For those born in the heart of summer, August offers a rare and generous distinction in the world of gemology: a trio of official birthstones. Unlike months tethered to a single gem, August presents a curated collection of three distinct stones—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Each gem brings a unique palette, history, and geological origin, reflecting the month's own complexity, bridging the peak energy of summer with the approaching wisdom of autumn. This selection provides August-born individuals a spectrum of choices, from the vibrant green of volcanic fire to the earthy bands of ancient stone.
The existence of this triad is the result of a long evolution. The journey began thousands of years ago with Sardonyx, the traditional original. In 1912, the National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) standardized the list, designating Peridot as the official August birthstone. Decades later, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) added Spinel to the list, offering even more variety in color and affordability. This guide will explore the rich tapestry of history, geology, and symbolism behind these three magnificent gems, providing a detailed look into the properties that define them and the lore that has surrounded them for centuries.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot stands as the most well-known of the August birthstones, celebrated for its signature lime-green glow and its unique origins. As a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, its chemical composition gives it a distinct color that ranges from yellow-green to a deep, rich olive. The most valued stones display a vibrant, luminous green, a hue that has captivated humanity for millennia.
History and Lore
Historically, peridot’s identity has often been intertwined with other famous green gems. Many scholars believe that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection was, in fact, largely composed of peridot, as the gem was mined on a remote Egyptian island in the Red Sea. The ancient Egyptians held the stone in high esteem, calling it the "gem of the sun." They believed it protected against nightmares and evil spirits, warding off the terrors of the night and bringing the wearer strength and happiness. This association with the sun gave it a powerful, protective quality that resonated deeply within their culture.
Geological Formation and Sources
Unlike many gemstones that form in the Earth's crust, peridot has a more profound and dramatic origin. It is often formed deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. This violent, fiery birth explains its presence in volcanic rocks and regions. Some of the finest and most ancient peridot specimens have even been discovered within pallasite meteorites, remnants of celestial bodies that have fallen to Earth, lending the gem an otherworldly provenance.
Today, commercial sources of peridot are primarily located in Arizona, Pakistan, and China. The gem’s natural brightness and color are inherent to its composition and do not typically require enhancements, making it a favorite among lovers of natural, untreated gemstones.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is deeply connected to themes of prosperity, good fortune, and peace. Modern metaphysical beliefs align with its ancient lore, suggesting it can attract abundance and reduce stress. It is often called the "stone of compassion," believed to promote emotional balance and soothe the heart. Its vibrant energy is seen as uplifting, helping to heal emotional burdens and foster a positive outlook.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler
For centuries, Spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often mistaken for more precious stones like ruby or sapphire. Its addition to the official August birthstone list in 2016 was a long-overdue recognition of its own intrinsic beauty and value.
History and Lore
The most famous example of spinel’s mistaken identity is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a massive red gem that sits in the British Imperial State Crown. For centuries, it was believed to be a ruby. Similarly, the "Timur Ruby," another large red gem in the British Crown Jewels, was also identified as a ruby until the 19th century. These historical mix-ups highlight spinel’s ability to mimic the rich, passionate red of ruby, but its identity is entirely its own.
Gemological Properties and Variety
Spinel is a distinct mineral with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that see daily wear. It is highly durable and lacks the cleavage (internal planes of weakness) that makes some gems more fragile.
While it is most popular in vivid, passionate red, spinel occurs in a surprisingly wide spectrum of colors. It can be found in shades of pink, orange, and brilliant blue, as well as the rare and highly prized cobalt blue variety. It can even appear in black. This diversity of color offers August-born individuals a vast array of choices to suit their personal style.
Symbolism and Meaning
Spinel is a stone of revitalization and energy. Its symbolism is tied to renewal, protection, and vitality. It is believed to help overcome lethargy and inspire a renewed sense of passion and purpose. As a gem that is both luxurious and spiritual, it is ideal for those who appreciate vintage-inspired jewelry or pieces with deep symbolic meaning. It is seen as a stone that can help one let go of past grievances and move forward with renewed energy.
