The tradition of associating specific gemstones with birth months offers a rich tapestry of history, geology, and personal symbolism. For those born in August, the modern birthstone list presents a unique diversity, featuring three distinct gemstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. This selection reflects the evolving nature of birthstone conventions, which have shifted over centuries from a single stone per month to a curated collection that balances ancient tradition with modern discovery and market availability. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these three remarkable gems, examining their geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and their journey to becoming the celebrated stones of the eighth month.
Historical Evolution and Standardization
The concept of birthstones is rooted in antiquity, specifically in the biblical description of the High Priest’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus. This sacred garment was adorned with twelve gemstones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, scholars and mystics drew connections between these twelve stones, the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Initially, the practice involved owning all twelve stones and wearing them in rotation, a custom believed to harness the protective and beneficial powers of each gem throughout the year.
A significant shift occurred by the 18th century, likely originating in Germany or Poland, where the practice evolved into wearing only the stone linked to one's birth month. This simplified tradition gained widespread popularity and eventually led to the need for standardization. The modern standardized birthstone list was formally established in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewellers Association (now Jewelers of America). This list was designed to reflect both historical significance and contemporary market availability.
The list has been updated several times to include new discoveries and changing tastes. For the month of August, the 1912 list initially designated Sardonyx as the primary stone, with Peridot listed as an alternative. However, a notable update occurred in 2016 when the American Gem Trade Association and the Jewelers of America added Spinel to the official list of birthstones for August. This addition provided a third option, further enriching the choices for those born in this summer month. The evolution of the August birthstones exemplifies the dynamic nature of this tradition, blending ancient reverence with modern gemological appreciation.
Peridot: The Ancient "Gem of the Sun"
Peridot, with its distinctive olive-green hue, is one of the oldest known gemstones, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Its appeal lies not only in its beautiful color but also in its unique geological origins and rich cultural lore.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a transparent gem variety of the silicate mineral group olivine. Unlike many gemstones that form in the Earth's crust, peridot is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. This origin story makes it one of the few gems found in two of our world: the Earth and extraterrestrial environments, as it has been discovered in meteorites. The primary sources of peridot include Pakistan, Arizona (USA), and China. The gem is typically found in volcanic rocks and can vary significantly in size, with large crystals being more common than in many other gemstone varieties.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is valued for its unique physical and optical characteristics. It possesses a glassy luster and exhibits high double refraction, a property that can be observed with a loupe. On the Mohs scale of hardness, peridot rates between 6.5 and 7, making it a reasonably durable stone suitable for jewelry, though it requires some care to avoid scratching. Its color is its most defining feature, ranging from light green and yellowish-green to brownish-green. The most prized color is a rich, vibrant green, but such stones are typically found in larger sizes (over 10 carats). In smaller carat weights, the most desirable color is a pure green with a slight yellow tint. While peridot is not considered a rare gemstone in general, large stones with a pure, vibrant green color are scarce and command higher prices. The price for a one-carat peridot can range from $5 to $600, with good quality specimens falling between $50 and $500, and top-quality gems fetching even higher prices.
History and Lore
The name "peridot" is believed to derive from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning "gemstone," or the Medieval Latin "peridotus." Its historical significance is particularly prominent in Ancient Egypt, where it was known as "the gem of the sun." The Egyptians mined peridot on the island of Zabargad (now St. John's Island) in the Red Sea as early as 1500 B.C. and believed it possessed special powers, associating it with nature deities. It was thought to protect against evil spirits and was often set in gold. The lore surrounding peridot extends to other cultures as well. In Hawaiian legend, for instance, peridot stones are considered the tears of the goddess Pele, the deity of volcanoes and fire, adding a mythological dimension to its volcanic origins.
Spinel: The Great Impersonator and a Modern Addition
Spinel entered the official list of August birthstones in 2016, but its history is long and often confused with that of other famous gems, most notably ruby. Its remarkable durability and wide color range make it a gem of significant interest.
Geological Formation and Sources
Spinel is an oxide mineral with a chemical composition of MgAl₂O₄. It forms under high-temperature and low-pressure conditions, often in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits. Historically, many of the world's most famous "rubies," including the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby in the British Crown Jewels, were later identified as spinel. This confusion arose due to their similar red color and the fact that spinel crystals often form in the same geological environments as ruby. Major sources of spinel include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan. The gem can be found in a vast array of colors, which has contributed to its recent recognition as a birthstone.
Gemological Properties
Spinel boasts impressive physical properties that make it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. It has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it highly resistant to scratching and everyday wear. Its luster is vitreous (glass-like), and it can be either opaque or transparent. Spinel is also known for its fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a characteristic that can help gemologists identify it. The gem's most extraordinary feature is its color diversity. As noted in gemological sources, "Spinel comes in all colors of the rainbow, plus a few more." This includes vibrant reds, rich pinks, deep blues, and vivid greens, as well as colorless and black varieties. This rainbow of options provides a unique personalization for an August birthstone, far beyond the traditional green of peridot.
