August is a month of summer abundance, and its birthstones reflect this vibrant energy through a remarkable spectrum of color and history. While peridot is often the first gemstone associated with August, the modern list recognizes three distinct stones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This trio offers a unique range of hues, from peridot’s radiant green to spinel’s vivid reds and sardonyx’s striking bands. Each stone carries its own geological origins, historical significance, and symbolic meaning, providing August-born individuals with a diverse palette to choose from. The evolution of the August birthstone list itself tells a story of changing tastes, increased availability, and the enduring appeal of these gems throughout human history.
The journey to this three-stone selection spans millennia. Sardonyx, with its bold red and white bands, is the original August birthstone, boasting a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. Peridot became the official August birthstone in 1912, valued for its unique green hue derived from iron rather than trace elements. Most recently, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) added spinel to the list, acknowledging its long history of being mistaken for ruby and its own stunning array of colors. This expansion was driven by a desire to give consumers more options in terms of color, affordability, and availability, ensuring that everyone born in August can find a gemstone that resonates with their personal style and personality.
History and Lore
The historical narratives of the August birthstones are as varied as their colors, with each stone weaving its own tale through ancient cultures and royal courts.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine, has a history often clouded by mistaken identity. Throughout history, peridot has frequently been confused with other gems, most notably topaz and emerald. The Red Sea island of Topazios, a source that purportedly gave topaz its name, actually produced peridot. One of the most famous examples of this confusion is found in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings is decorated with 200 carats of gems long believed to be emeralds, which modern analysis has confirmed are, in fact, peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot.
The word “peridot” is believed to derive from the Arabic faridat, meaning “gem.” This August birthstone was highly valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. In Ancient Egypt, peridot was known as “the gem of the sun” and was linked to nature deities. Hawaiian legend adds a poetic layer, describing peridot stones as the tears of the goddess Pele. This rich history of reverence and confusion underscores peridot’s unique and often overlooked beauty.
Spinel: The Underappreciated Ruby Rival
Spinel’s history is intrinsically linked to that of ruby. For centuries, red spinel was mistaken for ruby, and many famous “rubies” in royal regalia are now known to be spinel. The most famous example is the Black Prince’s Ruby, a 170-carat red gem that is actually a spinel and has been part of the British Crown Jewels since the 14th century. Similarly, the Timur Ruby, a 361-carat red gem, is also a spinel. This long history of being in the shadow of ruby led to spinel being underappreciated, despite its own merits.
The addition of spinel to the August birthstone list in 2016 by the AGTA marks a modern renaissance for the gem. Today’s consumers seek alternatives to ruby, and spinel, with its vivid reds and a rainbow of other colors, has finally received the recognition it deserves. It is a gem with royal history and modern style, offering a versatile and vibrant choice for August-born individuals.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Banded Stone
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that stretches back over 4,000 years. This banded variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz, is characterized by its bold layers of red, brown, and white. Its use in ancient seals, amulets, and cameos is well-documented. In Roman times, sardonyx was prized for making signet rings, as its layers could be carved to create striking contrast. The stone was believed to bring strength, courage, and protection to its wearer, making it a popular choice for warriors and leaders.
The enduring appeal of sardonyx lies in its earthy, grounding energy and its deep connection to human history. As the original birthstone for August, it represents tradition and stability, offering a vintage-style gem with ancient roots for those who appreciate a piece of jewelry that tells a story.
Geological Formation and Sources
The geological origins of the August birthstones are as diverse as their appearances, with each stone forming under distinct conditions.
Peridot: From the Mantle and Beyond
Peridot is unique among gemstones for its formation under extreme conditions. As the gem variety of olivine, peridot crystallizes deep within Earth’s mantle. It can be found in the hardened lava that carries it from these depths to the surface via volcanic vents. In a truly extraordinary occurrence, peridot is also found in meteorites that have traveled from outer space, making it one of the few gems not of terrestrial origin.
While peridot is not considered rare in general, large stones with a pure, vibrant green color are scarce. The finest peridot gems are typically found in sizes over 10 carats, but the most prized color—a vibrant green with a slight yellow tint—is often seen in smaller specimens. Key sources for peridot include Pakistan, Arizona (USA), and Egypt, though the specific locations mentioned in the provided sources are not detailed.
Spinel: A Mineral of Many Colors
Spinel is an oxide mineral gemstone that forms in a variety of geological environments, often in the same rocks as ruby and sapphire. It can be opaque or transparent and is sometimes fluorescent under UV light. The most sought-after color in spinel is a vivid red, often rivaling ruby, but it comes in all colors of the rainbow and more, including pink, orange, purple, blue, and black.
