For those born in the eighth month of the year, the choice of a birthstone is not a singular decision but a celebration of variety. August is unique in the modern birthstone calendar, offering three distinct official gemstones: the vibrant green Peridot, the dazzling and often underestimated Spinel, and the ancient, banded Sardonyx. This triad provides a spectrum of colors, origins, and histories, reflecting the energy, warmth, and strength of summer. While Peridot often stands as the most recognized of the group due to its singular hue and deep-rooted history, Spinel and Sardonyx offer compelling alternatives rich in their own lore and gemological intrigue. Together, they represent a comprehensive collection that appeals to a wide range of tastes, from those seeking the lush green of a tropical landscape to those drawn to the earthy strength of ancient talismans.
The existence of three birthstones for August is a result of an evolving tradition. The modern list was standardized in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now the Jewelers of America), which designated Peridot as the primary stone. However, the tradition has deep roots, with Sardonyx serving as the historical birthstone for centuries. More recently, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially added Spinel to the list, providing more options for color, affordability, and availability. This evolution ensures that every August-born individual can find a gem that resonates with their personal style and connection to their birth month.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Of the three August stones, Peridot is perhaps the most visually distinctive and historically prominent. Known for its signature lime-green glow, this gem has been prized for thousands of years. Its color, a direct result of its chemical composition, ranges from bright yellow-green to a deeper olive, with the most valued stones displaying a rich, vibrant hue. This color is unique among gems, as it is not caused by trace impurities but by the fundamental chemistry of the mineral itself.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, a common mineral in the Earth's mantle. Its formation process is one of the most fascinating in the gem world. Unlike many gems that form in the Earth's crust, Peridot is often formed deep within the mantle and brought to the surface by volcanic activity. This origin explains its presence in volcanic regions. Some of the finest specimens have even been found in meteorites, stones that have fallen from the heavens, adding to its mystique.
Commercial sources for Peridot are concentrated in a few key locations around the globe. According to gemological data, most of the Peridot available today is sourced from Arizona, Pakistan, and China. These regions are known for producing stones of significant size and quality. The gem's natural brightness and color do not typically require enhancements, making it a favorite among lovers of natural gemstones.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a relatively hard and durable gem, making it suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings and daily-wear pieces.
- Mineral: Olivine
- Chemical Formula: (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5 to 7
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69
While its hardness is sufficient for most jewelry applications, it is slightly softer than stones like sapphire or topaz, so care should be taken to avoid hard impacts or scratches from harder materials.
History, Lore, and Symbolism
The history of Peridot is rich and dates back to ancient civilizations. Its most famous historical association is with Ancient Egypt, where it was known as the "gem of the sun." The Egyptians believed it possessed protective qualities, warding off nightmares and evil spirits when set in gold. It was also thought to bring the wearer happiness and strength. Due to its similar appearance, Peridot was often mistaken for emerald in ancient times; the legendary emeralds of Cleopatra may have, in fact, been Peridots.
This ancient belief in its protective and uplifting energy continues today. In modern crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, Peridot is known as the "stone of compassion." It is believed to attract abundance, reduce stress, and promote emotional balance. It symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and peace, making it a meaningful gift for anyone seeking positivity and warmth.
Spinel: The Underrated Sparkler
For many years, Spinel was the unsung hero of the gem world, often living in the shadow of more famous stones like ruby and sapphire. Its recent addition to the official August birthstone list in 2016 was a long-overdue recognition of its beauty and value. Spinel offers a dazzling array of colors, making it an incredibly versatile choice for jewelry.
A Spectrum of Color
While Spinel is most popular in vivid, ruby-like red, its color palette is remarkably diverse. It can be found in a stunning range of hues, including vibrant pinks, fiery oranges, and deep blues. Some rare varieties are even black. This variety provides August-born individuals with a wealth of options beyond the traditional green of Peridot. The most prized colors are the saturated reds and hot pinks, which can rival the finest rubies in their brilliance.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is an excellent gem for jewelry due to its durability and brilliance. It has a high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling quality that rivals diamonds and other top gems.
- Mineral: Spinel
- Chemical Formula: MgAl₂O₄
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 8
- Crystal System: Cubic
- Refractive Index: 1.71 to 1.73
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, Spinel is quite resistant to scratching and is well-suited for rings, bracelets, and other pieces that may encounter daily wear.
