August is a unique month in the gemological calendar, offering not one, but three officially recognized birthstones: the vibrant green Peridot, the versatile Spinel, and the ancient Sardonyx. This trio provides a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and meaning, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. While Peridot stands out as the primary and most recognized gem of the month, Spinel and Sardonyx offer compelling alternatives with their own rich legacies. Together, they embody themes of strength, protection, healing, and prosperity, making them profound choices for those born in the final month of summer.
This article will explore the distinct characteristics of each of these three August birthstones. We will delve into their geological origins, trace their historical significance through ancient civilizations, and detail the specific gemological properties that define them. From the fiery depths of volcanic earth to the cosmic journeys of meteorites, and from the battlefields of ancient Rome to the royal treasuries of Egypt, the story of August's gemstones is as diverse and vibrant as the stones themselves.
The Primary Gem: Peridot, The Gem of the Sun
Peridot is the principal and most celebrated birthstone for August. Its distinctive lime-green to olive-green hue has captivated humanity for millennia. This gem is a variety of the mineral olivine, a common mineral in the Earth's mantle, which makes its occurrence in the crust as a gem-quality stone somewhat unusual and geologically fascinating.
History and Lore of Peridot
The history of Peridot is steeped in sunlight and protection. Ancient Egyptians held this gem in particularly high regard, calling it the "gem of the sun." They believed it possessed the power to ward off nightmares and evil spirits when set in gold. This reverence led to its use in ornamental jewelry and talismans. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that actually produced Peridot, was historically mistaken for the source of Topaz, leading to centuries of confusion between the two gems.
This misidentification extended to other famous gems as well. The 200-carat gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were long believed to be emeralds, but are now known to be Peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra's renowned collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been composed of Peridot. The name "Peridot" itself is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem," a testament to its long-standing value in Middle Eastern cultures. Its luminous glow earned it the nickname "Evening Emerald" among Egyptian pharaohs, who prized it for its protective qualities.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot's formation process is one of the most extraordinary among gemstones. It is formed under extreme conditions deep within the Earth's mantle. From there, it can be brought to the surface in two primary ways: through volcanic activity, which carries it from deep within the Earth in hardened lava, or through extraterrestrial events, as it has also been found in meteorites that traveled from outer space.
This unique origin makes Peridot one of the few gems found in space. Today, the primary sources for commercial Peridot are Arizona in the United States, as well as Pakistan and China. Other notable sources include India, China, Myanmar, and the lava fields of Hawaii. The finest specimens are valued for their rich, lime-green hue, which is entirely natural and does not typically require enhancements.
Gemological Properties of Peridot
Peridot is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for all types of jewelry. Its color ranges from yellow-green to deep olive, with the most prized stones exhibiting a bright, zesty lime-green tone.
- Mineral Group: Olivine
- Chemical Formula: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Color Spectrum: Lime green, olive green, yellowish green
The gem's color can vary depending on its iron content, resulting in different shades from the bright "Arizona Peridot" to the earthier "Burmese Peridot" and the warmer, golden-hued "Pakistani Peridot."
The Modern Alternative: Spinel, The Great Impostor
For centuries, Spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often living in the shadow of more famous gems like ruby. It was not until 2016 that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially recognized Spinel as a modern birthstone for August, alongside Peridot and Sardonyx. This recognition brought long-overdue attention to a gem of exceptional beauty and durability.
History and Lore of Spinel
Spinel’s history is largely defined by its remarkable similarity to ruby. The most famous example is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a 170-carat red Spinel that has been part of the British Crown Jewels since the 14th century and was mistaken for a ruby for hundreds of years. Similarly, the "Timur Ruby," a 361-carat red Spinel, was also misidentified. These historical mix-ups have led to Spinel being underappreciated until recently, as modern consumers seek out high-quality, durable alternatives to ruby.
The name "spinel" is thought to originate from the Latin spina, meaning "thorn," a reference to the pointed shape of its natural crystals. Beyond its role as a ruby substitute, Spinel has been valued in its own right for its wide range of colors and its inherent brilliance.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminium oxide with a cubic crystal system. It forms under high-temperature, low-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits. This versatile gem is mined in several locations around the world, each known for producing different color varieties.
