For individuals born on August 31st, the designated birthstone is the vibrant and captivating peridot. This gem, celebrated for its distinct olive-green hue, is not merely a jewel of beauty but one steeped in ancient history, geological wonder, and profound symbolism. As the primary birthstone for the entire month of August, peridot stands out for its unique origins, which extend from the depths of the Earth's mantle to the far reaches of outer space. While peridot holds the spotlight, it shares its birth month with two other significant stones: sardonyx, the original August birthstone with a history spanning millennia, and spinel, a gem once mistaken for ruby but now cherished in its own right. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these gems, focusing on the rich narrative of peridot while also detailing the historical importance and properties of its August counterparts. We will delve into their geological formation, gemological characteristics, historical lore, and the cultural significance that has made them enduring symbols for those born in the eighth month of the year.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, the official and most recognized birthstone for August, is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow variety of the mineral olivine. Its name is believed to derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem," a fittingly simple title for a stone of such complex and celestial origin. Unlike many gemstones that derive their color from trace impurities, peridot’s distinctive hue is an intrinsic part of its chemical composition, caused by the presence of iron within the crystal lattice of olivine. This results in a color palette that ranges from a light, spring green to a deep, olive hue, often with a subtle golden or brownish undertone. The gem's visual appeal is so remarkable that it has been mistaken for emerald throughout history, with some historians speculating that Cleopatra's famed collection of emeralds may have, in fact, been peridot. To further add to its allure, peridot has been called the "Evening Emerald" because of its ability to maintain its brilliant green color even under dim or artificial light, a quality that made it highly visible and prized in ancient times.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geological story of peridot is one of the most fascinating in the gemological world. It is one of the few gems that is formed not just in the Earth's crust but also in the mantle, the layer of molten rock deep beneath our feet. The primary source of gem-quality peridot is magma from volcanic activity. As molten rock travels from the mantle towards the surface, it carries with it olivine crystals. These crystals are then deposited in igneous rocks, and over time, weathering and erosion can bring them to the surface in alluvial deposits. Specific sources mentioned in historical records include the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, which was a highly prized source for the ancient Egyptians.
What makes peridot truly exceptional among gemstones is its extraterrestrial origin. Peridot has been discovered in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, most notably in Pallasite meteorites. These cosmic gems provide tangible evidence of the mineral's formation in space, predating the formation of our planet. This has led to the belief that peridot is a gift from the stars, reinforcing its association with light and the sun. The discovery of peridot in comet dust further solidifies its otherworldly credentials. Major commercial sources for peridot today include Pakistan, which produces some of the finest material with a vibrant color and high clarity, as well as the United States (particularly Arizona), Mexico, and Australia. The ability to find this gem both in Earth's fiery depths and in meteorites from outer space makes peridot a truly unique and cosmic birthstone.
Historical Significance and Lore
Peridot’s history is as rich and luminous as its color. Its most prominent early association is with ancient Egypt, where it was known as the "gem of the sun." The Egyptians revered peridot for its radiant green glow, which they believed was a fragment of the sun itself. This belief led them to mine the gem on the island of Zabargad in the Red Sea as early as 1500 B.C. The ancient Egyptians not only used peridot for ornamental jewelry but also believed it possessed the power to ward off evil spirits and protect its wearer, particularly during the night. It was often set in gold and worn as a protective amulet.
During the Middle Ages, peridot gained the moniker "Evening Emerald." This name was not just for its color but for its remarkable property of not "turning off" or losing its color in low light, unlike many other green gemstones. This made it a popular choice for church treasures and clergy's rings, as its brilliance was visible even in the dimly lit cathedrals of the era. One of the most significant historical examples of this confusion is the collection of 200 carats of gems adorning the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. For centuries, these stones were believed to be emeralds, but modern analysis has confirmed they are, in fact, peridot. This historical misidentification underscores peridot's long-standing value and its visual similarity to the more famous emerald, a testament to its captivating beauty.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and through the ages, peridot has been imbued with a wide array of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Its association with the sun has made it a symbol of light, warmth, and renewal. It is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and happiness to its wearer. In ancient times, it was thought to have the power to drive away darkness and fear, replacing them with confidence and a sense of purpose.
In modern crystal healing and metaphysical practices, peridot is known as a stone of compassion and emotional cleansing. It is said to enhance feelings of love and compassion, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts and a symbol of enduring relationships. Many believe that peridot has the ability to cleanse the mind of negativity, relieving jealousy, resentment, and anger. By promoting a positive and optimistic outlook, it is thought to aid in personal transformation and growth, helping individuals to let go of past burdens and embrace new beginnings. Its connection to the heart chakra makes it a powerful stone for healing emotional wounds and fostering strong, healthy friendships and partnerships. For those born on August 31st, peridot serves as a meaningful emblem of strength, peace, and personal evolution.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Courage and Communication
As the original August birthstone, sardonyx boasts a history that predates peridot's widespread recognition, with evidence of its use dating back more than 4,000 years. This gem is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. Sardonyx is characterized by its distinctive banding, featuring alternating layers of sard—a brownish-red to brownish-orange variety of chalcedony—and onyx, which is typically composed of black and white layers. The name itself is a combination of the words "sard" and "onyx," accurately describing its banded appearance. This unique structure made it a highly practical and popular material for seals and signet rings in ancient times, as hot wax would not adhere to its surface.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The historical importance of sardonyx is vast and spans multiple civilizations. In ancient Rome, it was a favorite for creating cameos and intaglios, with images of Mars, the god of war, being a common motif. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings carved with Mars's image, believing it would grant them protection in battle and instill them with courage. This association with bravery and protection extended to other areas of life as well. Sardonyx is also one of the stones believed to have been set in the High Priest’s breastplate, as described in the Old Testament, where it represented the strength of spiritual life.