The sources for spinel are widespread. Historically, many of the most famous red spinels came from the Badakhshan region of Central Asia (modern-day Tajikistan and Afghanistan). Other notable sources include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The variety of colors and origins contributes to spinel’s appeal, offering a wide range of choices for collectors and jewelry buyers.
Sardonyx: A Banded Variety of Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, which is itself a microcrystalline form of quartz (silicon dioxide). It forms in volcanic or sedimentary environments where silica-rich solutions deposit layers of material over time, creating the distinct bands of color. The red to brown bands are composed of sard, while the white bands are onyx.
Sardonyx is found in several locations around the world, including India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. Its formation process results in a durable stone, but its banding requires careful cutting to maximize the visual appeal of the contrasting layers.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of each August birthstone is essential for appreciating their unique characteristics and for their proper care.
Peridot
Peridot is a transparent gem variety of the silicate mineral group olivine. Its chemical formula is (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄, and its unique green color comes from the presence of iron in its crystal structure, not from trace elements as in many other gems. Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it reasonably durable for everyday jewelry but susceptible to scratching by harder materials. It exhibits high double refraction and a glassy luster. Peridot gems are typically light green, yellowish-green, or brownish-green, with vibrant green stones being the most favored.
Spinel
Spinel is an oxide mineral gemstone with a chemical formula of MgAl₂O₄. It has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it quite durable and suitable for all types of jewelry. Spinel has a vitreous luster and can be opaque or transparent. Its most remarkable property is its color range; it comes in all colors of the rainbow, plus a few more. While it can be found in all colors, the most prized is a vivid red, often rivaling ruby. Spinel is sometimes fluorescent under UV light.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz with a chemical formula of SiO₂. It has a Mohs hardness of 7, making it durable enough for jewelry, though its layered structure requires care to avoid chipping. Sardonyx is characterized by its bold bands of red, brown, and white in a single stone. It is typically opaque to translucent, and its appeal lies in the contrast between the different colored bands, which are often carved or cut to highlight the patterns.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries a wealth of symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs, often rooted in ancient traditions and folklore.
Peridot
In Ancient Egypt, peridot was known as “the gem of the sun” and was linked to nature deities, symbolizing light and vitality. Hawaiian legend attributes peridot stones to the tears of the goddess Pele, connecting it to volcanic power and transformation. Modern metaphysical beliefs associate peridot with the Heart Chakra, supporting healing and joy. It is considered a bright, uplifting stone that can boost mood and confidence, promoting positivity, joy, abundance, and the release of negative patterns.
Spinel
Spinel is associated with renewal, inspiration, and vitality. It is considered a high-energy stone that can help restore energy and inspire hope. Some believe it offers encouragement through hard times and can aid in grounding. The variety of colors in spinel allows for different associations; for example, red spinel may be linked to passion and energy, while blue spinel might be associated with calm and communication.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is deeply rooted in symbolism of strength, courage, and protection. As an ancient stone used in seals and amulets, it was believed to safeguard its wearer. It is also associated with stable relationships and grounding energy. Sardonyx is considered a stone that supports courage and strength, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking stability and protection in their lives.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of these gemstones, based on their physical properties.
Peridot
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable but can be scratched by harder materials. It is best to clean peridot jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning, as these can cause damage. Store peridot pieces separately to prevent scratching by other gems or metals.
Spinel
Spinel’s hardness of 8 makes it quite durable and resistant to scratching. It can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for spinel, but it is always advisable to check with a professional if the stone has any inclusions or fractures. Steam cleaning is also typically safe for spinel.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx, with a hardness of 7, is durable but its layered structure can be prone to chipping if struck hard. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which might affect the stone’s integrity. Due to its banded nature, it is important to handle sardonyx jewelry with care to protect the edges of the bands.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity of color, history, and symbolism. Peridot’s radiant green, born from the depths of the Earth and even outer space, symbolizes light and vitality. Spinel, once mistaken for ruby, now stands in its own right as a versatile and vibrant gem with a royal past. Sardonyx, the original August stone, connects the wearer to millennia of human history with its earthy bands and protective symbolism. Together, they provide a rich tapestry of choices for those born in the summer month of August, each stone carrying its own unique story and energy. Whether drawn to peridot’s summer glow, spinel’s rainbow hues, or sardonyx’s ancient strength, individuals can find a gemstone that perfectly reflects their personality and style.