August is a unique month in the gemological calendar, distinguished by its official recognition of three distinct birthstones: sardonyx, peridot, and spinel. This triad offers a remarkable spectrum of colors and histories, ranging from the ancient banded chalcedony of antiquity to the vibrant olive-green peridot and the often-misunderstood spinel. The existence of three stones for a single month is not accidental but the result of a long evolution in cultural traditions and the modern gem trade's desire to provide variety, accessibility, and affordability. For those born in August, the choice extends beyond a single gem, allowing for a personal selection based on color preference, historical resonance, or budget.
The journey of August’s birthstones begins with sardonyx, the original and most historically rooted choice, which held sway for millennia. Its legacy was later joined by peridot, a gem celebrated for its singular hue and solar connections, which was formally added in the early 20th century. Most recently, spinel was included in 2016, acknowledging its beauty and the need for a modern alternative that offers a wide palette of colors. This article explores the geological origins, gemological properties, rich histories, and symbolism of each of these three remarkable stones, providing a complete guide for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the gems of August.
The Historical Evolution of August’s Birthstones
The tradition of assigning specific stones to months is deeply rooted in history, with origins often traced to the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus. However, the modern list of birthstones, as recognized today, was standardized much later. For August, the path to its three official stones is a story of tradition, discovery, and adaptation.
The Traditional Choice: Sardonyx
Sardonyx stands as the oldest and most traditional birthstone for August. With a history spanning over 4,000 years, it was a prized material in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Its name is derived from the Greek words "sard" and "onyx," referring to its reddish-brown (sard) and banded (onyx) nature. Unlike many other gemstones, sardonyx is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. Its distinctive appearance comes from alternating layers of sard and onyx, creating a striking contrast.
In the classical world, sardonyx was not merely an ornament; it was a stone of power and protection. It was extensively used for creating seals and signet rings because wax did not adhere to its surface, making it ideal for imprinting. Beyond its practical application, it was believed to bestow strength, clarity of thought, and protection from harm. Roman soldiers would often wear amulets of sardonyx into battle, hoping to guard against physical injury and bolster their courage. Its association with oratory and clear communication also made it a favorite among public speakers and politicians of the era.
The Modern Additions: Peridot and Spinel
While sardonyx held the title for centuries, the 20th century brought changes to the official birthstone lists. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) convened to standardize the list for commercial consistency. During this meeting, peridot was officially added as a second birthstone for August. This decision was likely driven by peridot’s growing popularity, its vibrant and appealing color, and its relative availability compared to high-quality sardonyx. Peridot offered a bright, modern alternative that resonated with the tastes of the time.
Peridot’s inclusion was not without historical precedent. The gem had been known and revered for millennia, particularly in ancient Egypt, where it was called the "gem of the sun." It was mined on the island of Zabargad (now St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea as early as 1500 B.C. The ancient Egyptians believed peridot could ward off nightmares and protect against evil spirits, and they set it in gold for amulets and jewelry.
The most recent addition to the August family came in 2016, when the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA) approved spinel as a third birthstone. This update was a response to a growing desire within the gem and jewelry industry to offer consumers more choices in terms of color, affordability, and variety. Spinel had long been a "forgotten gem," often mistaken for ruby or sapphire due to its impressive range of reds, pinks, and blues. By adding spinel, the organizations acknowledged its beauty and durability while providing August-born individuals with a gem that could fit any style or budget. This evolution from a single traditional stone to a trio of options reflects the dynamic nature of gemology and the commercial jewelry market, ensuring that there is a perfect August birthstone for everyone.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot is perhaps the most visually distinctive of August’s birthstones, known for its consistently vibrant olive-green hue. Unlike many other gemstones that derive their color from trace impurities, peridot’s color is an intrinsic part of its chemical composition.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color. Its signature green, ranging from yellow-green to olive, is caused by the presence of iron within its crystal structure. The amount of iron determines the specific shade, with higher iron content generally resulting in a deeper, more intense green.
This gem is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure. It is then brought to the surface through volcanic activity. In fact, peridot crystals have even been found in meteorites, confirming their extraterrestrial origins. The primary sources for gem-quality peridot include:
- Pakistan: The Kashmir region, particularly the remote valleys of the Peshawar district, is renowned for producing large, high-quality peridot crystals with a brilliant, vibrant green color.
