August is a month defined by the peak of summer, a time of vibrant energy and diverse landscapes. Reflecting this richness, it is one of the few months blessed with three official birthstones, each offering a distinct aesthetic and a unique story. The August birthstones—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—span a breathtaking spectrum of color, from the lush, life-giving greens of peridot to the fiery, varied hues of spinel and the bold, earthy bands of sardonyx. This remarkable trio provides a gem for every personality and style, blending ancient history, geological wonder, and profound symbolism.
These gemstones are more than just beautiful adornments; they are symbols of strength, protection, and renewal. Peridot, with its radiant green, is often associated with joy and abundance. Spinel, a gem of incredible versatility and often mistaken for other precious stones, stands for resilience and inspiration. Sardonyx, the traditional August stone, carries the weight of ancient history, representing courage and stability. This article will explore the distinct characteristics of each of these magnificent gems, delving into their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and practical care, providing a complete guide for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and those born in the eighth month.
The Three Official August Birthstones
The modern list of birthstones for August, established by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA), includes peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This selection offers a wide array of choices in terms of color, price, and meaning. The inclusion of multiple stones was a deliberate evolution to provide consumers with more options regarding availability, affordability, and personal preference.
Sardonyx is the traditional August birthstone, holding the longest claim to this designation. Peridot became the official August birthstone in 1912, a recognition of its beauty and desirability. Spinel is the most recent addition, officially added in 2016, finally giving this long-underappreciated gem the recognition it deserves. This layered history means that an individual born in August can choose a stone that resonates with them personally, whether they are drawn to the classic, the traditional, or the modern.
Peridot: The Radiant Green of Summer
Peridot is the primary and most well-known August birthstone, celebrated for its distinctive and vibrant green hue. Unlike many other green gemstones, such as emerald or tourmaline, peridot’s color is not the result of trace chemical impurities but is an intrinsic part of its fundamental chemical composition. The presence of iron within its crystal structure gives peridot its signature color, which ranges from a bright, fresh lime or yellow-green to a deeper, more subdued olive green. This lively green evokes the essence of summer foliage, making it a fitting gem for those born in August.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot has a unique and fascinating origin story. It is one of the few gemstones that are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. This process can also deliver peridot to the Earth's crust through tectonic plate movements. Its formation in the mantle under extreme heat and pressure distinguishes it from many other gems that crystallize in the Earth's upper crust.
Historical sources of peridot include ancient Egypt, particularly the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, which was a primary source for over 3,500 years. Today, significant deposits are found in Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), and the United States (Arizona). The Arizona peridot mines, for instance, produce smaller stones that are often used in Native American jewelry.
Gemological Properties of Peridot
Peridot is a mineral species belonging to the olivine family. Its chemical formula is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. It is a relatively hard gemstone, making it suitable for various types of jewelry.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Color | Olive green, yellow-green, brown-green |
While peridot has good hardness, it does possess some degree of brittleness due to cleavage planes, meaning it can be chipped or fractured if struck with force. Therefore, it is best set in protective settings like bezels for rings that are worn daily.
Symbolism and Lore
Peridot has been prized since antiquity. The ancient Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun," believing it protected its wearer from the terrors of the night. It was often set in gold and worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits. In modern metaphysical beliefs, peridot is associated with the heart chakra and is believed to promote emotional clarity, release negative patterns, and open the heart to love and abundance. It is a stone of positivity, joy, and confidence.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler of Many Colors
For centuries, spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often mistaken for more famous stones like ruby or sapphire. Its inclusion as an official August birthstone in 2016 was a long-overdue acknowledgment of its beauty and durability. What makes spinel truly unique is its incredible variety of colors. While the most sought-after and valuable spinel is a vivid, saturated red, often indistinguishable from a fine ruby, it is found in a dazzling array of hues.
