August is a unique month in the gemological calendar, distinguished by not one, but three official birthstones. This abundance offers those born in the height of summer a remarkable spectrum of colors and characteristics to choose from. The August birthstones—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—represent a diverse trio, ranging from the radiant green of Peridot to the vivid reds of Spinel and the bold, earthy bands of Sardonyx. This variety ensures that every August-born individual can find a gem that resonates with their personal style and symbolic intent.
The modern list of birthstones was largely standardized in 1912 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA). Peridot was established as the official August birthstone at that time. Sardonyx has long been recognized as the traditional stone for the month. Spinel was the most recent addition, officially added to the list in 2016 to provide customers with more options regarding color, affordability, and availability. This evolution reflects a growing appreciation for the unique beauty and properties of each stone. This guide will explore the individual histories, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings of these three captivating gems.
Peridot: The Radiant Green of Summer
Peridot stands out as the primary official birthstone for August, celebrated for its distinctive and singular green hue. Unlike many other gemstones that derive their color from trace elements, Peridot’s color is an intrinsic result of the presence of iron within its chemical structure. This composition gives the gem a naturally vibrant shade that ranges from a bright, lime-green to a deeper, more muted olive green. The stone’s lively color is often compared to fresh summer grass, making it a particularly fitting gem for individuals born during the warmest months of the year. It is a gem that pairs beautifully with both gold and silver, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of jewelry designs.
History and Lore
Peridot boasts a rich and ancient history, with some of its earliest and most significant sources located in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians held this gem in high regard, mining it on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. They considered Peridot a protective stone, and legend held that it would glow in the darkness of night. This luminous quality led to its use in the ornamentation of ancient temples and was believed to have been one of the stones used in the High Priest’s breastplate. The origin of the name ‘peridot’ is thought to derive from the Arabic word “faridat,” which simply means “gem,” a testament to its fundamental value and appeal throughout history.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gemstone of exceptional geological origin. It is one of the few gemstones that forms deep within the Earth's mantle, under extreme heat and pressure, rather than in the Earth's crust like the vast majority of other gems. This process occurs over millions of years. The only other well-known gemstone that forms in these deep mantle conditions is the diamond, placing Peridot in a rare and distinguished category. This unique formation process contributes to its scarcity and desirability. While the ancient Egyptian source on Zabargad is historically significant, Peridot is also found in other locations around the world, continuing to be a source of fascination for geologists and gem lovers alike.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a variety of the mineral olivine. Its most defining characteristic is its color, which, as noted, is exclusively green. The intensity of this green can vary based on the amount of iron present in its structure. In terms of hardness, Peridot ranks a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a reasonably durable stone suitable for jewelry that is worn regularly, though it requires some care to avoid scratches and chips. Its refractive index is also a key property that contributes to its brilliance. The combination of its vibrant color and good hardness makes it a popular choice for rings, earrings, and pendants.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, Peridot has been associated with a variety of positive meanings and powers. It is widely regarded as a stone of growth, renewal, and prosperity. Its connection to the vibrant green of nature lends it associations with abundance and vitality. Emotionally, Peridot is believed to promote clarity, joy, and peace, helping to alleviate stress and negative emotions. It is also considered a stone of protection, a belief that dates back to ancient times, and is thought to shield the wearer from negative influences and harm. For those born in August, it is said to bring good fortune and a sense of well-being.
Care and Cleaning
To maintain the beauty of Peridot, proper care is essential. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is softer than stones like sapphire or diamond and can be scratched by them. It is also important to note that Peridot can be brittle and may be prone to chipping if subjected to hard blows. Therefore, it is best to store it separately from other jewelry to prevent damage. Cleaning Peridot is relatively straightforward; it can be washed with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is crucial to avoid harsh chemicals, extreme temperature changes, and ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the stone.
Spinel: A Spectrum of Inspiration and Resilience
Added to the official list of August birthstones in 2016, Spinel offers a dazzling array of colors, making it a modern favorite. What makes Spinel especially unique is the sheer variety of hues it can display. While it is most prized in a vivid, ruby-like red, it is also found in a stunning range of other colors, including soft pink, fiery orange, rich purple, deep blue, and even a jet black. This spectrum of options allows individuals to select a Spinel that perfectly matches their personal color preference, from the classic and romantic to the bold and dramatic.
