For individuals born in the month of August, the choice of a personal birthstone is uniquely diverse. Unlike months with a single designated gem, August boasts three official modern birthstones recognized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA): peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio offers a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and symbolism, reflecting the vibrant energy of summer. While sardonyx holds the distinction of being the original and traditional birthstone with a history spanning millennia, peridot has been the official modern gem since 1912, with spinel joining the list in 2016 to provide even more variety. Beyond these three, a wealth of historical, cultural, and alternative lists attribute several other stones to those born in August, including alexandrite, ruby, sapphire, diamond, moonstone, topaz, carnelian, lapis lazuli, and more. This comprehensive guide delves into the rich tapestry of gems associated with the eighth month of the year, exploring their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and enduring significance.
The Official Modern Trio: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
The official list of August birthstones provides a curated selection of gems, each with a distinct character and appeal. These three stones represent a journey through history, from ancient banded chalcedony to a gem forged in the fires of volcanoes and even outer space.
Peridot: The Olive-Green Gem of the Sun
Peridot is perhaps the most widely recognized of the modern August stones, celebrated for its distinctive and consistent lime-green to olive-green hue. As the gem variety of the mineral olivine, its chemical composition is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Peridot's formation is one of its most fascinating aspects; it is one of the few gems found not only deep within the Earth's mantle but also in extraterrestrial sources, such as meteorites that have traveled from outer space. This unique origin story contributes to its mystique and desirability.
Historically, peridot has been a gem of great value and confusion. For centuries, its rich green color led to it being mistaken for other precious stones. The famed emeralds of Cleopatra's collection are speculated by some historians to have, in fact, been peridot. Similarly, the 200-carat gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany's Cologne Cathedral, long believed to be emeralds, were later identified as peridot. This confusion even extended to its name; the Red Sea island of Topazios, a source of peridot, was mistakenly thought to produce topaz, thus influencing the naming of both gems. The name "peridot" itself is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem."
Ancient cultures held peridot in high regard. The ancient Egyptians mined it on the island of Zabargad (now St. John's Island) in the Red Sea as early as the 4th century B.C. They called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it possessed protective powers against nightmares and evil spirits, while also bringing the wearer happiness and strength. Its appeal continued through the Middle Ages, where it was brought to Europe by the Crusaders and used in church treasures. In terms of its physical properties, peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable gem suitable for jewelry, though it requires some care to avoid scratches and chipping. Its color is its most defining feature, ranging from bright yellow-green to a more subdued olive green, and it is not typically treated to enhance its color.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Ruby Look-Alike
Spinel is the newest addition to the official August birthstone list, added in 2016 to provide consumers with a vibrant and more affordable alternative to ruby. For centuries, red spinel was so frequently confused with ruby that it earned the moniker "the great imposter." Some of the world's most famous "rubies" are, in fact, spinels. The Black Prince's Ruby, a massive 170-carat stone that sits atop the British Imperial State Crown, and the Timur Ruby, a 361-carat gem, are both magnificent red spinels. This long history of mistaken identity has led spinel to be underappreciated, but it is now gaining recognition for its own inherent beauty and value.
Spinel belongs to a separate mineral family from ruby (corundum) and has a chemical composition of MgAl₂O₄. It forms under similar geological conditions as ruby and sapphire but is chemically distinct. Spinel occurs in a wide array of colors, though it is most famous for its vivid reds, which can rival the finest rubies. It also appears in brilliant pinks, vibrant oranges, rich blues, and even black. The gem is highly valued for its excellent clarity and brilliance. On the Mohs scale, spinel boasts a hardness of 8, making it a very durable and resilient choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its combination of durability, stunning color, and relative affordability makes it an increasingly popular choice for those born in August.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Banded Masterpiece
Sardonyx is the original, traditional birthstone for August, with a history that stretches back more than 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. It is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz, and is characterized by its distinctive layers of alternating bands. These bands are composed of two different varieties of silica: sard, a brownish-red to orange-red chalcedony, and onyx, a black or white banded chalcedony. The resulting visual effect is a striking contrast of light and dark bands, often in shades of reddish-brown, black, and white.
The art of carving sardonyx into cameos and intaglios was highly developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it for signet rings and seals. The wax used for sealing would not stick to the smooth, hard surface of the sardonyx, making it a practical and prestigious material for official documents. Its name is a combination of the words "sard" and "onyx," describing its composition and appearance.
Beyond its use in carving, sardonyx was deeply embedded in cultural and spiritual beliefs. It was considered a stone of strength, protection, and courage. Ancient warriors would often wear sardonyx amulets into battle, believing the stone would grant them bravery and shield them from harm. It was also associated with happy marriages and conjugal felicity, as referenced in the traditional Gregorian birthstone poem: "Wear a sardonyx or for thee, / No conjugal felicity; / The August-born without this stone, / `Tis said, must live unloved and lone." As a variety of chalcedony, sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, similar to peridot, and requires careful handling.