- Arizona, USA: The San Carlos Apache Reservation is a significant source of peridot, often yielding smaller stones but in large quantities. The peridot from this region can sometimes have a more yellowish-green tone.
- Egypt: The island of Zabargad in the Red Sea is the ancient source of peridot, mined since antiquity. While production is less significant today, its historical importance is immense.
- Other Locations: Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, Australia, and Norway have also produced peridot, though often in smaller quantities or with different characteristics.
Gemological Properties
Peridot possesses a unique set of physical characteristics that define it as a gemstone. It is a member of the olivine mineral family and has the chemical formula (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is between 6.5 and 7, making it durable enough for most jewelry applications, though it requires some care to avoid scratching.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Olivine |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Olive green, yellow-green, brownish-green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.64 - 1.70 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.27 - 4.37 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
Peridot is known for its high refractive index, which contributes to its brilliance. However, it does not exhibit the phenomenon of pleochroism (showing different colors when viewed from different angles), a trait that helps distinguish it from other green gems like emerald. Inclusions are common in peridot and are often considered part of the stone's character, though eye-clean stones are highly valued.
Symbolism and Lore
The lore surrounding peridot is rich and sun-drenched. The ancient Egyptians revered it as the "gem of the sun," believing it to have been created by the god Ra himself. They thought it could harness the power of the sun to protect its wearer from the darkness of night and the terrors of evil spirits. It was often set in gold and worn as a protective amulet.
Beyond protection, peridot is strongly associated with health, happiness, and good fortune. It was believed to promote sleep when placed under a pillow and to calm anger and jealousy. In modern crystal healing, it is often linked to the heart chakra, thought to foster compassion and emotional balance. Its vibrant green is seen as a symbol of growth, renewal, and nature, making it a gem of positive energy and new beginnings.
Spinel: The Great Impostor’s Redemption
For centuries, spinel was relegated to the status of a "simulant" or an impostor, most famously being mistaken for the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Crown Jewels. However, this gem has a rich identity and a beauty all its own, leading to its recent elevation as an official August birthstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It forms in the metamorphic rocks of marble and alluvial deposits. Its crystals grow under high temperatures and low pressures, often in association with ruby and sapphire. The most prized spinels are those that form in marble, as these conditions can produce the most vibrant and clear crystals.
Historically, the most significant source of fine red spinel was the Badakhshan region of Central Asia (modern-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan). These mines produced the large red stones that were often mistaken for rubies. Today, the primary sources for spinel include:
- Myanmar (Burma): The Mogok region is famous for producing some of the world's finest spinels, particularly in shades of red and pink. These stones are often found in marble.
- Tajikistan: The Kuh-i-Lal mine in Badakhshan continues to produce large, high-quality red spinels, continuing its historical legacy.
- Vietnam: An increasing source for spinel, particularly in red and pink hues.
- Sri Lanka: Known for producing a wide variety of spinel colors, including blue, grey, and purple.
- Other Locations: Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil also contribute to the global supply of spinel, often yielding stones in a broader range of colors.
Gemological Properties
Spinel’s most remarkable quality is its vast range of colors, which can mimic many other gems. While it is most famous for its vivid reds, it occurs naturally in a rainbow of hues, including brilliant pink, vibrant orange, deep blue, and even black.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Spinel |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Color | Red, pink, orange, purple, blue, black, colorless |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Refractive Index | 1.71 - 1.76 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.57 - 3.70 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
With a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, spinel is a very durable gemstone, making it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear. It has no cleavage, meaning it is less prone to breaking or chipping along planes compared to some other gems. Its single-refraction nature (unlike ruby and sapphire, which are doubly refractive) is a key identifier that helped gemologists distinguish it from its historical lookalikes.
Symbolism and History
Spinel’s history is one of mistaken identity, but this has not diminished its symbolic power. The most famous piece of spinel in history is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a 170-carat red spinel that has been part of the British Crown Jewels since the 14th century. It was believed to have been given to Edward, the Black Prince, by a Spanish king. Another massive spinel, the "Timur Ruby," also resides in the British collection.
