a bright, uplifting energy that reflects the peak of summer.
Spinel is a stone of renewal, inspiration, and vitality. Having been underappreciated for centuries, it is now seen as a gem that helps restore energy and inspire hope. Its vibrant colors are thought to stimulate high energy and encourage perseverance through challenging times. Spinel is considered a grounding stone that can also inspire creativity and new ideas. For those who feel drained or uninspired, spinel is believed to be a restorative force, helping to reignite one's inner fire.
Sardonyx is the stone of strength, courage, and protection. With its ancient history as a talisman for warriors, it is believed to ground the wearer and provide stability and endurance. It is associated with steadfast relationships and is thought to promote strong, lasting bonds. Its energy is deeply rooted and earthy, offering a sense of security and confidence. For those seeking to build inner strength, overcome fears, or protect themselves from negative influences, sardonyx serves as a powerful and meaningful ally.
Care and Cleaning: Preserving August’s Gems
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The different hardness levels and chemical compositions of peridot, spinel, and sardonyx dictate specific cleaning and handling instructions.
Peridot Care With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable but requires some care. It is best suited for pieces that are less likely to receive hard knocks, such as earrings or pendants, though it can be used in rings if set in protective settings and worn with caution. To clean peridot, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can cause fractures in the stone, especially if it has any existing inclusions. It is also wise to avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals, which can damage the gem’s surface.
Spinel Care Spinel is one of the more durable gemstones, with a hardness of 8. This makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. It is generally very tough and resistant to scratching and abrasion. Cleaning spinel is straightforward; it can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is also stable under ultrasonic and steam cleaners, though it is always best to inspect the stone and its setting first. Its durability and ease of care make it a practical and beautiful choice for an everyday birthstone.
Sardonyx Care As a variety of quartz with a hardness of 7, sardonyx is quite durable and suitable for all jewelry applications. It is resistant to scratching and can withstand regular wear. Cleaning sardonyx is simple: use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. It is generally safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner, but it is advisable to avoid steam cleaners if the stone has been treated or if it is set in a delicate piece. Its toughness and resistance to chemicals make it a low-maintenance gem, perfect for those who appreciate a stone that is both beautiful and resilient.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity that reflects the richness of the late summer month. Peridot, the vibrant "gem of the sun," captivates with its joyful green hue and extraordinary origins, from the Earth’s mantle to meteorites. Spinel, the long-misunderstood beauty, has emerged from the shadow of the ruby to claim its place as a durable and versatile gem of renewal. Finally, sardonyx, the ancient stone of strength, provides a tangible link to millennia of human history, art, and courage.
Together, these three stones provide a complete spectrum of color, meaning, and energy. Whether one is drawn to the uplifting positivity of peridot, the restorative vitality of spinel, or the grounding protection of sardonyx, August-born individuals have a wealth of choice. Each gem is a testament to the Earth’s geological artistry and humanity’s enduring fascination with the natural world, making them not just beautiful adornments but also meaningful symbols of personal identity and heritage.