A Kaleidoscope of Hues
Spinel’s color palette is remarkably broad. Beyond the prized "ruby-red," spinel occurs in: * Pink: Soft and delicate shades. * Purple: Regal and mysterious. * Blue: Ranging from deep, cornflower blue to steely gray-blue. * Orange: Fiery and vibrant. * Black: A deep, lustrous option. * Colorless: Rare and resembling a diamond.
This versatility makes spinel an ideal choice for jewelry buyers seeking a specific color or a unique, personalized piece. The cobalt blue spinel from Vietnam and the "balas ruby" (a red-pink spinel) from historical sources in Afghanistan are particularly famous.
Gemological Properties of Spinel
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It is a highly durable gemstone, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets, without significant risk of scratching. It also lacks cleavage, making it more resistant to chipping than many other gems.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.71 - 1.73 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Color | Red, pink, purple, blue, orange, black, colorless |
Historical Significance and Symbolism
Spinel’s history is filled with cases of mistaken identity. Some of the world's most famous "rubies," such as the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, are actually large red spinels. These stones were treasured by royalty and warriors for their supposed protective powers. In modern crystal healing, spinel is associated with renewal and vitality. It is believed to be a high-energy stone that can help restore energy, inspire hope, and provide resilience during difficult times.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Banded Stone
Sardonyx is the traditional August birthstone, a variety of chalcedony that is prized for its striking bands of color. It is a composite gem, formed from layers of sard and onyx. Sard is a reddish-brown or orange-brown chalcedony, while onyx is typically black or white chalcedony. The combination creates a bold, graphic pattern of reddish-brown, brown, and white bands, making each piece unique.
Formation and Appearance
As a member of the quartz family, sardonyx has a chemical composition of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Its banded appearance is the result of successive layers of different colored chalcedony being deposited during its formation. This process creates the parallel or curved bands that give the stone its distinctive look. The earthy, grounded tones of sardonyx make it a favorite for rustic, vintage-inspired, and statement jewelry designs.
Gemological Properties of Sardonyx
While not as hard as spinel, sardonyx is still a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. Its hardness is comparable to that of peridot, and like peridot, it requires some care to prevent chipping.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 - 1.54 |
| Luster | Vitreous to waxy |
| Color | Banded reddish-brown, brown, and white |
Symbolism and Lore
Sardonyx has a rich history, particularly in ancient Rome, where it was a popular stone for signet rings. The seal created by a sardonyx ring would not stick to hot wax, making it ideal for official documents. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx amulets to grant them courage and protection in battle. Its name is derived from the Greek words "sard" (meaning reddish-brown) and "onyx" (meaning veined gem). It is strongly associated with strength, stability, and protection, and is believed to foster courage, steadfastness, and happy, stable relationships.
Caring for Your August Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. The August birthstones have different levels of durability, which dictates how they should be cleaned and stored.
- Spinel: As the most durable of the three, with a hardness of 8 and no cleavage, spinel is relatively easy to care for. It can be safely cleaned with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. It is resistant to chemicals and heat, making it a low-maintenance choice.
- Peridot and Sardonyx: Both have a hardness of 6.5 to 7. However, they both possess cleavage planes, making them more susceptible to fracturing if struck hard. It is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners for these stones, as the vibrations and heat can cause damage. Clean them gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Store them separately from harder stones like diamonds to prevent scratches, and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or sudden temperature changes.
Conclusion
The August birthstones offer a remarkable trio of choices, each with its own distinct personality and allure. Peridot captivates with its radiant, summery green, a color born from the very heart of the Earth. Spinel dazzles with its incredible spectrum of hues and its ruby-like brilliance, finally receiving the credit it has long deserved. Sardonyx provides a connection to ancient history with its bold, earthy bands and its legacy as a stone of courage and protection.
Whether one is drawn to the joyful abundance of peridot, the resilient energy of spinel, or the grounding stability of sardonyx, there is an August gemstone to suit every individual. This diversity is a gift, allowing those born in this vibrant month to choose a stone that not only complements their style but also resonates with their inner spirit. In their beauty, durability, and profound symbolism, these three gems perfectly capture the warmth and richness of the summer month they represent.