For individuals born on August 17th, the selection of a birthstone is a journey into a multifaceted tradition. Unlike many dates with a single, universally accepted gem, the August 17th birthstone is a subject of intriguing variation across different sources and cultural perspectives. The primary candidates—Ruby, Peridot, and Pyrite—each offer a distinct narrative, encompassing profound historical significance, unique gemological properties, and compelling symbolic meanings. This article delves into the characteristics, origins, and lore surrounding these three remarkable gemstones, providing a comprehensive exploration for gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking to understand the rich tapestry of their birthstone.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The history of the August 17th birthstone is layered and diverse, with different sources presenting varying accounts. While the modern tradition of birthstones is often linked to the Gregorian calendar and the standard list for the month of August—which includes Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—individual dates, especially those in the latter half of the month, sometimes see the incorporation of other stones. For August 17th, Ruby, Peridot, and Pyrite emerge as the key figures, each with a deep-rooted historical narrative.
Ruby: The Sovereign Gem of Passion
Ruby is the most prominent and widely recognized gemstone associated with August 17th. Described as a symbol of passion, vitality, and a connection to the Sun’s life-giving energy, its historical significance is immense. As a variety of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide), its red coloration is caused by trace amounts of chromium. For centuries, fine rubies have been prized above all other colored stones, often considered more valuable than diamonds of the same size.
Historically, rubies have been coveted by royalty and warriors alike. In ancient India, they were known as ratnaraj, or "king of precious gems," and were believed to contain an inner flame that could never be extinguished. The stone was associated with power and protection, often embedded in the armor and weaponry of rulers to grant invincibility in battle. Its connection to the sun is ancient and cross-cultural; in many traditions, the ruby's vibrant red hue was seen as a physical manifestation of the sun's energy, imbuing the wearer with courage and life force.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun and Protection
Peridot is the official birthstone for the month of August, making it the designated gemstone for individuals born on August 17th according to the standard list. This gemstone is one of the few that occurs in only one color: an olive or lime green. The green color of Peridot is due to the presence of iron in its structure, and the intensity of the green can vary from pale to deep, depending on the amount of iron present.
Peridot has been cherished for thousands of years, with its history dating back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians referred to it as the "gem of the sun," believing that it had protective properties and the power to ward off evil spirits. Peridot was also popular in ancient Rome, where it was called "Evening Emerald" because its green color did not darken at night but continued to glow under candlelight. The word "peridot" comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. Peridot has often been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a purported source of the name "topaz," actually produced peridot. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is decorated with 200 carats of gems that were believed to be emeralds but are, in fact, the August birthstone peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
Pyrite: The Metallic Stone of Protective Power
While the majority of sources identify Ruby or Peridot as the birthstone for August 17th, one source identifies Pyrite as the gemstone for this date. Pyrite, often known as "Fool's Gold," is a metallic mineral composed of iron sulfide (FeS₂) and is noted for its brilliant golden luster and geometric crystal formations. The name "Pyrite" comes from the Greek word pyrites lithos, meaning "stone that strikes fire," a reference to its ability to create sparks when struck against metal or stone. It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, quartz veins, and coal beds, and it has been used in jewelry, tools, and decorative items for centuries.
Pyrite is associated with the concept of "Protective Power," and it is believed to shield the wearer from negative energies, emotional harm, and physical danger. In some traditions, it is used as a stone of transformation, helping to release negative emotions and promote emotional balance. It is also linked to the Leo and Virgo zodiac signs, and it is considered a lucky stone for those born on August 17th. It is believed to enhance communication, foster open-hearted relationships, and protect against emotional stress.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones provides insight into their rarity and unique characteristics.
Ruby Formation and Sources
Ruby forms under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, typically in metamorphic rocks. The presence of chromium is essential for its red color. Major sources of ruby include Myanmar (Burma), which is famed for producing the most prized "pigeon's blood" rubies, as well as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The geological conditions required for ruby formation are specific and limited, contributing to its high value.
Peridot Formation and Sources
Peridot, a variety of the mineral olivine, is unique in that it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. This dual origin—terrestrial and extraterrestrial—adds to its mystique. Peridot is also found in volcanic rocks and in some alluvial deposits. Key sources include Pakistan, Myanmar, and the United States (Arizona). The peridot from Pakistan is particularly renowned for its vibrant olive-green color and large crystal sizes.
