August is a unique month in the gemological calendar, celebrated not by a single gemstone but by a trio of distinct and historically significant stones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This multiplicity offers those born in August a rare choice, allowing them to select a birthstone that aligns with their personal style, aesthetic preference, or the specific symbolism that resonates most deeply. While peridot is often highlighted as the primary modern birthstone for its vibrant, lime-green hue, the traditional roots of the month lie with sardonyx, and the recent addition of spinel provides a compelling alternative to the coveted ruby. Together, these three gems form a rich tapestry of geological wonder, historical intrigue, and cultural significance, each with a story that spans millennia and continents. This article delves into the origins, properties, and lore of each of August's birthstones, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone fascinated by the science and symbolism of these natural treasures.
The Historical Evolution of August's Birthstones
The journey to a three-stone month is a fascinating story of evolving gemology, trade, and cultural influence. For centuries, sardonyx was the singular and traditional birthstone for August. This banded chalcedony, with its layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety) and onyx (typically black), was treasured in antiquity for its distinctive appearance and was often carved into cameos and intaglios. Its history as August's gemstone dates back more than 4,000 years, deeply rooted in ancient civilizations that valued its unique banding and symbolic properties.
A significant shift occurred in the early 20th century as gemological science advanced and a wider variety of gems became more accessible and identifiable to the public. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers, now known as Jewelers of America, officially updated the list of modern birthstones. This revision introduced peridot as an additional birthstone for August. The bright, cheerful green of peridot offered a vibrant contrast to the earthy tones of sardonyx and quickly gained popularity for its unique color and perceived durability.
Decades later, in 2016, the birthstone list was updated once again. The Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association jointly decided to add a third gemstone, spinel, to the August lineup. This addition was driven by a desire to broaden the options available to consumers and to enhance the appreciation for spinel, a gem that had been historically overshadowed and often mistaken for the more famous ruby. The inclusion of spinel acknowledged its own merits as a beautiful and durable gemstone in its own right, finally granting it a formal place in the birthstone canon. This triad of birthstones—sardonyx, peridot, and spinel—now provides August-born individuals with a remarkable palette of colors, from the deep blacks and reds of sardonyx and spinel to the vivid greens of peridot, ensuring there is a perfect gem to match every personality and aesthetic.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, the most celebrated of August's modern birthstones, is a gemstone of striking and singular beauty. It is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its most distinctive characteristic is that it occurs in only one color, though its specific shade can vary significantly. The hue of peridot is directly influenced by its iron content, resulting in a spectrum that ranges from a bright, lime-green to a more subdued olive or brownish-green. This vibrant, consistent color has made it a favorite for centuries.
History and Lore
The name "peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." Throughout history, peridot has been the subject of considerable confusion with other green gemstones. Due to its similar appearance, it was often mistaken for emerald and topaz. Historical records indicate that many "emeralds" adorning medieval European cathedral treasures have been later identified as peridots. A notable example is the collection of 200 carats of gems in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings at Germany’s Cologne Cathedral; these were long believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been composed, at least in part, of peridot. The confusion extended to the name "topaz" itself; the Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source for the name, was actually a producer of peridot, not topaz.
This gem was highly valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. It was believed to bring good luck, peace, and success to those born in August. Its connection to the sun is profound; ancient Egyptians referred to it as the "gem of the sun," believing it possessed protective powers against nightmares and brought happiness and strength to the wearer.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique among gemstones for its formation under extreme conditions. It can be found in hardened lava that carries it from deep within Earth’s mantle, offering a direct glimpse into the planet's interior. Furthermore, peridot has been identified in meteorites that traveled from outer space, making it one of the few gems that can be extraterrestrial in origin. This dual origin story—terrestrial and cosmic—adds a layer of mystique to the stone.
The primary sources of peridot include the United States (particularly Arizona), China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and the Red Sea island of Zabargad (historically known as St. John’s Island). These locations provide gems with varying characteristics, but all share the signature green glow that defines the stone.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. Its key gemological properties are as follows:
- Chemical Formula: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ (Magnesium Iron Silicate)
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69
- Specific Gravity: 3.34 to 3.48
- Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)
While peridot is reasonably durable, it can be prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to sharp blows due to its imperfect cleavage. It is also susceptible to damage from strong heat and rapid temperature changes, which can cause fracturing.
Care and Cleaning
To maintain the beauty of a peridot, gentle care is recommended. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally not advised, as the vibrations and heat can potentially damage the stone. It is best to store peridot jewelry separately to avoid scratches from harder gems like diamonds or sapphires.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Beauty
Spinel, the newest addition to the August birthstone family, has a long and often overlooked history. For centuries, red spinel was mistaken for ruby, the "king of gems." These magnificent red spinels, found in the same regions as rubies in Southeast Asia, were often of superior size and clarity, yet they were misidentified and mislabeled. The most famous example is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a 170-carat red spinel that is part of the British Crown Jewels, which was long believed to be a ruby.