History and Lore
For centuries, Spinel was often mistaken for other precious gems, most notably ruby and sapphire. Many famous historical "rubies," such as the Black Prince's Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown, were in fact large red Spinels. This confusion often led to Spinel being overlooked in its own right. However, modern gemology has correctly identified and celebrated Spinel for its own distinct properties and beauty. As a recently designated birthstone, it lacks the ancient lore of Peridot and Sardonyx, but its symbolism is drawn from its vibrant energy and durability. It is seen as a stone of inspiration and revitalization.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide, crystallizing in the cubic system. It forms under high-temperature, low-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks. Its formation process is distinct from that of ruby and sapphire, which are varieties of corundum. This difference in composition is what ultimately separates it from its historically confused counterparts. Spinel is mined in various locations globally, including Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, which are known for producing high-quality gemstones. Its relative hardness and durability make it a robust choice for all types of jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Spinel possesses excellent gemological qualities that make it highly desirable. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it quite durable and resistant to scratching, ideal for everyday wear in rings and bracelets. Its refractive index is lower than that of ruby, but its dispersion (the ability to split light into spectral colors) is higher, giving it a brilliant fire. The wide range of colors is not due to different chemical compositions but rather to trace elements like chromium (for red), iron (for blue and black), and vanadium. The most sought-after color is the vivid, saturated red, but the other hues are gaining significant popularity.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with Spinel is closely tied to its energetic colors and its history as a stone of renewed recognition. It is believed to inspire creativity, energy, and resilience. Spinel is thought to revitalize the body and mind, helping to overcome lethargy and boost motivation. It is also associated with hope and the ability to see a positive path forward. For those seeking to spark new ideas or reignite their passion, Spinel is considered a powerful ally. Its wide color range also allows for different symbolic interpretations, with red spinel being linked to passion and vitality, and blue spinel to calm and clarity.
Care and Cleaning
Thanks to its hardness of 8, Spinel is a relatively easy gemstone to care for. It is durable enough to withstand daily wear without significant risk of scratching. It can be safely cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, it is wise to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperature shocks. Its durability also makes it a good candidate for steam cleaning, though caution is always advised. Storing it separately from softer stones will help maintain its polish and luster over time.
Sardonyx: The Banded Stone of Strength and Protection
Sardonyx is the traditional birthstone for August, offering a more earthy and grounded aesthetic compared to the other two stones. Its defining characteristic is its bold banding, which consists of alternating layers of reddish-brown sard and white or cream-colored onyx. These parallel bands create striking, unique patterns in every stone, making each piece one-of-a-kind. The combination of rich, warm tones makes Sardonyx a favorite for rustic, vintage-inspired, and symbolic jewelry designs.
History and Lore
Sardonyx has a long and storied history, prized by ancient civilizations for its beauty and perceived powers. Its use can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece, where it was a popular material for cameos and intaglios, carved to create intricate scenes and seals. The name itself is derived from the Greek words for sard (a brownish-red chalcedony) and onyx (meaning "claw" or "fingernail," referring to its banding). Historically, Sardonyx was strongly associated with strength, stability, and protection. Warriors and soldiers would often wear amulets of Sardonyx into battle, believing it would grant them courage and shield them from harm.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of silicon dioxide. Its distinctive bands are formed through a natural process where layers of sard and onyx are deposited sequentially over long periods. This banding is a result of variations in the silica gel's composition during its formation within volcanic rock cavities. Sardonyx is found in various parts of the world, including India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. Its formation process creates a durable and attractive stone that has been utilized for millennia.
Gemological Properties
As a variety of chalcedony, Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, similar to Peridot. It has a dull luster in its natural state but takes a high polish, making it excellent for carved jewelry and beads. Its chemical composition is the same as quartz (SiO2), but its microcrystalline structure is what differentiates it. The reddish-brown color of the sard layers is due to iron oxide impurities, while the onyx layers are typically white or black. The sharp contrast between these layers is a key factor in its value and visual appeal.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx is a stone steeped in powerful symbolism. It is primarily associated with strength, stability, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to bestow courage and steadfastness upon the wearer. It is also considered a stone of happiness and good fortune, often used in marriage ceremonies to promote fidelity and union. Sardonyx is said to enhance willpower and discipline, making it a useful talisman for those seeking to achieve long-term goals. Its grounding energy is thought to provide a sense of security and stability, making it a favorite for those drawn to protective or symbolic jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
Sardonyx requires care similar to that of Peridot due to its comparable hardness. It should be protected from scratches by harder stones and from sharp blows that could cause chipping. Cleaning is simple: use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which could potentially damage the stone or affect the integrity of its bands. With proper care, Sardonyx jewelry can retain its distinctive beauty for many years.
Conclusion
The three birthstones of August—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—offer an unparalleled choice for those born in this summer month. From the single, radiant green of Peridot that forms deep within the Earth, to the fiery rainbow of Spinel that rivals ruby, and the banded, earthy strength of Sardonyx, this trio covers a vast spectrum of color, history, and meaning. Each stone possesses unique gemological properties and carries its own set of symbolic beliefs, from joy and abundance to inspiration and protection. This diversity allows for a deeply personal connection to one's birthstone, whether for jewelry, collection, or metaphysical practice. Together, they represent the vibrant energy and enduring legacy of August.