A Wider Pantheon: Alternative and Historical August Gems
The list of August birthstones expands significantly when considering historical calendars, cultural traditions, and alternative spiritual systems. These gems add layers of meaning and choice for those seeking a stone that resonates with their personal heritage or beliefs.
Alexandrite: The Color-Changing Wonder
Alexandrite is a highly prized and rare gemstone that serves as an ancient birthstone for August and is also listed as a birthstone for this month in the old Russian calendar. It is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, with a chemical composition of BeAl₂O₄, and is most famous for its remarkable color-changing ability. This phenomenon, known as the "alexandrite effect," is caused by the gem's unique way of absorbing light. In natural daylight or fluorescent light, it appears in shades of green, bluish-green, or gray. Under incandescent light or candlelight, it transforms to a soft brownish-red or purplish-red. This dramatic shift led to the famous Russian description of the stone as "emerald by day, ruby by night." The finest alexandrite, which displays a strong color change from vivid green to rich red, is exceptionally rare and valuable. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is an excellent 8.5, making it a very durable gem.
Ruby and Sapphire: Corundum Gems of the East
Ruby and sapphire, both members of the corundum mineral family (chemical formula Al₂O₃), are associated with August through ancient calendars. Ruby, the red variety of corundum, is the birthstone for August in the Hindu calendar. It is a stone revered for its powerful energy, believed to boost courage and mental power. Sapphire, which encompasses all other colors of corundum (most famously deep blue), was the birthstone for August in the older Ayurvedic calendar. Blue sapphire is also identified as a zodiac stone for Virgo, which partially falls in August. It is believed to bring inner peace and counteract depression. Both ruby and sapphire are extremely durable, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond.
Diamond: The Ultimate Protector
Diamond, the hardest known natural material, is listed as an August birthstone in the old Tibetan calendar. Composed of pure carbon, diamond is renowned for its brilliant white crystals, though it occurs in a full spectrum of colors known as "fancy colors." Historically, diamond has been a symbol of invincibility and purity. The Tibetan tradition attributes protective qualities to the stone, believing it can shield its wearer from misfortune. With a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, diamond is the ultimate gem for durability and longevity.
Moonstone and Topaz: Traditional Gems of Lore
Moonstone and Topaz are both listed as traditional birthstones for August. Moonstone, a member of the feldspar family, is known for its unique visual effect called "adularescence," which gives the stone an ethereal, glowing appearance as if light is moving from within. This effect is caused by the alternating layers of orthoclase and albite within the crystal. Moonstone is associated with feminine energy, intuition, and protection. It is believed to chase away anxiety and bring a sense of calm.
Topaz, a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, is another traditional August birthstone. While it occurs in a variety of colors, it was most widely regarded as a yellow gem during the Middle Ages. The name "topaz" itself is often linked to the Red Sea island of Topazios, though this island actually produced peridot, adding to the historical confusion between the two gems. Topaz is believed to stimulate optimism and increase strength in its wearer. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a good choice for jewelry.
Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, and Other Gems
Other stones also appear on various historical lists. Carnelian, a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, is a traditional August birthstone from old Roman, Italian, and Hebrew calendars. It is known as a stone of passion and was believed to promote courage and confidence. Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock composed of multiple minerals, is associated with the zodiac signs Leo and Virgo, which fall in August. It has been prized since antiquity for its intense color and was often used in jewelry and decorative arts.
Gemological Properties and Comparative Analysis
Understanding the physical characteristics of these gems is crucial for both collectors and jewelry buyers. The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of the primary August birthstones discussed, based on information from the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Formula | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Key Colors | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | 6.5 - 7 | Olive green, yellow-green | Found in meteorites; historically mistaken for emerald. |
| Spinel | Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | 8 | Red, pink, blue, black, orange | Long mistaken for ruby; durable and brilliant. |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | SiO₂ | 6.5 - 7 | Banded reddish-brown, black, white | Used for cameos and seals; a variety of chalcedony. |
| Alexandrite | Chrysoberyl | BeAl₂O₄ | 8.5 | Green in daylight, red in incandescent light | Exhibits a strong color-change "alexandrite effect." |
| Ruby/Sapphire | Corundum | Al₂O₃ | 9 | Red (Ruby), all other colors (Sapphire) | Extremely durable; ruby is the red variety of corundum. |
| Diamond | Diamond (Carbon) | C | 10 | Colorless, yellow, brown, fancy colors | Hardest natural substance. |
| Topaz | Topaz | Al₂(F,OH)₂SiO₄ | 8 | Yellow, blue, pink, colorless | Historically confused with peridot. |
| Moonstone | Feldspar | KAlSi₃O₈ | 6 - 6.5 | Colorless, white, gray with blue sheen | Exhibits adularescence (glowing light effect). |
When choosing a gem, durability is a key factor. For everyday rings and bracelets, gems with a hardness of 8 or higher—such as spinel, alexandrite, ruby, sapphire, diamond, and topaz—are excellent choices. Peridot and sardonyx, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, are better suited for pendants, earrings, or rings that will be worn with care. Moonstone, at 6 to 6.5, is the most delicate and should be protected from hard knocks.
