The month of August is uniquely distinguished in the world of gemology by its association with three distinct and celebrated birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This triad offers a remarkable spectrum of color, history, and symbolism, providing individuals born in this summer month with a diverse palette of choices. While peridot is known for its vibrant olive-green hue, spinel captivates in a variety of shades including brilliant red, and sardonyx presents a striking architectural pattern of banded color. Each stone possesses a unique geological origin, a rich historical narrative, and its own set of gemological properties. Together, they represent a fascinating journey from ancient talismans to modern symbols of strength and prosperity.
The official recognition of this trio is a relatively recent development in a long tradition of birthstones. Sardonyx holds the distinction of being the original and most ancient August birthstone, with a history stretching back over four millennia to the civilizations of the Near East and Rome. Peridot was added to the list in the early 20th century, bringing a splash of luminous green to the month's offerings. Most recently, in 2016, the American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America officially added spinel, acknowledging its long, often-overlooked history as a gemstone of great beauty and value. This article will explore the individual characteristics of each of these three remarkable gemstones, delving into their geological formation, gemological properties, historical lore, and practical care.
The Original August Gem: Sardonyx
Sardonyx is the earliest recorded birthstone for August, boasting a history that predates most other colored stones. This gem is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. Its defining characteristic is its bold, layered appearance, created by the alternating bands of two different varieties of chalcedony: sard and onyx. Sard provides the reddish-brown to orange-brown layers, while onyx contributes the white or black bands. The combination results in a striking, often zebra-like pattern that has made it a favorite for cameos and intaglios for centuries.
The historical significance of sardonyx is profound. It was one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem, and it is listed among the gems on the breastplate of the High Priest in the Bible. Ancient civilizations, particularly the Egyptians and Romans, held sardonyx in high esteem as a stone of protection and strength. Roman soldiers would often wear sardonyx engraved with images of heroes or gods into battle, believing it would grant them courage and shield them from harm. This association with protection and stability has endured through the ages, making it a popular choice for amulets and talismans. In terms of its physical properties, sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it a durable gem suitable for various types of jewelry, including rings and pendants. It is sourced from various locations around the world, including India, Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, and the United States.
The Vibrant Green of Summer: Peridot
Peridot, with its distinctive olive to lime-green color, is the most widely recognized modern birthstone for August. This gem is not a variety of quartz but is the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine. What makes peridot geologically unique is its formation under extreme conditions. It is found deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. In a truly extraordinary occurrence, peridot has also been discovered in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, earning it the nickname "the gem of the sun" from ancient Egyptians.
Throughout history, peridot has often been confused with other more famous green gems, such as emerald and topaz. The historical emerald collection of Cleopatra, for instance, is now believed by some historians to have been comprised of peridot. Similarly, the island of Topazios in the Red Sea, which gave its name to the gemstone topaz, was in fact a source of peridot. The word "peridot" itself is derived from the Arabic term faridat, meaning "gem." Its symbolism is tied to prosperity, good fortune, and peace. It was also believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits. Today, most commercial peridot is sourced from Arizona, Pakistan, and China. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, and its color is generally not enhanced, making it a favorite for lovers of natural gemstones.
The Rediscovered Treasure: Spinel
For centuries, spinel was the unsung hero of the gemstone world, often mistaken for ruby due to its common occurrence in brilliant red hues. The famous "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown and the "Timur Ruby" are, in fact, large red spinels. It was not until recently that spinel began to receive the recognition it deserves as a valuable and beautiful gemstone in its own right. Its official addition as a third August birthstone in 2016 was a long-overdue acknowledgment of its merits.
Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide with a cubic crystal system. It occurs in a wide and vibrant range of colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, orange, and black. Its name is thought to originate from the Latin spina, meaning "thorn," a reference to the shape of its natural crystals. Spinel has an impressive Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it exceptionally durable and an excellent choice for all types of jewelry. Key sources for spinel include Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Tanzania. As an alternative to ruby, it offers consumers a brilliant and durable red gem at a more accessible price point, while its variety of other colors provides a rich palette for jewelers and collectors.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
To better understand the distinct characteristics of these three gemstones, the following table summarizes their key gemological properties as detailed in the provided sources.
| Gemstone | Mineral | Mohs Hardness | Common Colors | Primary Sources | Crystal System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | 6.5 - 7 | Yellow-green to deep olive, lime-green | Arizona, Pakistan, China | Orthorhombic |
| Spinel | Spinel | 7.5 - 8 | Red, pink, purple, blue, orange, black | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania | Cubic |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony (Quartz) | 6.5 - 7 | Banded reddish-brown and white | India, Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, USA | Trigonal |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Across cultures and centuries, each of the August birthstones has accumulated a rich tapestry of symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs. These associations add a layer of profound personal significance to the gems, transforming them from mere adornments into objects of intention and power.
Sardonyx, with its ancient lineage, is primarily associated with strength, protection, and courage. Its historical use as a talisman for soldiers underscores its role as a stone that bolsters fortitude and wards off danger. Modern interpretations also link it to stability, lasting happiness, and luck in matters of love and marriage. It is considered a grounding stone that promotes discipline and integrity.
Peridot, the "gem of the sun," is a stone of light and positivity. Its vibrant green color is intrinsically linked to themes of growth, renewal, and prosperity. It is believed to cleanse the heart and promote emotional healing, making it a powerful stone for the Heart Chakra. Wearing peridot is said to attract good fortune, dispel negative emotions like jealousy and resentment, and bring peace and harmony to the wearer's life. It is also thought to ward off nightmares and protect against evil spirits.
Spinel, as a more recently recognized birthstone, carries the symbolism of revitalization and renewed energy. Its varied colors allow for a broad range of associations, but it is generally seen as a stone that inspires passion and perseverance. The red varieties connect to vitality and courage, while other colors like blue or pink can symbolize calm and compassion. As a gem that was long mistaken for ruby, it also embodies the idea of hidden strength and the value of being recognized for one's true self.
Practical Care and Cleaning
Understanding the durability of each gemstone is essential for maintaining its beauty and ensuring its longevity in jewelry. The Mohs hardness scale, which measures a mineral's resistance to scratching, provides a reliable guide for care.
Sardonyx, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, is reasonably durable but can be susceptible to scratches from harder materials. It is best cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, which could damage the stone or any wax used to enhance its appearance.
Peridot, with a similar hardness of 6.5 to 7, requires careful handling. It is more prone to chipping or cracking if struck against a hard surface due to its properties, so it should be protected from sharp blows. As with sardonyx, warm soapy water and a soft cloth are the safest methods for cleaning. It is important to avoid drastic temperature changes and harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, which can dull or damage the gem's surface.
Spinel is the most durable of the three, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. This makes it highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear in rings and bracelets. Spinel can be safely cleaned using warm soapy water, an ultrasonic cleaner (for untreated stones), and a steam cleaner. However, it is always wise to inspect any jewelry for loose settings or damage before using these methods, and to exercise caution with stones that may have undergone fracture filling.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—offer a compelling narrative of geological wonder, historical depth, and diverse beauty. From the ancient, protective bands of sardonyx to the sun-drenched green of peridot and the rediscovered brilliance of spinel, this trinity provides a gem for every taste and purpose. Their official recognition reflects a growing appreciation for the full spectrum of gemological treasures. Whether chosen for their striking appearance, their storied past, or their believed metaphysical properties, these three stones represent the rich and varied legacy of August, serving as enduring symbols of strength, prosperity, and light for those born in its month.