History and Lore
For centuries, spinel was largely misunderstood, living in the shadow of the ruby. Its reputation began to change with advancements in gemological science, which allowed for the proper identification of these historic stones. The addition of spinel to the birthstone list in 2016 was a modern acknowledgment of its beauty, durability, and growing popularity among gem collectors and jewelers. While it lacks the ancient solar lore of peridot, its own history is rich with tales of mistaken identity and royal significance, giving it a unique narrative of rediscovery and appreciation.
Sardonyx: The Traditional Stone of Strength
Sardonyx is the traditional August birthstone, representing the link between the modern list and the earliest standardized birthstone charts. This banded variety of onyx has been used for cameos and intaglios for millennia due to its distinct layers and workability.
Geological Formation and Sources
Sardonyx is a composite gemstone, a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is characterized by its distinct banding, which consists of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a black or white chalcedony). These bands are typically straight and parallel. The stone forms in volcanic rock cavities, where silica-rich fluids deposit layers over long periods. Sardonyx is found in various locations around the world, including India, Brazil, Germany, and the United States.
Gemological Properties
As a member of the quartz family, sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of approximately 6.5 to 7, making it durable enough for jewelry, particularly for pieces like cameos and signet rings that are not subject to heavy abrasion. It is opaque with a waxy to vitreous luster. Its primary appeal lies in the sharp contrast between its bands, which can be enhanced through dyeing to create a more dramatic black-and-white effect. While it may not possess the brilliance of a faceted gem, its unique pattern and historical use in carving make it a stone of significant artistic and cultural value.
History and Lore
Sardonyx has a distinguished history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was a favored material for signet rings and cameos. The stone was believed to impart strength and protection. In Roman times, it was associated with the god of war, Mars, and was thought to make a soldier brave and shield him from harm. This belief in its protective power extended to personal relationships, where it was believed to promote harmony and stability in marriage. The traditional association of sardonyx with the month of August connects modern wearers to this ancient legacy of strength, courage, and marital felicity.
Metaphysical Beliefs and Symbolism
Across cultures and through the ages, gemstones have been attributed with special powers and meanings. The August birthstones are no exception, each carrying a unique set of symbolic attributes.
- Peridot: Known as "the gem of the sun," Peridot is associated with light, positivity, and protection. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring its wearer good fortune, health, and peace. Its connection to nature deities in Egyptian lore and the goddess Pele in Hawaiian legend reinforces its symbolism of natural power and volcanic energy.
- Spinel: While lacking the long metaphysical history of the other August stones, spinel is increasingly associated with revitalization and renewed energy. Its vibrant colors and durability are seen as symbols of passion and perseverance. Historically, its mistaken identity with ruby may have imbued it with some of ruby’s legendary powers of protection and vitality.
- Sardonyx: The traditional stone is strongly linked to courage, strength, and protection. It has been a talisman for warriors and a symbol of steadfastness in relationships. Its banded structure is sometimes interpreted as representing balance and stability, making it a stone for those seeking grounding and fortitude in their lives.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The varying hardness and durability of the August birthstones require specific considerations.
- Peridot (Hardness 6.5-7): Due to its moderate hardness and potential for brittleness, peridot should be handled with care. It can be cleaned using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally not recommended, as the vibrations or sudden temperature changes could cause fractures. Store it separately to avoid scratching by harder gems.
- Spinel (Hardness 8): Spinel is quite durable and well-suited for everyday wear. It can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is also generally stable under ultrasonic cleaners, though caution is advised if the stone has fractures or inclusions. It is also stable with respect to light and chemicals.
- Sardonyx (Hardness 6.5-7): As a form of chalcedony, sardonyx is relatively durable but can be scratched by harder materials. Cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush is the safest method. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. If the stone has been dyed, prolonged exposure to strong light may cause the color to fade over time.
Conclusion
The month of August is uniquely represented by a trio of distinct and historically significant gemstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. This collection offers a remarkable journey through gemological science and human culture. Peridot, the ancient "gem of the sun," provides a connection to volcanic origins and ancient civilizations. Spinel, the modern addition, brings a spectrum of vibrant colors and a fascinating history of mistaken identity with royalty. Sardonyx, the traditional stone, offers a link to the classical world, embodying strength and protection. Together, they illustrate the dynamic evolution of the birthstone tradition, from its biblical origins to the standardized lists of today. For the individual born in August, these stones offer a choice of personal symbolism, aesthetic preference, and a rich connection to the enduring legacy of gemstones.