August, a month rich in meteor showers, cultural celebrations, and historical significance, is also notable for being associated with three distinct birthstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. While many months are represented by a single gemstone, August is unique in having three, each with its own rich history, geological properties, and symbolic meaning.
These gemstones—each with their own distinct allure—have been cherished for centuries across cultures and eras. From the fiery reds and greens of spinel and peridot to the banded patterns of sardonyx, August birthstones represent a fascinating convergence of natural beauty and human history. This article delves into the origins, properties, and meanings of each of these gemstones, offering a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, jewelers, and collectors alike.
History and Lore
The concept of birthstones dates back thousands of years, with ancient cultures assigning specific stones to each month of the year, often attributing protective, healing, or spiritual powers to them. August is no exception. In fact, it is one of the few months with more than one traditional birthstone, a testament to the variety of gemstones that have been historically revered and used in jewelry.
Sardonyx – The Original August Birthstone
Sardonyx, a type of banded agate composed of red and white layers, is often cited as the original August birthstone, with its use dating back over 4,000 years to the Second Dynasty of Egypt. This gemstone was particularly favored by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed it possessed protective qualities. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx talismans engraved with images of deities to bolster courage and defend against harm in battle. The ancient Egyptians, on the other hand, associated sardonyx with physical healing, especially of the bones and joints.
During the Renaissance, sardonyx took on a new role as a symbol of eloquence and communication. Orators and public speakers wore it to enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and persuasively. This belief in sardonyx as a stone of clarity and confidence continues to this day, with many cultures attributing it with the power to strengthen willpower and motivation.
Sardonyx is also known for its protective and stabilizing properties, making it a popular choice in jewelry for those seeking emotional and relationship balance. In modern times, it is believed to support happiness, courage, and creativity, while also fostering trust in relationships and fidelity in marriage.
Peridot – The Modern August Birthstone
Peridot, the modern August birthstone in the United States and Britain, is a vibrant green gemstone that has been known and used for thousands of years. While it is now the most commonly associated with August birthdays, its history is even more ancient. Peridot is the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine, a magnesium-iron silicate. It has been discovered in meteorites, and some of the finest peridot crystals are found in pallasite meteorites, which are believed to be between 4 and 5 billion years old.
The gem’s name is thought to derive from the Arabic word "faridat", meaning "gem". One of the earliest known sources of peridot is the Red Sea island of Zabargad, a small, arid island where gem-quality crystals were mined from volcanic rock. The island’s name means "olivine" in Arabic, and its conditions—lacking fresh water and vegetation—make it one of the harshest mining environments in the world.
Peridot’s association with ancient Egypt is particularly notable. The Egyptians referred to it as the "gem of the sun", and it was believed to bring good fortune and vitality. Some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have actually been composed of peridot, as the gem was often mistaken for emerald in the past due to its similar green color.
In more recent times, peridot has gained popularity as a symbol of self-responsibility and forgiveness. It is used to help individuals accept their mistakes and move forward with clarity and strength. It is also known as the "evening emerald" due to its ability to retain its green hue even under artificial light, unlike many other green gems that appear darker at night.
Peridot has also been found in comet dust, including a sample brought back by the Stardust robotic space probe in 2005, further cementing its cosmic origins.
Spinel – The Newest Addition to August
In 2016, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) officially added spinel as a new August birthstone, expanding the month's collection to three. Spinel is a colorful and versatile gemstone that was once mistaken for ruby and other red gems due to its striking red color and brilliance. However, it is a distinct mineral with its own unique properties.
Spinel has a long history of being misidentified, with many historical "rubies" later confirmed to be spinel. This misidentification led to spinel being undervalued for much of history, but in recent years, it has gained appreciation for its rare colors and high clarity. Spinel can be found in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and even black, making it a highly versatile gemstone.
Spinel is known for its brilliance and fire, similar to ruby and sapphire, but with a harder and more durable structure. It is also relatively rare, especially in large sizes and vivid colors, which makes it a highly collectible gemstone.
Spinel is believed to carry positive energy and vitality, and in some cultures, it is considered a stone of love and compassion. It is also associated with clarity of thought and emotional stability, making it a valuable gemstone for those seeking balance and focus in their lives.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the August birthstones is formed under different geological conditions and is found in a variety of global locations.
Peridot
Peridot is a naturally occurring gemstone formed under extreme conditions, often found in volcanic rock or meteorites. It is created when magnesium-iron silicates cool and crystallize, resulting in the gem's characteristic green color, which varies depending on the amount of iron present.
Peridot is most commonly found in basaltic lava flows, where it is carried to the surface from the Earth’s mantle. It can also be found in meteorites, particularly pallasite meteorites, which contain peridot embedded in iron-nickel metal.
Major sources of peridot include:
- Zabargad Island (Red Sea) – Known for producing some of the finest peridot in history.
- Norway
- Brazil
- China
- Kenya
- Sri Lanka
- Australia
- Mexico
- Myanmar (Burma)
- The United States, particularly the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona
Peridot is also found in comet dust, making it one of the few gemstones with a cosmic origin.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of silica. It forms in volcanic rock cavities, where layers of red and white chalcedony build up over time. The red layers are typically composed of hematite or other iron oxides, while the white layers are pure chalcedony.
