For those born in the eighth month of the year, the selection of a birthstone is not a singular choice but a celebration of diversity. August is uniquely endowed with three official birthstones: the vibrant green Peridot, the kaleidoscopic Spinel, and the ancient, banded Sardonyx. Each gem offers a distinct aesthetic, a unique geological story, and a rich tapestry of historical significance. This trio provides a spectrum of options, from the sun-kissed brilliance of Peridot to the resilient strength of Sardonyx, ensuring that every August-born individual can find a stone that resonates with their personal style and spirit.
The modern list of August birthstones reflects a journey through gemological history. Sardonyx stands as the original and most ancient of the three, with a legacy stretching back millennia. Peridot, with its captivating olive-green hue, gained prominence in the modern era for its unique formation and storied past. More recently, in 2016, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) officially added Spinel to the list, recognizing its long history of being mistaken for other gems and its own inherent beauty. This article will explore the geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and practical care for each of these remarkable stones, providing a comprehensive guide to the birthstones of August.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, the primary and most recognized August birthstone, is a gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its color is its signature, ranging from a bright, lime green to a deeper, olive hue with a distinctive yellowish undertone. This gem is celebrated for its singular color, which is not caused by trace chemical impurities as in many other gems, but rather by its fundamental composition of iron and magnesium.
History and Lore
The history of Peridot is as colorful as the gem itself. Its name is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." For centuries, Peridot was often confused with other green stones, most notably emeralds. The ancient Egyptians mined Peridot on the Red Sea island of Topazios, a location whose name contributed to the confusion with Topaz. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famed collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been Peridot. A significant historical example of this misidentification can be found in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, where the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings is adorned with 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds, which are now known to be Peridot. Ancient and medieval cultures valued this August birthstone, believing it possessed protective qualities. Egyptians prized it, calling it the "Evening Emerald" for its ability to glow under artificial light, and it was often set in gold to ward off evil spirits and nightmares.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s formation process is extraordinary. Unlike many gems that crystallize in the earth's crust, Peridot is formed deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme conditions of intense heat and pressure. It is brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Remarkably, this August birthstone can be found in hardened lava that carries it from the mantle and has even been discovered in meteorites that traveled from outer space, making it truly a gem of extraterrestrial origin. While specific mining locations are not detailed extensively in the available sources, its origins are linked to volcanic and, in rare cases, meteoritic events.
Gemological Properties
Peridot possesses a distinct set of physical characteristics that define it as a gemstone. * Chemical Composition: (Mg, Fe)2SiO4, a solid solution of forsterite and fayalite. * Color: Yellowish green to greenish yellow. * Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7. While reasonably durable for jewelry, it requires care to avoid scratches from harder materials. * Crystal System: Orthorhombic.
Care and Cleaning
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, Peridot is durable enough for most jewelry but is susceptible to damage from harder stones. It should be stored carefully to prevent scratching. To clean this August birthstone, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as sudden temperature changes could potentially cause fracturing.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Beauty
Spinel is the newest addition to the official list of August birthstones, earning its place in 2016. For centuries, it was an unsung hero of the gem world, frequently mistaken for other precious stones like ruby and sapphire. Its name may originate from the Latin spina, meaning "thorn," a reference to the pointed shape of its natural crystals.
History and Lore
Spinel’s history is defined by its frequent misidentification. The most famous red spinels were long called "Balas Rubies," and some of the world's most legendary "rubies" are, in fact, spinels. The Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels are prime examples of magnificent red spinels that were mistaken for rubies for centuries. Despite this history of being in the shadow of other gems, Spinel has always been prized for its own beauty and durability. Its recent official recognition as an August birthstone corrects a long-standing oversight in the gemological world.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is renowned for its exceptional hardness and the wide range of colors in which it is found. * Chemical Composition: MgAl2O4 (magnesium aluminum oxide). * Color: A broad spectrum including red, pink, purple, blue, orange, and black. * Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8, making it a very durable gemstone suitable for all types of jewelry. * Crystal System: Cubic.
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Mohs Hardness | Crystal System | Common Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinel | MgAl2O4 | 7.5 – 8 | Cubic | Red, pink, purple, blue, orange, black |
| Peridot | (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 | 6.5 – 7 | Orthorhombic | Yellowish green to greenish yellow |
| Sardonyx | SiO2 (variety of chalcedony) | 6.5 – 7 | Trigonal | Banded red, brown, white, orange |
Care and Cleaning
Spinel’s high hardness of 7.5 to 8 makes it one of the more resilient birthstones. It is not overly sensitive to heat or light and can be cleaned easily with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for rings and bracelets that are worn daily.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Protector
Sardonyx, the original August birthstone, boasts a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. It is a variety of banded Chalcedony, a mineral in the quartz family. Its name is a combination of "sard," referring to reddish-brown chalcedony, and "onyx," which denotes the layered banding characteristic of the stone.
History and Lore
Sardonyx is one of the oldest known gems used in jewelry and amulets. Its most significant historical role was in ancient Rome, where soldiers wore it as a talisman engraved with images of heroes or gods. They believed it would grant them courage and protection in battle. Beyond its martial uses, Sardonyx was also thought to attract stability, lasting happiness, and luck in love and marriage. Its distinctive bands of reddish-brown and white were seen as symbols of a grounded and strong life. As the original birthstone for August, its legacy is deeply intertwined with themes of strength, protection, and stability.
Gemological Properties
Sardonyx is defined by its unique banding and composition. * Chemical Composition: SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide), a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz known as chalcedony. * Color: Characterized by alternating layers of reddish-brown (sard), white, or black. * Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7, similar to Peridot. * Crystal System: Trigonal (as a variety of chalcedony).
Care and Cleaning
Sardonyx shares the same durability level as Peridot. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Like other gems in the quartz family, it is not susceptible to chemical reactions with common household cleaners, but it should be protected from harder stones to prevent scratching. It is stable under normal conditions of light and temperature.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August offer a remarkable trio, each with a distinct character and story. Peridot, the "gem of the sun," captivates with its uniform green hue and extraordinary formation deep within the Earth and in meteorites. Spinel, once mistaken for royalty, now stands on its own merit, celebrated for its brilliant colors and exceptional hardness. And Sardonyx, the ancient protector, provides a link to millennia of human history, with its grounding bands and legacy of courage. Together, they represent strength, beauty, and a rich historical heritage. For those born in August, this diverse selection provides the perfect opportunity to choose a gemstone that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.