The month of August is unique in the gemological calendar, offering not one, but three official birthstones. This abundance provides those born in the eighth month of the year with a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and symbolism to choose from. The primary modern birthstone is peridot, a gem celebrated for its vibrant, lime-green hue. Alongside peridot, the traditional options of sardonyx and the more recently added spinel offer distinct aesthetic and historical value. Each of these gems—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—brings its own unique charm and significance, reflecting the energy and strength of the summer season in which they are born. This article provides a detailed exploration of these three magnificent gemstones, delving into their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and the symbolism that has made them enduring choices for jewelry and personal adornment.
History and Lore of the August Gemstones
The history of the August birthstones is as varied as the gems themselves, stretching back thousands of years and spanning multiple ancient civilizations. Each stone carries a rich narrative, from protective amulets of antiquity to modern symbols of vitality and renewal.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun Peridot is arguably the oldest of the August birthstones, with a history that dates back to ancient Egypt. Often referred to as the “gem of the sun,” peridot was believed by the Egyptians to possess protective powers, capable of ward off evil spirits and nightmares. This belief was so profound that peridot was frequently used in religious artifacts and royal jewelry. The Egyptians mined this green gem on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, a source that supplied the ancient world with its peridot for centuries. The name “peridot” itself is believed to originate from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning gem. Throughout history, the vibrant green of peridot has often been confused with other precious stones. Many medieval European cathedral treasures that were thought to be emeralds have, upon closer examination, been identified as peridots. This historical misidentification highlights peridot’s enduring beauty and its ability to command a presence comparable to that of the most prized green gemstones.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Courage Sardonyx holds the distinction of being the traditional and original birthstone for August. This banded variety of onyx has been valued since antiquity for its striking appearance and symbolic meaning. In ancient Rome, sardonyx was a popular choice for signet rings, used to seal documents with hot wax. The Romans believed that sardonyx could bestow courage and strength upon the wearer, making it a talisman for warriors and orators. Its distinctive bands of reddish-brown sard and white onyx were thought to represent the layers of protection and fortitude. Beyond its use in Rome, sardonyx was also a significant stone in other cultures, often carved into cameos and intaglios, showcasing the skill of ancient artisans who could manipulate its layered structure to create intricate designs.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler Spinel is the newest addition to the list of official August birthstones, having been formally recognized by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) in 2016. However, its history is long and often intertwined with that of other gemstones, most notably ruby. For centuries, magnificent red spinels were mistaken for rubies. The Black Prince’s Ruby, one of the British Crown Jewels, is a famous example of a large red spinel that was long thought to be a ruby. The name “spinel” is thought to derive from the Latin word “spina,” meaning thorn, likely referring to the shape of its crystals. Despite being overlooked for much of history, spinel has recently gained the recognition it deserves for its exceptional brilliance, durability, and wide range of beautiful colors. Its addition to the August birthstone list provides a modern option with a deep historical pedigree.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones reveals the unique processes that bring them to the Earth’s surface and the locations where they are found.
Peridot: A Gem from the Mantle Peridot is unique among gemstones as it is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, not in the crust like most other gems. It is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a common mineral in the upper mantle. Its chemical composition is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄, with the ratio of magnesium to iron determining its precise shade of green. The most prized peridot colors are a rich, bright lime green, free from yellowish or brownish tints. While peridot is found in various locations around the world, including Arizona, Pakistan, and Vietnam, the historical source of the ancient Egyptians, the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, remains one of the most significant.
Sardonyx: A Banded Variety of Chalcedony Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (a black and white variety of chalcedony). The formation of these distinct bands occurs during the natural deposition of silica-rich solutions in rock cavities. The precise conditions and mineral impurities present during its formation determine the color and sharpness of the bands. Sardonyx is sourced from various locations, with notable deposits found in India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States.
Spinel: Formed in Metamorphic Environments Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄) and forms under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions, typically in metamorphic rocks like marble and alluvial deposits. Its formation process is distinct from that of ruby and sapphire, even though it can be found in the same regions. Spinel occurs in a wide array of colors, including vivid reds, pinks, oranges, blues, and even blacks. The most famous red spinels originate from the marble deposits of Tajikistan (historically part of the Mogok region of Burma), while other significant sources include Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Vietnam.
Gemological Properties
The physical and chemical properties of a gemstone determine its durability, appearance, and value. The August birthstones have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different types of jewelry.
| Gemstone | Mineral Family | Chemical Formula | Mohs Hardness | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | 6.5 - 7 | Typically eye-clean, vitreous luster, single refractive. |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | SiO₂ | 6.5 - 7 | Banded appearance, opaque to translucent, vitreous luster. |
| Spinel | Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | 8 | Excellent brilliance, often eye-clean, single refractive. |
Peridot With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is moderately durable, suitable for earrings and pendants that are less likely to receive hard knocks. It can be used for rings but requires protective settings and careful handling to avoid chipping. Peridot is typically found without visible inclusions, and its vitreous luster gives it a brilliant shine. It is doubly refractive, which contributes to its lively appearance.
Sardonyx Sardonyx shares the hardness of quartz, ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Its durability makes it suitable for a variety of jewelry, especially cameos and intaglios where its layered structure can be artistically utilized. Its opaque nature and characteristic bands are its defining features, and it does not possess the transparency or brilliance of peridot or spinel.
Spinel Spinel is one of the more durable gemstones, 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 has a vitreous luster and is typically found with good clarity, often being eye-clean. Its high refractive index gives it a brilliance that can be mistaken for that of a diamond or ruby.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond their physical beauty, the August birthstones are steeped in symbolism and are believed by many to possess metaphysical properties that can benefit the wearer.
- Peridot: Known as a stone of light and positivity, peridot is associated with prosperity, good fortune, and protection. It is believed to bring peace, happiness, and success to those who wear it. Its connection to the sun suggests an energy of warmth, growth, and renewal.
- Sardonyx: This stone is a powerful symbol of courage, strength, and protection. It is believed to enhance willpower and discipline, making it a favored talisman for public speakers, performers, and anyone needing a boost of confidence.
- Spinel: As a newer addition to the birthstone family, spinel is associated with renewal and vitality. It is believed to revitalize the body and mind, inspire passion, and overcome lethargy. The different colors of spinel are sometimes associated with different energies, with red spinel linked to passion and pink to love and compassion.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The August birthstones have different requirements based on their physical properties.
Peridot Due to its moderate hardness and lack of cleavage, peridot is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe, but it is best to avoid sudden temperature changes. Peridot should be stored carefully to prevent it from being scratched by harder gems.
Sardonyx As a variety of quartz, sardonyx is durable and can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is resistant to most chemicals and can withstand ultrasonic cleaning. Its banded structure does not make it particularly fragile, but like all gemstones, it should be protected from hard impacts.
Spinel Spinel’s hardness of 8 makes it very durable and easy to care for. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and is generally stable under ultrasonic and steam cleaning. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry that can withstand regular wear and tear.
Conclusion
The August birthstones offer a compelling trio of choices, each with a distinct identity and appeal. Peridot, with its vibrant green color and ancient history as the “gem of the sun,” stands as the primary symbol of the month. Sardonyx, the traditional choice, provides a connection to ancient courage and artistic carving. Spinel, the brilliant and durable sparkler, brings a modern touch with a rich history of its own. Together, these gems celebrate the warmth, strength, and diverse beauty of August. Whether one is drawn to the protective lore of peridot, the fortitude of sardonyx, or the revitalizing energy of spinel, there is an August birthstone to perfectly represent the unique qualities of those born in this vibrant summer month.