In many cultures, spinel was believed to be a remedy for inflammation and was ground into a powder to treat poison and snakebites. Metaphysically, spinel is associated with revitalizing the body and mind. It is thought to provide energy, endurance, and resilience. The different colors of spinel are said to have different properties; for instance, red spinel is linked to passion and vitality, while blue spinel is associated with calm and communication. Its recent addition as a birthstone has brought renewed attention to its rich history and exceptional qualities.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Stone of Strength
Sardonyx, the traditional birthstone for August, is a unique and visually striking gem. As a variety of banded chalcedony, it belongs to the quartz family and is prized for its distinctive layers of color.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a composite gemstone, formed from alternating layers of sard and onyx. Sard is a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony, while onyx is typically black or white chalcedony. The banding is a natural result of the way the silica gel was deposited during the stone's formation. Sometimes, these layers are enhanced through a process of dyeing or heating to create a more dramatic contrast.
The most significant historical sources for sardonyx were in India, which supplied the Roman Empire. Today, it is found in several locations around the world:
- India: Still a primary source for sardonyx.
- Brazil: Produces significant quantities of banded chalcedony.
- Germany: Known for its deposits.
- United States: Found in some states, including Oregon.
- Uruguay: Another notable source.
Gemological Properties
As a member of the chalcedony family, sardonyx shares many properties with other quartz varieties. It is composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for carving and jewelry.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Chalcedony (Quartz) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Color | Alternating layers of reddish-brown (sard) and white or black (onyx) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 - 7 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 - 1.54 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
Its opacity is a key characteristic; sardonyx is not transparent. The beauty of the stone lies in the sharpness and definition of its bands. Gem cutters often orient the stone to maximize the contrast between the layers, creating a dramatic and graphic pattern.
Symbolism and Lore
Sardonyx’s symbolism is deeply rooted in its historical use as a stone of strength and protection. In ancient Rome, it was the stone of warriors and orators. Soldiers wore it for courage and protection in battle, while public speakers used it to enhance confidence and clarity of speech. Its name is linked to the Greek "onox" (claw or nail), possibly referring to its use in carving signets that would leave a sharp, clear impression.
Beyond courage, sardonyx was believed to promote stability, happiness, and marital fidelity. It was often used in cameos and intaglios, carved to depict scenes of heroism or religious significance. In modern metaphysical beliefs, sardonyx is considered a grounding stone, helping to bring a sense of order and discipline to one's life. It is said to encourage integrity and virtuous conduct, making it a stone for those who value honesty and strength of character.
Care and Cleaning for August’s Gems
Given the different hardness levels and chemical compositions of peridot, spinel, and sardonyx, proper care is essential to maintain their beauty. Each stone requires a slightly different approach, though some general rules apply.
Caring for Peridot
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7, peridot is moderately durable but can be susceptible to scratching if not handled with care. It is also sensitive to rapid temperature changes, which can cause fracturing. To clean peridot, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as the heat and vibrations can damage the stone. It is also advisable to keep peridot jewelry stored separately from other gems to prevent scratches.
Caring for Spinel
Spinel is one of the most durable of August’s birthstones, with a hardness of 8 and no cleavage. This makes it highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. Cleaning spinel is straightforward; it can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner, and even a steam cleaner. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for rings and bracelets that are worn frequently.
Caring for Sardonyx
As a variety of chalcedony, sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is generally a tough and durable gem, but its banding can sometimes create points of weakness if the layers are not well-bonded. Sardonyx can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is porous and can be susceptible to chemicals and dyes, so it should be kept away from harsh cleaning agents and cosmetics. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but it is best to avoid them if the stone has been dyed or treated.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a remarkable diversity that reflects the rich tapestry of gemological history. From the ancient, banded strength of sardonyx, which served Roman emperors and warriors, to the sun-drenched brilliance of peridot, the "gem of the sun" cherished by the Egyptians, to the rediscovered splendor of spinel, the "great impostor" that is now celebrated for its own unique beauty. This trio provides an unparalleled choice for those born in the eighth month. Their varied origins, distinct properties, and deep symbolic meanings ensure that every August-born individual can find a gem that not only matches their personal style but also connects them to a legacy of history, science, and lore that spans millennia. Whether one is drawn to the vibrant green of peridot, the fiery red of spinel, or the graphic bands of sardonyx, each stone stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world.