August boasts not one, but three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This unique offering provides a diverse range of colors and histories for those born in this summer month. While peridot is the most commonly associated August gem, spinel has recently gained recognition, and sardonyx holds the distinction of being the oldest known August birthstone. These stones carry rich symbolism and have captivated civilizations for millennia, from ancient Egypt to modern jewelry collections.
History and Lore
Sardonyx holds the longest documented history of the three, referenced in the Bible and utilized in ancient artifacts. It was included in the high priest’s breastplate and considered one of the foundational stones of Jerusalem, dating its use back over 4,000 years. Ancient scholars often conflated peridot with topaz, with some believing the “topaz” mentioned in historical texts was actually peridot, due to their similar amber to yellow-green hues. George Frederick Kuntz, in his 1913 publication, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, noted this historical ambiguity. The island of Topazios, historically believed to be the source of topaz, in fact yielded peridot.
Peridot’s history stretches back to ancient Egypt around 1500 BC, where it was known as the “gem of the sun.” Egyptians sourced the gem from the volcanic island of Zabargad in the Red Sea, a source that remained significant until the early 20th century. It was believed to protect against nightmares and bestow confidence, health, and positive energy upon the wearer. Some historians even suggest that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have consisted largely of peridot.
Spinel’s history is intertwined with that of ruby and sapphire. For centuries, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, particularly when found in the same mines. The Badakhshan mine in Northern Afghanistan, active since 1000 A.D., yielded significant quantities of spinel that were initially identified as ruby. These red spinels, known as Balas Ruby, adorned the regalia of royalty in central and southeast Asia. Notable examples include the Black Prince’s Ruby, part of the Crown Jewels of England, the Samarian Spinel, the largest fine red spinel and a component of the Iranian Crown Jewels, and a red spinel featured in the Russian Imperial Crown.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique in its formation, often found in hardened lava carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle, and even within meteorites. This extraterrestrial origin adds to its mystique. The ancient Egyptians sourced peridot from Zabargad Island in the Red Sea.
Spinel commonly occurs alongside ruby and sapphire deposits, explaining the historical confusion. The Badakhshan mine in Afghanistan is a historically significant source, active for over a millennium.
Sardonyx, a variety of chalcedony, is not specifically detailed in terms of geological formation within the provided sources.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. The intensity of the green hue depends on the amount of iron present in the crystal structure.
Spinel is a versatile gem that comes in a wide range of colors and can be cut into various shapes. It is known for its sparkle. Red spinel, historically called Balas Ruby, is a particularly prized variety.
Sardonyx is a red and white variety of chalcedony. The sources do not provide further details on its gemological properties.
The following table summarizes the available gemological information:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Color Range | Notable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | Yellowish-green to greenish yellow | Formed in lava, found in meteorites |
| Spinel | Not specified | Wide range, including red | Often mistaken for ruby |
| Sardonyx | Chalcedony | Red and white | Traditional August birthstone |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot has long been associated with good fortune and is traditionally given to celebrate the 16th year of marriage. Ancient Egyptians believed it possessed protective qualities, warding off nightmares and bringing confidence, health, and positive energy.
Spinel is believed to have refreshing properties, renewing energy after setbacks and fostering humility in victory.
Sardonyx, as one of the oldest August birthstones, was referenced in the Bible and held significance in ancient religious contexts. It is not detailed with specific metaphysical beliefs in the provided sources beyond its historical religious use.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care and cleaning instructions for any of the three August birthstones. However, given peridot’s composition, it is likely susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners. Spinel’s hardness is not specified, but generally, gems should be protected from scratches and impacts. Sardonyx, being a chalcedony, is relatively durable but should still be handled with care.
Conclusion
August’s birthstones – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx – represent a rich tapestry of history, geological wonder, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient Egyptians’ “gem of the sun” to the regal adornments of European royalty and the historical confusion surrounding its identity with ruby, each stone offers a unique connection to the past. The recent recognition of spinel as a modern August birthstone expands the options for those seeking a meaningful and beautiful gemstone. These three gems continue to captivate and inspire, embodying the vibrant spirit of the month of August.