The Trio of August: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
Modern birthstone lists recognize three distinct gems for the month of August. This provides a unique advantage, allowing for personalization based on color preference, symbolic meaning, and budget. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) have established these lists, which have evolved over time to incorporate new options. Sardonyx is considered the traditional August birthstone, with a lineage dating back thousands of years. Peridot was officially designated as an August birthstone in 1912, and spinel was added as a more recent addition in 2016. This expansion was driven by a desire to offer consumers more variety in terms of color, affordability, and availability. The choice of which stone to wear is ultimately a personal one, allowing individuals to select the gem that most resonates with their personality and style.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot is perhaps the most well-known of the three August stones, instantly recognizable for its signature lime-green glow. This gem has been cherished for millennia, not only for its beauty but also for its uplifting energy and protective qualities.
History and Lore
The history of peridot is rich and often intertwined with other green gemstones. The word "peridot" is derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." Throughout history, peridot has frequently been mistaken for other gems, most notably emerald and topaz. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that actually produced peridot, is believed to be the origin of the name "topaz." In another notable case of mistaken identity, the 200 carats of gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral were long thought to be emeralds but are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been composed of peridot.
Ancient cultures held peridot in high regard. Egyptian pharaohs prized it, calling it the "gem of the sun," and believed it offered protection against nightmares and brought happiness and strength. It was often worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits. The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (also known as St. John's Island) in the Red Sea, a source that produced gems for centuries. Peridot was also popular in medieval times, where it was used in church treasures and was believed to have the power to dispel enchantments and melancholy.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, with the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its formation process is extraordinary. Unlike many gemstones that crystallize in the Earth's crust, peridot is formed deep within the Earth's mantle. It is brought to the surface by tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. The hardened lava that carries it from the mantle can contain peridot crystals. This deep-earth origin is also why peridot is found in some meteorites, making it one of the few gemstones known to have an extraterrestrial origin.
Today, the primary sources of peridot include Pakistan, which is renowned for producing large, high-quality crystals; Myanmar (Burma); and the United States, particularly Arizona, which produces peridot from volcanic rock. Other sources include China, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Norway, and Sri Lanka. The color of peridot can range from yellowish-green to a deep olive-green, with the most prized color being a rich, vibrant olive-green.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for various types of jewelry. Its most distinctive characteristic is its color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition. Unlike many other gemstones, peridot does not typically receive any treatments to enhance its color.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Yellowish green to greenish yellow; deep olive-green is most valued |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 |
| Special Characteristics | Isotropic; often found in volcanic rock and meteorites |
Spinel: The Underappreciated Beauty
For centuries, spinel was the unsung hero of the gemstone world, often living in the shadow of the ruby. Its remarkable similarity to red ruby led to it being mistaken for its more famous counterpart, but today spinel is celebrated for its own unique beauty and impressive range of colors.
History and Lore
The most famous example of spinel's mistaken identity is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a 170-carat red spinel that is part of the British Crown Jewels. It was believed to be a ruby for hundreds of years before its true identity was confirmed. Similarly, the "Timur Ruby," a 361-carat red spinel, was also thought to be a ruby. These historical gems demonstrate that spinel was not just a minor gem, but one worthy of being set in royal regalia.
Spinel's name is thought to be derived from the Latin word spina, meaning "thorn," possibly referring to the shape of its crystals. While it was underappreciated for a long time, spinel has a rich history in its own right. It was known to ancient civilizations and was mined in places like Sri Lanka and Badakhshan (a historical region in Central Asia). The gem was valued not only for its resemblance to ruby but also for its own distinct properties. The addition of spinel to the official list of August birthstones in 2016 was a recognition of its importance and a move to provide consumers with a durable and affordable alternative to ruby.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminium oxide with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It forms under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits. Its formation process is distinct from that of ruby, which is a variety of corundum.
Major sources of spinel include Myanmar (Burma), which is famous for its vibrant red "ruby" spinels; Sri Lanka, which produces a wide variety of colors; Vietnam, a source of highly saturated red and pink spinels; and Tanzania, which is known for the unique "cobalt blue" spinels. Other sources include Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. The gem's ability to form in a wide range of colors is due to trace elements like iron, chromium, and cobalt.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is an excellent gemstone for jewelry due to its high hardness and lack of cleavage. It is often found in a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for designers.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Spinel |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Color | Wide range: red, pink, orange, purple, blue, black, colorless |
| Mohs Hardness | 8 |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Refractive Index | 1.71 - 1.73 |
| Special Characteristics | Isotropic; excellent hardness and durability; often confused with ruby and sapphire |
Sardonyx: The Ancient Foundation
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. Its name is a combination of "sard," referring to the reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, and "onyx," which denotes the banding characteristic of the stone.