The gemstone is found in a variety of locations around the world, including:
- India
- Brazil
- Madagascar
- The United States
- Egypt
- Germany
Sardonyx is particularly hard and durable, making it ideal for engraving and carving, and it was widely used in ancient times for seals and talismans.
Spinel
Spinel is a synthetic-looking gemstone that forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks, particularly in marble and basalt. It is composed of aluminum oxide with trace amounts of iron, magnesium, and other elements, which determine its color.
Spinel is found in several key locations around the world, including:
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Madagascar
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- The United States
Spinel is particularly known for its vibrant red and pink stones, but it can also be found in rare colors such as blue, green, and orange. The largest and most valuable spinel gemstones are often found in Myanmar and Vietnam.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and optical properties of each gemstone is essential for both collectors and jewelers.
Peridot
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Yellowish green to greenish yellow; varies with iron content |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65–1.70 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.30–3.45 |
| Double Refraction | High (visible as two images of pavilion facets) |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Peridot is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, which makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage. It is also known for its high double refraction, which means light is split into two rays when passing through the stone.
Sardonyx
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Alternating bands of red (hematite) and white (chalcedony) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (silica) with iron oxides in the red layers |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (chalcedony) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.48–1.53 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58–2.64 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
Sardonyx is durable and suitable for everyday wear, making it a popular choice for rings and pendants. Its banded patterns make it highly distinctive and decorative, especially when carved or engraved.
Spinel
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, black |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ (magnesium aluminate) |
| Crystal System | Isometric (cubic) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.718–1.736 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.6–4.0 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Spinel is harder and more durable than peridot and sardonyx, making it ideal for jewelry that is worn regularly. It is also rare in large sizes and vivid colors, which adds to its collectibility and value.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries unique symbolic and metaphysical meanings, reflecting the diverse cultures and beliefs that have revered them over the centuries.
Peridot
Peridot is often associated with self-responsibility and forgiveness. It is believed to help individuals acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with confidence and clarity. This makes it an ideal gemstone for those undergoing personal transformation or seeking to improve their self-image.
It is also known as a stone of good fortune, with the power to attract prosperity and abundance. In some traditions, peridot is used to ward off nightmares and negative thoughts, making it a protective stone for sleep and dreams.
Peridot is also associated with healing and vitality, particularly in the digestive and immune systems. It is believed to help with detoxification and energy flow, supporting overall well-being and mental clarity.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a stone of protection and stability, often used to guard against negative influences and to strengthen willpower and motivation. It is believed to enhance confidence and courage, making it a popular choice for those who are facing challenges or embarking on new ventures.
In ancient times, sardonyx was used as a talisman for success and eloquence, particularly by orators and public speakers. It was believed to enhance communication and clarity of thought, helping individuals express themselves more effectively.
Sardonyx is also known as a stone of love and fidelity, supporting healthy relationships and emotional balance. It is believed to strengthen bonds between partners and promote harmony and trust in marriage and partnerships.
Spinel
Spinel is a stone of vitality and emotional balance, known for its ability to enhance energy, clarity, and emotional stability. It is particularly valued for its positive and uplifting energy, which helps individuals remain calm and focused in difficult situations.
Spinel is also associated with love and compassion, making it a popular gemstone for romantic relationships and emotional healing. It is believed to open the heart and promote deep emotional connections, while also helping individuals release negative emotions and move forward with grace and strength.
Spinel is also known as a stone of creativity and inspiration, supporting artistic expression and intellectual clarity. It is often used by artists, writers, and musicians to enhance their creative flow and overcome creative blocks.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of August birthstone jewelry.
Peridot
Peridot is relatively soft and fragile, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, making it susceptible to scratches and chipping. It is also double refractive, which means it can be damaged by heat and sudden temperature changes.
To care for peridot jewelry:
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and sudden temperature changes.
- Clean with mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or brush.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone or loosen its setting.
- Store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is durable and suitable for everyday wear, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7. It is resistant to scratches and damage, but it can still be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
To care for sardonyx jewelry:
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as these can damage the stone or setting.
- Store sardonyx separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, such as acids and bleach, which can damage the surface.
Spinel
Spinel is hard and durable, with a Mohs hardness of 8, making it ideal for everyday wear. It is resistant to scratches and damage, and it is also stable and resistant to heat and light.
To care for spinel jewelry:
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.
- Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe for spinel, but it is always best to check with a professional jeweler before using these methods.
- Store spinel separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, such as acids and bleach, which can damage the surface.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history, diverse properties, and deep symbolism of gemstones. Each of these gemstones has its own unique story, from the ancient Egyptians who revered peridot as the gem of the sun, to the Romans who used sardonyx as a talisman for protection and eloquence, to the newly recognized spinel, which has only recently gained its place as an official August birthstone.
Understanding the geological formation, cultural significance, and metaphysical properties of these gemstones allows us to appreciate their beauty and meaning on a deeper level. Whether you are a collector, a jewelry buyer, or simply someone curious about the history of gemstones, the August birthstones offer a rich and rewarding exploration of the natural world and the human imagination.
These gemstones not only enhance the aesthetic of jewelry and decor, but also serve as symbols of personal growth, emotional balance, and spiritual connection. As we continue to discover and celebrate the beauty of these stones, we honor the long and storied tradition of gemstones as a reflection of both the Earth and the human spirit.