August is one of the few months in the birthstone calendar to feature three distinct gemstones, each with its own unique color, symbolism, and history. These stones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a diverse palette of options for jewelry lovers and those seeking meaningful adornments for August birthdays. Together, they represent a blend of vitality, courage, and protection, making them more than just decorative stones. This article delves into the physical, historical, and cultural dimensions of these August birthstones, drawing from expert and historical sources to present a comprehensive overview.
The official August birthstone is the vibrant peridot, cherished for its refreshing green hue and protective energy. Known as the “gem of the sun” in ancient times, peridot is linked to light, abundance, and renewal. In addition to peridot, modern jewelers recognize spinel and sardonyx as alternative August birthstones, expanding the options for August-born individuals. Each of these August stones holds its own fascinating symbolism and historical significance, offering unique benefits for healing, beauty, and personal growth.
Those born in August are fortunate to have multiple stunning gemstones to choose from. The peridot August birthstone shines bright with its lime green brilliance, while spinel dazzles in shades of red, pink, and even cobalt blue. Sardonyx, with its striking bands of red and white, adds an ancient charm to the list of August gemstones. Together, these gems provide a spectrum of color, meaning, and energetic support for August birthdays. Whether you’re drawn to the sparkling peridot or the protective sardonyx, each stone complements the spirit of summer and the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo. This article will explore the origins, gemological properties, symbolic meanings, and practical considerations for caring for each of these August birthstones.
History and Lore of the August Birthstones
The history of the August birthstones is as rich and varied as the gems themselves. Each stone carries a legacy that spans millennia, from ancient civilizations to modern gemological recognition.
Peridot: The Ancient "Gem of the Sun"
Peridot has a long and storied history, often confused with other green gems like emerald. Historically, peridot was often mistaken for an emerald due to its rich green hue. Egyptian pharaohs prized peridot, often called the “Evening Emerald,” for its protective qualities, and miners have extracted it for thousands of years. The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures.
The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name “topaz,” actually produced peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, the August birthstone peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot. The belief that peridot could protect against nightmares and bring the wearer happiness and strength was prevalent in ancient times.
Sardonyx: The Original Stone of Courage
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. This banded variety of chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family, features layers of reddish-brown sard and white onyx. Its use in cameos and intaglios was widespread in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to grant the wearer courage and protection in battle. Warriors would often wear sardonyx amulets or rings, hoping the stone would shield them from harm. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its historical significance as a symbol of strength and steadfastness.
Spinel: The Great Impostor and Modern Addition
Spinel’s journey to becoming an official August birthstone is a fascinating tale of mistaken identity. The spinel birthstone was underappreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. For a long time, the world’s most famous "rubies" were, in fact, spinels. The Black Prince’s Ruby, a massive red spinel that adorns the British Imperial State Crown, is a prime example. It was only in recent times that spinel was recognized for its own unique beauty and value. Spinel was added to the list of official August birthstones in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA), giving August-born individuals a vibrant and historically significant alternative.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding where these gems come from reveals the unique conditions under which they form, adding another layer of intrigue to their story.
Peridot: From the Mantle to Meteorites
Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. This unique origin story makes peridot one of the few gems found not only deep within the Earth but also in extraterrestrial sources. Major sources of peridot include Pakistan, Arizona (USA), and Egypt.
Sardonyx: A Banded Variety of Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, which is a mineral in the quartz family. It is formed from layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (a black and white variety). This banding effect gives sardonyx its distinctive appearance. While sources are not detailed in the provided materials, sardonyx has been historically sourced from locations such as India and Brazil.
Spinel: A Durable Magnesium Aluminum Oxide
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide with a chemical formula of MgAl₂O₄. It forms in the same geological environments as ruby and sapphire, which explains why it has been mistaken for those gems for centuries. Spinel is found in various locations, including Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Its wide range of colors, from deep red to vivid pink, orange, blue, and even black, makes it a versatile gem for jewelers.
Gemological Properties
The physical and chemical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and value. The following table summarizes the key gemological characteristics of the August birthstones based on the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Colors | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | Not specified in sources | Yellowish green to greenish yellow | Found in lava and meteorites; often mistaken for emerald. |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | SiO₂ | Not specified in sources | Bands of red-brown and white | A banded variety of chalcedony; used in cameos. |
| Spinel | Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | Not specified in sources | Red, pink, orange, blue, black | Historically mistaken for ruby; a durable gem. |
Peridot Properties
Peridot’s color ranges from bright yellow-green to olive green. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is not specified in the provided sources, but it is generally known to be around 6.5 to 7, making it a moderately durable gem suitable for jewelry with proper care. Its most striking feature is its formation under extreme conditions, including in hardened lava and meteorites.
Sardonyx Properties
As a variety of chalcedony, sardonyx has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. Its defining characteristic is its banding, which consists of alternating layers of reddish-brown sard and white onyx. This structure makes it ideal for carving, especially for cameos and intaglios.
Spinel Properties
Spinel is a highly durable gem, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. Its chemical composition is magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄). Spinel’s most remarkable quality is its wide color spectrum, which includes some of the most sought-after hues in the gem world, such as the vivid red that so closely resembles ruby.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, the August birthstones are imbued with deep symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties that have been revered for centuries.
Peridot: The Stone of Light and Renewal
Peridot is often described as the "sun gem" for its warm, luminous appearance. It is associated with light, positivity, joy, abundance, and confidence. In metaphysical traditions, peridot is considered a Heart Chakra crystal, believed to support healing and help release negative patterns, opening the heart to love. Its uplifting energy is said to boost mood and confidence, making it a perfect stone for those seeking personal growth and renewal.
Spinel: The Stone of Renewal and Vitality
Spinel is associated with high energy, renewal, inspiration, and vitality. It is believed to be a stone that can restore energy, inspire hope, and provide encouragement during difficult times. With its royal history and modern appeal, spinel is seen as a gem that combines ancient strength with contemporary style. Its vibrant colors are thought to reflect its energizing properties, making it a powerful ally for those needing a boost in their personal and professional lives.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Strength and Protection
Sardonyx is a deeply grounding and protective stone. It is traditionally associated with strength, courage, and stable relationships. Its earthy, meaningful appearance is said to reflect its ability to provide a strong foundation and shield the wearer from harm. As an ancient talisman, sardonyx is believed to promote steadfastness and integrity, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking stability and protection in their lives.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The durability of each August birthstone dictates the best practices for cleaning and storage.
Caring for Peridot
While the hardness of peridot is not specified in the sources, it is a moderately durable gem. To clean peridot, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes, which could potentially damage the stone. It is also wise to store peridot jewelry separately to prevent scratching by harder gems.
Caring for Sardonyx
As a variety of chalcedony (quartz), sardonyx has a hardness of 7, making it relatively durable. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, which could damage the stone or any polish used on it.
Caring for Spinel
Spinel is a very durable gem with a hardness of 8, making it resistant to scratching and wear. It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Spinel is also stable under light and is not affected by heat or most chemicals, making it an easy gem to care for.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a remarkable trio of options that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the vibrant, sun-like glow of peridot to the ancient, protective bands of sardonyx and the brilliant, versatile colors of spinel, each gem tells a unique story. They represent a blend of geological wonder, historical significance, and powerful symbolism. Whether chosen for their beauty, their rich history, or their metaphysical properties, these stones provide a meaningful and lasting connection to the month of August. For those born in this summer month, the choice between these three gems allows for a personal expression of identity, style, and spirit.