History and Lore
Spinel's journey to recognition has been slow. Its frequent confusion with ruby led to it being underappreciated and undervalued for much of history. However, the 2016 addition of spinel to the birthstone list by the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association was a formal acknowledgment of its beauty and durability. This move aimed to educate consumers and celebrate spinel for its own unique properties, offering an alternative to ruby for those who appreciate its vivid red hue but may be seeking a different price point or a gem with its own distinct story.
Beyond its red varieties, spinel occurs in a stunning array of colors, including vibrant pinks, oranges, blues, and even black. This diversity has made it increasingly popular with modern jewelry buyers looking for a gem that is both beautiful and unique.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄) that forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in marble, and in alluvial deposits. Major sources of high-quality spinel include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. These regions are also known for producing some of the world's finest rubies, highlighting the geological proximity of the two gems.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is an excellent choice for jewelry due to its outstanding durability and lack of cleavage. Its properties are as follows:
- Chemical Formula: MgAl₂O₄ (Magnesium Aluminum Oxide)
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.71 to 1.73
- Specific Gravity: 3.58 to 3.61
- Luster: Vitreous
With a hardness of 8, spinel is resistant to scratching and wear, making it suitable for all types of jewelry, including engagement rings. Its lack of cleavage means it is less likely to chip or break from impact compared to some other gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
Spinel's hardness and stability make it relatively easy to care for. It can be safely cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and with warm, soapy water. However, as with all gemstones, it is wise to avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes. Storing spinel pieces separately will prevent scratches on other softer gems.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Traditional Stone
Sardonyx, the original and traditional birthstone for August, is a banded variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (typically a black chalcedony). This unique banding creates a striking contrast that has been prized by artisans for millennia, making it a favored material for cameos, intaglios, and other carved objects.
History and Lore
With a history that dates back more than 4,000 years, sardonyx has deep roots in ancient cultures. It was particularly valued in ancient Rome, where it was used for signet rings and seals. The Romans believed that sardonyx could bring courage, strength, and victory in battle, making it a popular talisman for soldiers. Its layered structure was also associated with the concept of steadfastness and perseverance.
In the Middle Ages, sardonyx was believed to have protective properties, warding off evil spirits and promoting good health. Its use in religious artifacts and jewelry continued through the centuries, cementing its status as a stone of both aesthetic and spiritual value. As the original August birthstone, sardonyx represents a direct link to the ancient traditions of birthstone lore.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx forms in volcanic rock cavities, where silica-rich solutions deposit layers of chalcedony over time. The distinct banding is the result of variations in the mineral composition and color during this slow deposition process. Primary sources for sardonyx include India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
As a variety of chalcedony, sardonyx shares the properties of quartz, with a hardness and durability suitable for everyday wear. Its key properties include:
- Chemical Formula: SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
- Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline)
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
- Refractive Index: 1.53 to 1.54
- Specific Gravity: 2.58 to 2.64
- Luster: Vitreous to waxy
Sardonyx is generally an opaque stone, and its value is often determined by the sharpness and contrast of its bands, as well as the quality of any carving or cabochon cut.
Care and Cleaning
Sardonyx is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch the surface. While it is durable enough for most jewelry, care should be taken to prevent hard impacts that could chip or fracture the stone.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of August's birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs, offering a range of energies for the wearer.
- Peridot: Associated with the sun, peridot is believed to bring warmth, light, and positivity. It is often linked to good fortune, peace, and success. Its uplifting energy is said to alleviate stress, anger, and jealousy, promoting emotional balance and well-being. Historically, it was thought to protect against nightmares and bring strength.
- Spinel: As a gem of revitalization, spinel is believed to bring new energy and hope. Red spinel, in particular, is associated with passion, courage, and love. Its various colors are thought to correspond to different chakras, making it a versatile stone for energy work and spiritual growth. It is also seen as a stone of immortality and renewal.
- Sardonyx: This ancient stone is a symbol of strength, courage, and perseverance. It is believed to enhance willpower and provide stability in difficult times. In ancient traditions, sardonyx was worn as a talisman for protection and to foster virtuous conduct. Its layered structure is thought to represent the integration of different aspects of one's personality.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity in color, history, and meaning. From the ancient, banded sardonyx with its roots in antiquity to the sun-drenched, vibrant green of peridot and the recently celebrated, ruby-like beauty of spinel, this trio provides a rich selection for those born in the month. Understanding the unique geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural lore of each stone allows for a deeper appreciation of these natural wonders. Whether chosen for its historical significance, its stunning color, or its symbolic power, an August birthstone is a timeless connection to the earth's artistry and human history. This variety ensures that every individual born in August can find a gem that not only marks their birth month but also resonates with their personal journey and style.