Symbolism, Metaphysical Beliefs, and Cultural Significance
Across cultures and centuries, gemstones have been imbued with deep symbolic meaning and metaphysical powers. The August birthstones are no exception, each carrying a legacy of beliefs.
Peridot, the "gem of the sun," is consistently associated with light, warmth, and positivity. Ancient Egyptians believed it protected against nightmares and brought happiness and strength. Modern crystal enthusiasts associate it with reducing stress, letting go of past burdens, and attracting abundance and good fortune. Its vibrant green energy is thought to be cleansing and revitalizing.
Spinel, long overshadowed by ruby, is now celebrated for its own unique energies. It is seen as a stone of renewal and revitalization, helping to overcome lethargy and boost motivation. Its vibrant colors are linked to passion and energy, while its durability symbolizes resilience and perseverance.
Sardonyx, the ancient stone of warriors, is a powerful talisman of strength, courage, and protection. Its banded nature is symbolic of a strong foundation and stability. In addition to its association with happy marriages, it is also believed to enhance discipline and steadfastness, making it a stone for those seeking to achieve long-term goals.
Alexandrite, with its dual nature, is a stone of balance and duality. It is believed to bring about a harmonious integration of the physical and spiritual worlds, encouraging joy and optimism even in difficult times. Its ability to change color is seen as a reminder that life is full of possibilities and that every situation has another side.
Ruby and Sapphire, as noble corundum gems, carry immense power. Ruby is a stone of passion, vitality, and courage, believed to stimulate the heart chakra and energize the entire system. Sapphire is a stone of wisdom and truth, sought for its ability to bring clarity of thought, spiritual enlightenment, and inner peace.
Diamond, the ultimate symbol of purity and invincibility, is believed to amplify energy, clarify thought, and provide protection from negative forces. Its unyielding nature makes it a powerful tool for manifesting goals and achieving success.
Moonstone, with its gentle glow, is deeply connected to intuition, feminine energy, and the cycles of the moon. It is a stone of new beginnings, inner growth, and strength, believed to soothe emotional instability and provide a calming influence.
Topaz is a stone of manifestation, purpose, and joy. It is believed to attract what one desires, whether it be wealth, love, or opportunity, and to help align one's actions with one's true purpose. Its sunny energy is thought to promote optimism and dispel negativity.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The diverse hardness levels of the August birthstones require tailored cleaning and handling methods.
- Peridot (6.5-7): Clean peridot jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can cause damage. Store it separately from harder gems to prevent scratches.
- Spinel (8): Spinel is quite durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, and even a steam cleaner. It is a low-maintenance gem suitable for daily wear.
- Sardonyx (6.5-7): As a variety of quartz, sardonyx should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. It is also susceptible to scratches, so store it carefully.
- Alexandrite (8.5): This durable gem can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, and steam. It is resilient enough for most jewelry settings.
- Ruby/Sapphire (9): These are very hard and stable gems. They can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals, but otherwise, they are very easy to care for.
- Diamond (10): Diamond can be cleaned with any method, including warm soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. It is also the hardest substance, so it will not scratch from other materials, but it can scratch other gems.
- Topaz (8): Clean topaz with warm, soapy water. It is generally safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner, but caution is advised. Avoid heat and sudden temperature changes, which can cause fractures in some topaz. Steam cleaning is not recommended.
- Moonstone (6-6.5): Moonstone is the most delicate of the group. Clean it only with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemicals. Protect it from impacts and store it in a soft pouch.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August offer a remarkable and diverse selection for those born in this vibrant summer month. From the sun-kissed green of peridot and the resplendent fire of spinel to the ancient, protective bands of sardonyx, the official trio provides a gem for every taste and purpose. This variety is further enriched by a host of historical and alternative stones, such as the color-changing alexandrite, the noble ruby and sapphire, the pure diamond, the ethereal moonstone, and the optimistic topaz. Each gem carries a unique story, from the depths of the Earth and the vastness of space to the battlefields and royal courts of antiquity. Whether chosen for its beauty, durability, historical significance, or metaphysical properties, a birthstone for August is a timeless connection to the strength, warmth, and enduring energy of summer.