History and Misidentification
Spinel's history is intertwined with that of ruby. For centuries, the most famous "rubies" in the world were, in fact, spinels. The Black Prince's Ruby, a massive red gem that is part of the British Crown Jewels, is a spinel. Similarly, the Timur Ruby, another historic gem in the British collection, is also a spinel. These historic stones were prized for their beauty and size, often being attributed the same protective and powerful properties as rubies.
Symbolism
As a newer addition to the birthstone family, Spinel's symbolism is often linked to its vibrant colors and revitalizing energy. It is associated with energy, renewal, and protection. It is seen as a gem of luxury and spiritual depth, ideal for those who appreciate vintage-inspired jewelry and pieces with a story. Its range of colors allows it to symbolize different aspects of revitalization, from the passion of its red varieties to the tranquility of its blue shades.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Foundation Stone
Sardonyx is the oldest of the three August birthstones, with a history that stretches back to antiquity. It is a distinctive and powerful-looking stone, characterized by its unique banding. As a variety of chalcedony, it belongs to the quartz family, but its appearance is unlike any other quartz gem.
Composition and Appearance
Sardonyx is a composite stone, formed from the alternating layers of two different varieties of layered chalcedony: sard and onyx. * Sard is a reddish-brown or reddish-yellow form of chalcedony. * Onyx is typically black or white chalcedony with straight, parallel bands.
When these two are layered together, they create the striking "zebra-striped" pattern that defines Sardonyx. The classic Sardonyx features alternating bands of reddish-brown and white or black. This bold, graphic pattern makes it a favorite for cameos, intaglios, and statement jewelry pieces.
Gemological Properties
As a member of the quartz family, Sardonyx shares the properties of chalcedony.
- Mineral: Chalcedony (Cryptocrystalline Quartz)
- Chemical Formula: SiO₂
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5 to 7
- Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline)
Its hardness is comparable to that of Peridot, making it durable enough for most jewelry applications, though it requires some care to prevent chipping or scratching.
Historical and Religious Significance
Sardonyx holds a place of great importance in ancient history and religion. It is mentioned in the Bible as one of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem and was one of the gems set into the Breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest of the Israelites. In ancient Rome and Greece, Sardonyx was a popular stone for signet rings. Wax would not stick to it, making it ideal for sealing documents. It was also believed to grant the wearer strength, courage, and protection in battle, particularly for orators, as it was thought to instill confidence and self-control.
Symbolism and Modern Use
The historical lore of Sardonyx directly informs its modern metaphysical symbolism. It is known as the "stone of strength," fostering courage, stability, and self-confidence. Its grounding energy is believed to help one overcome shyness and find their voice. Today, Sardonyx is valued for its affordability and accessibility. It is a stone that is readily available and often used in more contemporary, minimalist jewelry designs, where its strong graphic pattern can be the centerpiece. It remains a symbol of stability and classical strength.
Care and Cleaning for August Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone. While the three August birthstones have different hardness levels, they share a need for gentle handling.
| Birthstone | Hardness (Mohs) | Care Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spinel | 8 | Very durable. Can be cleaned with warm water, soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals. |
| Peridot | 6.5 - 7 | Moderately durable. Avoid extreme temperature changes and hard impacts. Clean with warm, soapy water. |
| Sardonyx | 6.5 - 7 | Moderately durable. As a banded stone, care should be taken to avoid chipping along the bands. Clean with warm, soapy water. |
For all three stones, the safest cleaning method is warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for Spinel and Sardonyx but should be used with caution for Peridot, as it can be susceptible to fracturing from vibrations or thermal shock. Steam cleaning is not recommended for Peridot. To prevent scratches, it is best to store these gemstones separately or in a soft cloth pouch away from harder stones like diamonds or sapphires.
Conclusion
The August birthstone selection is a testament to the diversity and wonder of the mineral kingdom. It offers a choice that is both personal and profound. The vibrant, sun-kissed green of Peridot connects the wearer to the fiery heart of the Earth and the ancient lore of Egypt. The dazzling array of colors in Spinel, from passionate red to serene blue, provides a modern, brilliant, and revitalizing option, finally receiving its due recognition. And the banded, historical strength of Sardonyx offers a tangible link to the ancient world, a stone of courage and stability that has been a foundation of culture and faith for millennia.
Whether chosen for its color, its history, its perceived metaphysical properties, or its durability, any of these three gems makes a fitting tribute to those born in the warmth of August. They are more than just beautiful objects; they are carriers of stories, symbols of strength, and a personal connection to the timeless beauty of the natural world.