Beyond its martial associations, sardonyx has long been linked to happiness, clear communication, and stability in relationships. In ancient Rome, women expecting to harness the power of the goddess of love, Venus, would wear cameos of her on sardonyx necklaces. Today, the stone is still associated with fostering strong, stable marriages and partnerships, as well as promoting eloquent and honest communication. Its enduring legacy as a symbol of courage, happiness, and marital stability has secured its place as a meaningful secondary birthstone for August.
Gemological Properties and Sources
Sardonyx shares a similar level of durability to peridot, registering a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. This makes it suitable for a variety of jewelry, though care should be taken to protect it from hard impacts. A key difference in its gemological treatment is that sardonyx is often enhanced through dyeing to intensify or create its banding patterns. This practice is common and accepted in the trade, but it has implications for care; dyed sardonyx should not be soaked in water or exposed to high heat, as this can affect the color. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should also be used with caution.
Sardonyx is found in many locations around the world. India is particularly noted for producing sardonyx with excellent contrast between its colored layers, making it ideal for carving. Other significant sources include Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States. Its widespread availability and striking appearance have ensured its continued popularity as both a historical gem and a modern birthstone.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Ruby Alternative
Spinel, the third birthstone for August, has a long and often overlooked history. Its name is derived from the Latin word spina, meaning "thorn," a reference to the sharp, pointed crystal forms it often takes. For centuries, red spinel was so frequently confused with ruby that it was often called "balas ruby," and many famous historical "rubies" have since been reidentified as spinel. The most prominent example is the Black Prince's Ruby, a massive 170-carat stone that is actually a red spinel and is part of the British Crown Jewels. It was only in recent centuries that spinel began to be recognized as a distinct mineral species with its own unique properties and merits.
A Gem in Its Own Right
While it was once overshadowed by ruby, spinel is now celebrated for its own exceptional qualities. It occurs in a wide range of colors, from the vivid reds that mimic ruby to pinks, blues, purples, and even blacks. The most prized colors are the vibrant "cobalt blue" and the rich reds. Spinel is prized by jewelers for its brilliance, fire, and excellent durability. It has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it harder and more resistant to scratching than both peridot and sardonyx. It also has no cleavage, which means it is less prone to breaking or chipping during setting and wear, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, especially rings.
Spinel is a metamorphic mineral, formed under high temperatures and pressures, often found in the same types of rock as ruby and sapphire. Major sources for spinel include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, with Vietnam and Tanzania also producing fine material. Its journey from being a ruby impostor to a celebrated and sought-after gemstone in its own right is a testament to its unique beauty and resilience. As a modern birthstone for August, spinel offers a durable and brilliant alternative, representing strength and revitalization.
Gemological Properties: A Comparative Overview
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of these birthstones is essential for appreciating their unique characteristics and for their proper care. The following table summarizes the key gemological data for the three August birthstones, based on information from authoritative gemological sources.
| Property | Peridot | Sardonyx | Spinel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Olivine | Chalcedony (Quartz) | Spinel |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ | SiO₂ | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Color | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow | Bands of brownish-red (sard) and white/black (onyx) | Wide range, including red, pink, blue, purple, black |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 - 7 | 6.5 - 7 | 8 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Trigonal (microcrystalline) | Cubic |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 - 1.69 | 1.53 - 1.54 | 1.71 - 1.76 |
| Common Treatments | Generally untreated | Commonly dyed | Often untreated, but heat treatment can improve clarity/color |
| Key Sources | Pakistan, USA (Arizona), Mexico, Egypt | India, Brazil, Uruguay, USA | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Vietnam |
Care and Cleaning for August Birthstones
Proper care is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The three August birthstones have different levels of durability and sensitivities, which should be considered when cleaning and storing them.
Peridot and Sardonyx: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, both peridot and sardonyx are moderately durable but can still be scratched by harder materials. They are not recommended for daily-wear rings without protective settings, as they can be susceptible to chipping from hard impacts. To clean these stones, use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush. Be gentle, especially around the settings. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the stone's surface. For sardonyx, which is often dyed, it is particularly important to avoid soaking the stone in water or using any chemical cleaners, as this can strip the dye. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used with caution, if at all, especially for dyed sardonyx and any peridot with significant inclusions or fractures.
Spinel: Spinel is the most durable of the three August birthstones, with a Mohs hardness of 8 and no cleavage. This makes it an excellent choice for rings and jewelry that will be worn frequently. It is relatively easy to care for and can be safely cleaned using standard methods. Warm soapy water and a soft brush are ideal for routine cleaning. Spinel is also generally safe to clean in an ultrasonic cleaner, though it is always wise to be cautious with any gemstone that has fractures or inclusions. Steam cleaning is also generally safe for spinel. Its superior hardness and toughness make it a resilient and low-maintenance option for those born in August.
Conclusion
The birthstones for August offer a remarkable trio of gems, each with a distinct character and story. Peridot, the primary birthstone for August 31st, stands as a beacon of light and renewal, with a cosmic origin that connects it to both the Earth's fiery heart and the vastness of space. Its history as the "gem of the sun" and its symbolic association with compassion and emotional healing make it a deeply meaningful choice. Sardonyx, the original August stone, provides a link to the ancient world, embodying the virtues of courage, clear communication, and stable relationships. Its banded structure and practical history as a seal stone speak to a legacy of both beauty and utility. Finally, spinel, once mistaken for the mighty ruby, has emerged as a gem of distinction, prized for its brilliant colors, exceptional durability, and its own unique history. Together, these three stones provide a rich and diverse palette of options for those born in August, representing strength, history, and the enduring beauty of the natural world.