History and Lore
Sardonyx has been used for cameos and intaglios since ancient times. Its distinct bands of red, brown, and white made it a favorite for carving intricate designs. In ancient Rome, it was a popular stone for signet rings, as the design carved into the stone would not stick to sealing wax. Sardonyx was believed to bring strength, courage, and protection to the wearer. It was often worn by warriors and soldiers as an amulet to guard against harm and to ensure victory in battle.
The stone's association with August is rooted in these ancient traditions. It was one of the stones in the breastplate of the High Priest of Israel, as described in the Old Testament, and is also listed among the foundations of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. This deep historical and religious significance cemented its place as a stone of importance and virtue. In the Middle Ages, sardonyx was used to make seals and was believed to protect against poison and disease.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂). Its characteristic bands are formed when layers of sard (reddish-brown chalcedony) alternate with layers of onyx (white or black chalcedony). This banding occurs during the formation of the stone in volcanic or metamorphic rock.
Historically, the most important sources for sardonyx were in India, particularly in the region of Gujarat. Today, significant sources also include Brazil, Germany, and the United States. The stone is relatively easy to find and is often treated with heat or dye to enhance its color contrast.
Gemological Properties
Sardonyx is a durable and affordable gemstone, suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications. Its properties are consistent with other varieties of chalcedony.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chalcedony (variety of Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Color | Bands of reddish-brown (sard), white, or black (onyx) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 - 1.54 |
| Special Characteristics | Banded; often carved into cameos and intaglios |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, which have been attributed to them across different cultures and eras.
Peridot
Peridot is strongly associated with light, positivity, and abundance. As the "gem of the sun," it is believed to bring warmth, joy, and good fortune. It is often linked to the Heart Chakra, where it is said to support healing, open the heart to love, and release negative patterns. In modern crystal healing, peridot is used to boost mood, increase confidence, and attract prosperity. Its protective qualities, believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits, continue to be a part of its lore.
Spinel
Spinel is considered a stone of renewal, inspiration, and vitality. Its high-energy frequency is believed to help restore energy, inspire hope, and provide encouragement during difficult times. Different colors of spinel are associated with different properties: red spinel is linked to passion and physical energy, while blue spinel is connected to calmness and communication. It is often used as a grounding stone that helps to revitalize one's physical and spiritual resources.
Sardonyx
As a deeply grounding stone, sardonyx is associated with strength, courage, and protection. It is believed to provide stability and endurance, making it a popular choice for those seeking to build lasting relationships and achieve personal goals. In metaphysical traditions, sardonyx is said to enhance willpower and discipline. It is also considered a stone of good fortune, particularly in matters of business and career. Its protective energy is thought to shield the wearer from negative influences and harm.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of August birthstones. The differences in their hardness and chemical composition dictate the best practices for cleaning and storage.
Peridot Care
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable but can be scratched by harder gems. It is important to protect peridot jewelry from sharp blows and extreme temperature changes, as it can be brittle. To clean peridot, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as the heat and vibrations can cause damage. It is also advisable to remove peridot jewelry before engaging in activities that could subject it to hard wear.
Spinel Care
Spinel is an excellent choice for jewelry due to its high hardness of 8 and its lack of cleavage. It is very durable and can withstand daily wear. Cleaning spinel is straightforward: it can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for spinel, but steam cleaning should be avoided if the stone has been fractured or filled. As with all gemstones, it is best to store spinel pieces separately to prevent scratching.
Sardonyx Care
Sardonyx, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, requires similar care to peridot. It is durable enough for everyday wear but should be protected from hard impacts. The best method for cleaning sardonyx is warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used with caution, but steam cleaning is not recommended. Because sardonyx is often carved into intricate designs, it is important to clean it gently to avoid damaging the details.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a compelling narrative of geological wonders, historical depth, and personal symbolism. Peridot, with its extraterrestrial origins and sun-drenched energy, provides a vibrant symbol of light and renewal. Spinel, once mistaken for royalty, now commands its own respect with a dazzling array of colors and a legacy of resilience. Sardonyx, the ancient cornerstone of August's list, connects the modern wearer to millennia of tradition, strength, and protection. Together, they form a trio that perfectly captures the spirit of summer: bright, dynamic, and enduring. For those born in August, the choice between these three gems is not merely a matter of color or style, but an opportunity to connect with a stone that reflects their unique inner light, strength, and timeless connection to the world of gems.