The month of August is uniquely distinguished in the world of gemstones by offering not one, but three official birthstones, each with a distinct character, history, and geological origin. This abundance provides individuals born in August with a remarkable spectrum of choices, from the classic, sunlit green of peridot to the fiery palette of spinel and the ancient, banded elegance of sardonyx. While peridot has long been celebrated as the primary modern birthstone, the official recognition of spinel and the enduring legacy of sardonyx create a rich tapestry of gemological and cultural significance. This article delves into the geological formation, historical journey, gemological properties, and symbolic meanings of each of these three August birthstones, offering a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and jewelry buyers.
The Historical Evolution of August's Birthstones
The history of August's birthstones is a story of evolution and recognition. The original birthstone for the month was sardonyx, a gem with a lineage stretching back over 4,000 years. Sardonyx is frequently mentioned in the Bible, cited as one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem and a gem on the high priest's breastplate. Its popularity in ancient Rome was immense, where it was favored for signet rings and seals because hot wax would not adhere to its smooth, polished surface.
For centuries, sardonyx held this position. However, the modern birthstone list, first established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America), designated peridot as the primary birthstone for August. This list was created to standardize and promote gemstone jewelry, and peridot's vibrant color and availability made it a suitable choice for the summer month. Peridot maintained this status for over a century.
The story took a significant turn in 2016 when the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America amended the August list to officially add spinel. This addition was driven by a growing consumer demand for alternatives and a renewed appreciation for spinel's own unique beauty and history. Spinel, particularly the red variety, had been mistaken for ruby for centuries, leading to its underappreciation. Its formal recognition gave August-born individuals a third, vibrant option, making August one of only three months (along with June and December) with three or more official birthstones. Today, peridot, spinel, and sardonyx all share the designation, offering a choice that spans ancient tradition, modern science, and a rainbow of colors.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
History and Lore
Peridot's history is as deep as its geological origins. The name "peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem." This green gemstone has been a source of confusion throughout history, often mistaken for other prized green stones. Many medieval European cathedral treasures, including the gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany's Cologne Cathedral—once believed to be emeralds—were later identified as peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra's famous collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been peridot. The ancient Egyptians revered peridot, calling it "the gem of the sun," and mined it on the Red Sea island of Topazios, a location that contributed to the confusion with topaz.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique among gemstones for being formed under extreme conditions. It is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, which crystallizes deep within Earth's mantle. Unlike many gems that are brought to the surface by geological processes over time, peridot is often carried to the surface by volcanic activity, found in hardened lava. Its formation is not limited to terrestrial processes; peridot is also found in meteorites and comet dust, making it one of the few gems that originate from outer space. This extraterrestrial connection adds a layer of cosmic wonder to its already fascinating story.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is celebrated for its distinctive and consistent color. It is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color family: green. The specific shade can vary from a vibrant lime-green to yellowish-green, olive, and even brownish-green, depending on the iron content within its chemical formula. Unlike many other green gemstones, peridot's color is not derived from trace impurities but is an integral part of its chemical composition.
Table: Key Gemological Properties of Peridot
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate) |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow; single-color gemstone |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Luster | Vitreous (glass-like) |
| Key Source Locations | Egypt, Vietnam, United States (Arizona), Pakistan, and meteorites |
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for most types of jewelry but requiring some care to avoid scratches from harder materials. It exhibits a vitreous, or glass-like, luster and can fluoresce under certain conditions, which has contributed to its nickname, "the evening emerald," for its brilliant green glow under artificial light.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As the August birthstone, peridot is traditionally associated with bringing good luck, peace, and success to those born in the month. Its symbolism extends to strength, protection, and prosperity. Some beliefs hold that peridot can ward off evil, cleanse the mind of negativity, and aid in friendship. Its connection to the sun in ancient Egyptian lore imbues it with connotations of light, warmth, and vitality.
Care and Cleaning
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is durable enough for everyday wear but should be protected from knocks and harder gems. It can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but steam cleaning is not recommended due to the stone's potential for thermal shock. Avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals to maintain its brilliance.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Rainbow
History and Lore
Spinel's journey to becoming an August birthstone is a story of rediscovery. For centuries, the magnificent red spinel was mistaken for ruby, adorning the crowns and jewels of royalty and nobility across the globe. Famous "rubies" like the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels are, in fact, giant red spinels. This long-standing confusion led to spinel being undervalued and overlooked, despite its own exceptional beauty and durability. Its official recognition as an August birthstone in 2016 by the AGTA corrected this historical oversight, allowing spinel to shine in its own right.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide mineral that forms in metamorphic rocks and in the alluvial gravels of certain regions. Unlike peridot, spinel is not found in meteorites. Its formation requires specific geological conditions involving magnesium and aluminum. Key sources for spinel include Myanmar (Burma), which has historically produced some of the finest red and pink spinels. In recent decades, new sources have emerged, producing a stunning array of colors.
