The month of August is unique in the world of gemology, offering not one, but three official birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio provides a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and meaning, reflecting the warmth and vitality of late summer. While peridot is often recognized for its vivid green hue, spinel offers a dazzling array of colors including deep reds and vibrant pinks, and sardonyx presents a classic, earthy charm with its distinctive bands. Together, these gemstones represent strength, protection, and healing, making them meaningful choices for anyone born in August. This article explores the geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and cultural significance of each of these captivating stones.
Peridot: The Vibrant Green August Gem
History and Lore
Peridot, the primary August birthstone, is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine. Its history is rich and often intertwined with other green gemstones. Throughout history, peridot has frequently been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that gave "topaz" its name, actually produced peridot. In Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings is decorated with 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds, which are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The word "peridot" is derived from the Arabic faridat, meaning "gem." This August birthstone was highly valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. Ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it protected its wearer against nightmares and brought happiness and strength. It was also cherished for its warm, luminous glow and was believed to ward off evil spirits. This historical reverence highlights peridot's enduring appeal as a symbol of light and protection.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is formed under extreme conditions. It can be found in the hardened lava that carries it from deep within the Earth's mantle and has also been discovered in meteorites that traveled from outer space. This unique origin distinguishes it from many other gemstones. Most commercial peridot today is sourced from Arizona, Pakistan, and China. Its natural brightness does not typically require enhancements, making it a favorite among lovers of natural gemstones.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its color ranges from yellow-green to deep olive, with the most valued stones displaying a rich, lime-green hue. The gem's chemical composition is (Mg,Fe)2SiO4. Peridot is known for its excellent clarity and vitreous luster. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for various types of jewelry, though it requires some care to avoid scratches. Its refractive index ranges from 1.64 to 1.69. The absence of significant inclusions is a key factor in its value, and its color is its most defining characteristic.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and peace. It is associated with light, abundance, and renewal. The stone is believed to bring the wearer happiness and strength, and it was historically thought to protect against nightmares and evil spirits. Its uplifting energy makes it a popular choice for those seeking to attract positive vibes and enhance their sense of well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is relatively durable but can be susceptible to scratching if not handled with care. It is advisable to clean peridot jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as these could potentially damage the stone. Storing peridot separately from harder gemstones will help prevent scratches and maintain its polished appearance.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler
History and Lore
Spinel is often called the "great imposter" of the gem world due to its long history of being mistaken for ruby. Many famous "rubies," including the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, are actually red spinels. Until recently, spinel was underappreciated, but today’s consumers are increasingly seeking it out as a beautiful and durable alternative to ruby. Its history is marked by this confusion, yet it has been prized for centuries for its brilliance and range of colors.
Spinel's name likely derives from the Greek word spinthos, meaning "sparkling," a fitting description for its lively appearance. While it was often mistaken for other gems, spinel has carved out its own identity as a gemstone of hope, revitalization, and longevity. It is a stone of renewal, perfect for those seeking to release stress and embrace new beginnings.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl2O4) and forms under high-temperature, low-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks. It is found in various locations around the world, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Its formation process allows for a wide variety of colors, which contributes to its appeal as a versatile gemstone.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is available in a broad spectrum of colors, from vibrant pink to cobalt blue and deep red. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 8, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that will endure daily wear. The gem has a refractive index of 1.71 to 1.73 and a vitreous luster. Spinel's durability and brilliance are key attributes that make it increasingly popular among jewelers and collectors. Its chemical stability and lack of cleavage add to its desirability.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Spinel represents brightness and positivity. It is associated with hope, revitalization, and longevity. The stone is believed to help in releasing stress and encouraging a fresh start. Its vibrant energy is said to inspire joy and enthusiasm, making it a meaningful choice for those looking to infuse their lives with positive energy and a renewed sense of purpose.
Care and Cleaning
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is quite durable and resistant to scratching. It can be cleaned safely with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for spinel, but steam cleaning should be avoided if the stone has any fractures. Its durability makes it a practical choice for rings, earrings, and other jewelry pieces that see regular use.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Striped Stone
History and Lore
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history dating back more than 4,000 years. It is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz, and is characterized by its distinctive bands of reddish-brown (sard) and white or black (onyx). The name "sardonyx" comes from the Greek words sard (reddish-brown) and onyx (gem).
This ancient stone was widely used in ancient Rome and Greece for signet rings and cameos, as its layered structure is ideal for carving. Roman and Greek warriors wore sardonyx talismans engraved with images of gods and heroes, believing it provided protection in battle. It was also highly valued for its association with courage, strength, and clear communication.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is formed when bands of sard and onyx grow together in a single crystal. It is found in various parts of the world, including India, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The stone's unique banding is a result of alternating layers of silica with different impurities, creating its characteristic striped appearance.
Gemological Properties
Sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony, a member of the quartz family. Its chemical composition is silicon dioxide (SiO2). It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, similar to peridot. The gem exhibits a waxy to vitreous luster and is typically opaque. Its value is determined by the sharpness and contrast of its bands, with well-defined, parallel bands being most desirable. Sardonyx is often cut into cabochons to highlight its banding or carved into intricate designs.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx is a stone of strength, protection, and stability. It is said to instill courage, provide protection, and strengthen the mind. Sardonyx is also associated with happiness and is believed to bring stability to marital relations. In some traditions, it is thought to ward off the "evil eye." The stone's grounding energy is believed to enhance confidence, improve communication, and promote a sense of stability and order.
Care and Cleaning
As a variety of quartz, sardonyx is relatively durable with a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, which could damage its surface. Due to its opacity, it does not require the same level of clarity-focused care as transparent gems, but protecting it from hard impacts is still advisable to prevent chipping along its bands.
Conclusion
The three birthstones for August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a diverse and rich selection for those born in this month. Peridot captivates with its vibrant green hue and solar lore, spinel dazzles with its brilliant array of colors and history of mistaken identity, and sardonyx provides ancient strength and protection through its distinctive bands. Each stone carries its own unique set of properties, historical narratives, and symbolic meanings, yet all are united in their association with strength and healing. Whether chosen for their beauty, durability, or the powerful symbolism they hold, these gemstones provide meaningful and beautiful options for August-born individuals.