Pyrite Formation and Sources
Pyrite is formed in a variety of geological environments, including sedimentary rocks, quartz veins, and coal beds. It is a common mineral and is found worldwide, with notable sources in Spain, Italy, and the United States (Pennsylvania, Illinois). Its formation often involves the reaction of iron-rich solutions with sulfur, occurring in low-temperature environments.
Gemological Properties
The physical and optical properties of a gemstone are fundamental to its identification, valuation, and care.
| Property | Ruby | Peridot | Pyrite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Corundum | Olivine | Iron Sulfide |
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (with Cr) | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ | FeS₂ |
| Color | Red (due to Chromium) | Olive to Lime Green (due to Iron) | Metallic Golden Yellow |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 9 | 6.5 - 7 | 6 - 6.5 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal | Orthorhombic | Isometric |
| Refractive Index | 1.76 - 1.77 | 1.65 - 1.69 | 2.42 - 2.43 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 - 4.10 | 3.34 | 4.9 - 5.2 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) | Vitreous to Resinous | Metallic |
| Transparency | Transparent to Translucent | Transparent to Translucent | Opaque |
Ruby: As a variety of corundum, ruby has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest natural substances, second only to diamond. This exceptional hardness makes it highly durable and suitable for all types of jewelry, especially rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. Its refractive index is high, contributing to its brilliant sparkle. The most valuable rubies exhibit a pure, vibrant red with a slight bluish undertone, known as "pigeon's blood."
Peridot: Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, is moderately hard but can be prone to scratching if not handled with care. It is a relatively durable gemstone for jewelry but should be protected from sharp blows. Its most distinctive feature is its color, which is consistently green due to its iron content. Unlike many other gems, peridot does not come in a range of colors; its hue is determined solely by the iron concentration. It is typically found in smaller sizes, with larger stones being rare and valuable.
Pyrite: Pyrite has a hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it somewhat softer than peridot and significantly softer than ruby. Its metallic luster and opaque nature distinguish it from traditional transparent gemstones. While it is used in jewelry, its brittleness and tendency to tarnish make it less suitable for daily wear. Pyrite is often cut into cabochons or used in beads, and it is valued more for its striking appearance than for its durability.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic meanings attributed to these gemstones are as diverse as their geological origins.
Ruby is universally associated with passion, love, and vitality. It is believed to stimulate the heart chakra, enhancing courage and confidence. In many cultures, it is considered a stone of prosperity and success, thought to attract good fortune and ward off negative energies. Its connection to the sun makes it a symbol of life force and energy.
Peridot is known as a stone of compassion and emotional balance. It is believed to alleviate stress, anger, and jealousy, promoting a sense of peace and well-being. Its green color is associated with growth, renewal, and the heart. Peridot is also thought to protect against nightmares and bring the wearer happiness and strength.
Pyrite is regarded as a protective stone, shielding the wearer from physical and emotional harm. It is believed to boost self-esteem and confidence, helping to overcome fears and anxieties. Its metallic sheen is associated with abundance and prosperity, making it a popular stone in metaphysical practices for attracting wealth and success.
Care and Cleaning
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of these gemstones.
Ruby: Due to its exceptional hardness, ruby is relatively easy to care for. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is safe to use ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners for untreated and heat-treated rubies, but caution should be exercised with stones that have fractures or inclusions filled with lead glass.
Peridot: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot requires gentle care. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. It is susceptible to thermal shock, so sudden temperature changes should be avoided. Peridot should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching.
Pyrite: Pyrite is the most delicate of the three in terms of care. It is not recommended for daily wear due to its brittleness and tendency to tarnish. It should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth and stored in a dry place to prevent oxidation and discoloration. Exposure to moisture and chemicals should be avoided to maintain its metallic luster.
Conclusion
The August 17th birthstone tradition is a fascinating study in gemstone diversity. While Ruby stands out as the most historically significant and widely recognized gem for this date, Peridot holds its place as the official August birthstone, and Pyrite offers a unique, modern alternative. Each stone—Ruby with its passionate red hue, Peridot with its sunlit green glow, and Pyrite with its metallic golden luster—provides a distinct connection to the natural world and human culture. For those born on August 17th, this multiplicity of choice allows for a personal selection based on aesthetic preference, symbolic meaning, or gemological properties. Whether drawn to the regal allure of ruby, the protective warmth of peridot, or the resilient energy of pyrite, individuals born on this date are linked to a rich heritage of gemstone lore and beauty.