The Luc Yen region in northern Vietnam has been a significant source since the 1980s, producing spinel in deep red, purple, pink, violet, and violet-blue hues. In the 2000s, vivid blue spinels were also discovered there. A notable 2007 discovery in Tanzania yielded pinkish and orangy-red spinel, captivating gem collectors with new color possibilities. Other sources include Sri Lanka and Tajikistan.
Gemological Properties
Spinel is prized for its remarkable range of colors, which broadens the August birthstone palette beyond green. While the classic shade is a rich, ruby-red, spinel occurs in a veritable rainbow: ballet-pink, hot-pink, cobalt blue, lavender, steely gray, and even black. This diversity makes it exceptionally versatile for jewelry design.
Spinel's key gemological properties include: * Hardness: It scores an 8 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching—ideal for rings and other jewelry subjected to daily wear. * Durability: Its lack of cleavage and good toughness mean it is less prone to breaking or chipping. * Stability: Spinel is generally stable when exposed to light and most chemicals. However, some colors may fade under high heat. * Optical Properties: It has a high refractive index, giving it excellent brilliance and fire when cut well.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While specific historical metaphysical beliefs for spinel are not as extensively documented in the provided sources as for peridot or sardonyx, its modern recognition as a birthstone associates it with the vitality and energy of the summer month. Its wide color range allows for personal expression, with different hues sometimes linked to different emotional or spiritual properties in modern crystal healing practices, though these are not formally documented in the provided gemological sources.
Care and Cleaning
Spinel's hardness of 8 makes it very durable. It can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are typically safe for spinel, but caution is advised if the stone has any fractures, as these could be exacerbated by the cleaning process. It is stable under light but should be protected from extreme heat, which can cause some color fading.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Banded Stone
History and Lore
As the most ancient of the August birthstones, sardonyx holds a place of honor in history. Its use dates back over 4,000 years, with evidence of its popularity in ancient civilizations. As mentioned, it was a favored stone for Roman seals and signet rings due to its non-stick surface for hot wax. Its significance is deeply rooted in religious and spiritual traditions. The Bible references sardonyx as one of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem and as a gem on the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest. This ancient pedigree gives sardonyx a profound sense of heritage and tradition.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It is not a single mineral but a composite stone formed by the layering of two different types of chalcedony: sard and onyx. Sard is a reddish-brown to brownish-orange chalcedony, while onyx is typically black or white. The banding in sardonyx consists of alternating layers of these two materials. This banded structure is a result of silica deposits in cavities within volcanic or sedimentary rocks, where the different colored layers are formed sequentially.
Major sources for sardonyx include India, where it has been mined for centuries, as well as Brazil, Germany, and the United States. The stone is relatively abundant and accessible, contributing to its affordability.
Gemological Properties
Sardonyx is characterized by its distinctive, parallel bands of color. The classic appearance is a reddish-brown sard layered with white or black onyx, creating a zebra-like striped pattern. Its properties are those of chalcedony:
- Composition: Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), the same as quartz, but with a microcrystalline structure.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, similar to peridot.
- Luster: Waxy to vitreous when polished.
- Transparency: Opaque to translucent.
- Durability: It is relatively tough due to its cryptocrystalline nature, but like peridot, it can be scratched by harder materials.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx carries the symbolic weight of its long history. It is often associated with courage, protection, and happiness. In ancient times, it was believed to bring strength and steadfastness to the wearer, making it a popular talisman for warriors and leaders. Its use in seals and religious artifacts underscores its connection to authority, communication, and spiritual integrity.
Care and Cleaning
Caring for sardonyx is straightforward. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is suitable for most jewelry but should be protected. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which could potentially damage the stone or its polish. Store it separately from harder gems to prevent scratches.
Comparative Summary of August's Birthstones
The three August birthstones offer a compelling study in contrast. Peridot is the only gem formed in the Earth's mantle and found in space, defined by its single green hue. Spinel, a product of metamorphic processes, dazzles with a spectrum of colors and exceptional hardness. Sardonyx, the ancient layered chalcedony, provides a banded, earthy aesthetic with deep historical roots. Their shared designation for August provides a unique flexibility for those born in the month, allowing them to choose a stone that resonates with their personal style, from the classic green of peridot to the fiery red of spinel or the stately bands of sardonyx.
Conclusion
The birthstones of August—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—represent a fascinating convergence of geology, history, and culture. Peridot offers a vibrant link to the Earth's interior and the cosmos, celebrated for its singular green color and ancient Egyptian lore. Spinel, once overshadowed by ruby, now stands on its own merits as a durable and brilliantly colorful gem, officially recognized to enrich the August palette. Sardonyx, the oldest of the trio, connects the wearer to millennia of human history, from Roman signets to biblical foundations. Together, they provide a diverse and meaningful selection for August birthdays, each stone telling its own unique story of formation, discovery, and enduring appeal. For the gemstone enthusiast, the jewelry buyer, or the student of gemology, the August birthstones offer a rich field for exploration and appreciation.