Sardonyx: The Striking Striped Birthstone
Sardonyx is the oldest of the three August birthstones, with a documented history stretching back over 4,000 years. It is a variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz, and is characterized by its distinctive banding.
Appearance and Formation
The name "sardonyx" is a combination of "sard," referring to the reddish-brown layers of the stone, and "onyx," referring to the white or black layers. This banded appearance is formed when layers of sard and onyx grow on top of one another, creating a stone with bold, contrasting stripes. The bands are typically parallel and can be straight or curved. This unique appearance has made it a favorite for cameo carvers and intaglios throughout history, as the different layers can be used to create a striking contrast in a carved image.
Historical Significance
Sardonyx was highly prized by ancient civilizations, particularly the Romans and Greeks. It was a popular choice for signet rings, as its hardness and smooth surface were ideal for carving designs that could be pressed into hot wax to seal documents. The Romans believed that sardonyx’s earthy red bands captured August's fiery energy, while the white layers promised balance and purity. This made it a perfect talisman for the harvest month, a time when hard work met abundance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx is known as the "stone of strength." It is associated with fostering courage, stability, and self-confidence. In ancient times, it was believed to protect the wearer in battle and bring victory. Its grounding energy is thought to provide a sense of security and steadfastness, making it a powerful ally for anyone needing to build self-assurance or overcome challenges. It is a stone of integrity and virtue, encouraging honesty and virtuous living.
Gemological Properties: A Comparative Overview
While each stone is unique, understanding their physical properties is key to appreciating their durability and care requirements. The following table summarizes the key gemological characteristics of the three August birthstones.
| Property | Peridot | Spinel | Sardonyx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine | Spinel | Chalcedony (Quartz) |
| Chemical Composition | (Mg, Fe)2SiO4 | MgAl2O4 | SiO2 |
| Color | Yellow-green to olive green | Wide range: red, pink, orange, blue, black, violet | Bands of reddish-brown (sard) and white (onyx) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Cubic | Trigonal (Microcrystalline) |
| Lustre | Vitreous (Glassy) | Vitreous | Vitreous to waxy |
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of these gemstones requires an understanding of their physical properties, particularly their hardness and any potential for cleavage.
Peridot With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable but can be susceptible to scratching by harder materials. It also possesses poor toughness due to a tendency to cleave if struck with force. Therefore, it is best suited for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings. To clean peridot, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can cause damage. Sudden temperature changes should also be avoided.
Spinel Spinel is one of the more durable gemstones, with a hardness of 8 and good toughness. It lacks cleavage, making it resistant to chipping and breaking. This durability makes it an excellent choice for all jewelry types, including daily-wear rings. Cleaning is straightforward: warm, soapy water and a soft brush are all that is needed. It is generally stable under normal conditions, though some synthetic or treated spinels may be sensitive to heat.
Sardonyx As a variety of quartz, sardonyx has a hardness of 7 and is quite durable. It is resistant to scratching and chipping, making it suitable for a wide range of jewelry, including beads and carvings. Like spinel, it is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is stable and not affected by light or most chemicals, making it a low-maintenance gem.
Conclusion
The August birthstone collection offers a remarkable diversity that few other months can claim. From the solar brilliance of Peridot, the "gem of the sun," to the revitalizing energy of the often-misunderstood Spinel, and the ancient, earthy strength of banded Sardonyx, those born in August have a wealth of symbolic and aesthetic choices. This triad represents a journey through history, geology, and culture—from the volcanic depths of the Earth's mantle to the fiery furnaces of ancient Rome, and finally to the modern jewelry cases of today. Each stone, with its unique properties and lore, provides a distinct way to celebrate a birthday, offering not just a beautiful piece of jewelry, but a talisman rich with meaning and a connection to the timeless wonders of the natural world.