- Common Sources: Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania
Myanmar, in particular, is famous for producing the coveted "cobalt blue" spinels, which are considered among the finest in the world.
Gemological Properties of Spinel
Spinel is prized by jewelers and collectors for its excellent hardness, high refractive index, and the vast array of colors it can produce. Unlike many gemstones, Spinel is singly refractive, which contributes to its high brilliance and clarity.
- Chemical Formula: MgAl₂O₄
- Mohs Hardness: 7.5 – 8
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Color Spectrum: Red, pink, purple, blue, orange, black
From the fiery red that mimics ruby to the soft pinks, vibrant blues, and even rare blacks, Spinel offers a color for every preference. Its durability, ranking just below sapphire and ruby on the Mohs scale, makes it an excellent choice for rings and other jewelry that sees daily wear.
The Ancient Foundation: Sardonyx, The Stone of Strength
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that stretches back more than 4,000 years. As a variety of the quartz family, it is composed of layered bands of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (a layered form of quartz), creating its characteristic bold and striking appearance.
History and Lore of Sardonyx
Sardonyx is deeply rooted in themes of strength, protection, and courage. Its use as a protective amulet and powerful talisman dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Roman soldiers famously wore Sardonyx rings and engraved amulets depicting heroes and gods, believing the stone would grant them courage and protection in battle.
Beyond its martial associations, Sardonyx was also believed to bring stability, lasting happiness, and luck in love and marriage. Its banded appearance was seen as symbolic of a strong foundation, making it a popular stone for seals and signet rings throughout antiquity. Its enduring legacy as a stone of power and stability makes it a meaningful choice for those seeking grounding and resilience.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, meaning it is composed of tiny, interlocking crystals that are not visible to the naked eye. It forms in volcanic rocks and as nodules in lava flows. The distinctive banding is created by alternating layers of sard and onyx, which are deposited sequentially during the gem's formation.
- Common Sources: India, Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, United States
India is a particularly significant source for high-quality Sardonyx with well-defined, contrasting bands.
Gemological Properties of Sardonyx
While not as hard as Spinel, Sardonyx is still a durable gemstone suitable for a variety of jewelry applications, especially beads, cameos, and intaglios.
- Mineral Group: Quartz (Chalcedony variety)
- Chemical Formula: SiO₂
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7
- Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline)
- Color Spectrum: Banded red, brown, white, and orange
The visual appeal of Sardonyx lies entirely in its banding. The most valued specimens feature sharp, high-contrast bands of reddish-brown (sard) and white or black (onyx).
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries a distinct set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs that have been attributed to them over centuries.
- Peridot: Associated with prosperity, good fortune, peace, and healing. It is believed to ward off negativity, reduce stress, and enhance clarity of thought. Its connection to the sun makes it a stone of light, warmth, and abundance.
- Spinel: As a stone of revitalization, Spinel is believed to rejuvenate, refresh, and inspire. It is said to help overcome lethargy and provide a boost of energy. Its wide color range allows it to be associated with various chakras and energetic needs.
- Sardonyx: The quintessential stone of strength, protection, and courage. It is believed to promote stability, discipline, and logical thinking. Its grounding energy is thought to provide security and attract luck, especially in matters of love and marriage.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones. The differences in their hardness and composition dictate the appropriate cleaning methods.
- Peridot (Mohs 6.5-7): Peridot is relatively durable but can be susceptible to scratching if not handled with care. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes, which could cause fracturing.
- Spinel (Mohs 7.5-8): Spinel is quite hard and durable, making it easy to care for. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Its hardness makes it resistant to everyday wear and tear.
- Sardonyx (Mohs 6.5-7): As a variety of quartz, Sardonyx is also relatively durable. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations could potentially damage the stone if it has any fractures or inclusions.
Conclusion
The three birthstones of August—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity that reflects the richness of the month itself. From the sun-kissed green of Peridot, a gem forged in the fiery heart of the Earth and the cold void of space, to the revitalizing spectrum of Spinel, a gem that long lived in the shadow of ruby but now shines in its own right, to the ancient, banded strength of Sardonyx, a stone that protected Roman soldiers and symbolizes stability. Each stone provides a unique connection to history, geology, and personal meaning. For those born in August, this trio of gems offers not just beautiful adornment, but a tangible link to the enduring power and wonder of the natural world.