Those born in August are uniquely fortunate, as their birth month is graced not by a single gem, but by a triumvirate of distinct and historically rich stones: the radiant green peridot, the banded sardonyx, and the brilliantly versatile spinel. This abundance of choice allows individuals to select a gem that not only reflects the vibrant energy of late summer but also resonates with personal style and symbolic meaning. While each stone possesses its own unique character, they collectively represent themes of strength, protection, and renewal. The journey of the August birthstone is a fascinating story of geological marvels, ancient lore, and evolving traditions in the world of gemology. This article will explore the history, formation, properties, and symbolism of peridot, sardonyx, and spinel, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone captivated by these remarkable gems.
The August Birthstone Trio: A Historical Overview
The modern list of birthstones for August includes peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio offers a remarkable spectrum of color and history, from the ancient protective amulets to the dazzling jewels of royalty. The tradition of assigning specific gems to birth months has evolved over centuries, with the most influential modern list being the standardized birthstone list established by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) in 1912. This list originally designated peridot as the primary birthstone for August. Sardonyx, with its ancient lineage, was recognized as the traditional stone, while spinel was a more recent and welcome addition to the official list in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), providing even more variety for those born in this summer month.
Each stone carries its own narrative. Peridot, the vibrant green gem, is often considered the primary or most well-known August birthstone. Sardonyx, with its striking bands of reddish-brown and white, is the oldest of the three in terms of historical significance. Spinel, often mistaken for other precious gems throughout history, has emerged from the shadows to be celebrated in its own right. Together, they embody the diverse character of August, a month that marks the peak of summer and the transition into fall, a time of both vibrant life and quiet preparation.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot is arguably the most recognized of the August birthstones, celebrated for its distinctive and consistent olive-green hue. This gem is unique among colored stones for having a color palette that exists in only one primary color, ranging from yellow-green to a deep olive. Its most prized color is a rich, vibrant lime green.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot's origin story is one of the most intriguing in the gemological world. Unlike many gems that form in the Earth's crust, peridot is often formed deep within the Earth's mantle. It is brought to the surface by volcanic activity, with some specimens even found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. This deep-earth origin contributes to its reputation as a "gem of the sun," a name given to it by ancient Egyptians who prized it for its protective qualities. Historically, Egypt was a primary source for peridot, particularly from the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, which produced gems for thousands of years. While Egyptian deposits are less significant today, other important mining locations include Pakistan, Myanmar, and the United States (Arizona).
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine, with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its characteristic green color comes from the presence of iron. On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot ranks at 6.5 to 7, making it a durable gemstone suitable for a variety of jewelry applications, including rings, pendants, and earrings. However, its relative softness compared to gems like sapphire or diamond means it requires some care to avoid scratches and abrasions. Peridot is typically eye-clean, meaning it lacks significant inclusions, which enhances its brilliant and lively appearance.
Symbolism and Lore
Peridot has been associated with light, abundance, and renewal since antiquity. The ancient Egyptians believed it protected its wearer against nightmares and brought happiness and strength. It was often mistaken for emerald due to its rich green hue, with many historical "emeralds" in royal collections later identified as peridot. The stone is also linked to the heart chakra, symbolizing the release of negative patterns and the opening of the heart to love and joy. For those born in August, peridot is said to promote confidence, positivity, and a sense of abundance.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Protector
Sardonyx is the traditional and most historically ancient of the August birthstones. Its name is derived from the Greek words "sard," meaning a reddish-brown chalcedony, and "onyx," meaning a veined gem. This banded variety of onyx is characterized by its distinctive layers of reddish-brown sard and white onyx, creating a striking, often parallel-striped pattern.
Historical Significance and Sources
Sardonyx has been used for carving and jewelry for millennia. It was a favorite among the ancient Romans and Greeks, who carved it into cameos and intaglios for signet rings. Its waxy luster and ability to take a high polish made it ideal for intricate carvings. The stone was widely believed to be a powerful protector, a belief that made it popular for amulets and seals. Today, major sources of sardonyx include India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
Like sardonyx, sardonyx is a member of the quartz family, specifically a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz with a chemical formula of SiO₂. It ranks at 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it quite durable and resistant to scratching. This hardness, combined with its lack of cleavage, makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that will endure daily wear, such as cameos, belt buckles, and statement rings. Its banded appearance is its most defining characteristic, and skilled lapidaries can cut the stone to enhance the contrast and pattern of its layers.
Symbolism and Lore
The symbolism of sardonyx is deeply rooted in strength and protection. The ancient Romans believed that wearing a sardonyx amulet would protect them in battle and grant them courage. It was also associated with stable, happy marriages and was often used in wedding rings. The stone is thought to promote integrity, virtuous conduct, and good fortune. As a grounding stone, sardonyx is believed to instill a sense of stability and order, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking strength and security.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler
Spinel is the newest addition to the official August birthstone list, yet its history is long and often entwined with mistaken identity. For centuries, spinel was confused with more precious gems like ruby and sapphire, with many famous historical "rubies" now known to be large spinels.
Historical Misidentifications and Sources
Perhaps the most famous example of this confusion is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a massive red spinel that is part of the British Crown Jewels. It was originally owned by Edward, the Black Prince, and was believed to be a ruby until the 18th century. Similarly, the "Timur Ruby," a 361-carat red spinel, was also long mistaken for a ruby. These historical mix-ups underscore spinel's beauty and durability, which can rival that of the most prized gems. Spinel is mined in several locations, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable and an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, especially rings that are subject to wear. Spinel occurs in a wide array of colors, including vibrant reds, rich pinks, oranges, and even blues, blacks, and purples. The red and pink varieties are the most popular and are often associated with rubies and sapphires. Its high refractive index gives it a brilliant sparkle that can be mistaken for other gems, but it can be distinguished by its lack of pleochroism (showing different colors when viewed from different angles).
Symbolism and Lore
Spinel is associated with renewal, revitalization, and hope. Its vibrant energy is said to inspire creativity and restore energy levels. It is believed to be a high-energy stone that promotes vitality and helps the wearer overcome lethargy and stress. As a modern birthstone, spinel represents the fresh start and boundless energy of summer. It is a stone of inspiration, encouraging new ideas and helping to achieve one's goals. For those born in August, spinel is a symbol of resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
Care and Cleaning of August Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The August birthstones have different hardness levels and properties, requiring specific care instructions.
- Peridot (Hardness 6.5-7): Due to its moderate hardness, peridot can be scratched by harder gems. It is best to store it separately from other jewelry. Clean peridot with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as the stone may be sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes.
- Sardonyx (Hardness 7): As a durable quartz variety, sardonyx is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned safely with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. It is generally safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner, but it is always wise to check with a professional jeweler first, especially if the stone has been treated or is set in a delicate piece.
- Spinel (Hardness 8): Spinel's excellent hardness makes it very durable and easy to maintain. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is generally stable and not subject to heat or light damage, and it can typically be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August offer a remarkable journey through geology, history, and symbolism. From the volcanic origins and sun-drenched lore of peridot to the ancient protective power of sardonyx and the rediscovered royal brilliance of spinel, each gem provides a unique way to celebrate a summer birthday. Peridot, with its vibrant green, speaks of joy and abundance. Sardonyx, with its earthy bands, offers strength and stability. Spinel, in its dazzling array of colors, inspires renewal and vitality. This trio of gems ensures that anyone born in August can find a stone that not only captures their aesthetic preference but also embodies a rich heritage and a personal meaning, making it a truly special birth month.