August boasts a unique distinction among birthstone months: it possesses not one, but three official gemstones – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each stone carries its own rich history, symbolism, and geological origins, offering a diverse palette of choices for those born in the eighth month of the year. While peridot is generally considered the primary August birthstone, sardonyx holds historical significance, and spinel was a more recent addition to the list, recognized in 2016. This article will delve into the fascinating world of these three gems, exploring their origins, properties, and cultural relevance.
A Historical Lineage: From Ancient Beliefs to Modern Recognition
The story of August birthstones is one of evolving traditions and occasional mistaken identity. Sardonyx holds the longest documented history, appearing as early as 4,000 years ago and even referenced in the Bible as one of the gems in the high priest’s breastplate and as a foundation stone of Jerusalem. Ancient Greeks and Romans valued sardonyx for its perceived strength, courage, and protective qualities, utilizing it in amulets, cameos, and seals, believing it aided in communication and brought victory in battle.
Peridot’s history is intertwined with that of topaz. For centuries, the green gem mined on the Red Sea island of Topazios was often misidentified as topaz itself. Scholars like Pliny the Elder referred to it as such, and even Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have largely consisted of peridot. The island, now known as Zabargad, was a significant source of this vibrant green stone. This confusion persisted for a considerable period, with the name “topaz” being used interchangeably for both gems.
Spinel’s journey to recognition as an August birthstone is more recent. For centuries, red spinel was frequently mistaken for ruby, and blue spinel for sapphire, particularly as they were often found in the same mines. It wasn’t until the advent of modern gemological practices that spinel was definitively recognized as a distinct mineral species. Its inclusion as an official August birthstone by the Jewelers of America (JA) and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in 2016 marked an unprecedented change to the established birthstone list, offering a wider range of options for August-born individuals.
Geological Origins and Global Sources
Peridot, a variety of the mineral olivine, is formed under extreme conditions. It is often found in hardened lava, carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle, and remarkably, even in meteorites originating from outer space. While historically sourced from the Red Sea island of Topazios, peridot is now found in various locations around the world, including the United States (particularly in the American Southwest), Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony, a variety of silica. Its formation involves layers of red and white, creating a distinctive appearance. Variations of sardonyx are found in many parts of the world, though specific mining locations are not detailed in the provided sources.
Spinel’s origins are diverse, occurring in metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits. Historically, significant spinel deposits were found alongside rubies and sapphires, contributing to the initial confusion between these gemstones. Spinel can be found in a variety of colors and is sourced from locations including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Gemological Properties: Distinguishing the August Birthstones
Each of the three August birthstones possesses unique gemological properties that distinguish it from others. Peridot is known for its distinctive yellow-green to greenish-yellow hue, caused by the presence of iron in its composition. Its color remains consistent under various lighting conditions.
Spinel, while often mistaken for ruby or sapphire, has a different crystal structure. It is generally less expensive than these two gems and can be found in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, white, and black. Spinel is also harder than peridot, registering an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared to peridot’s lower score.
Sardonyx, a form of chalcedony, is characterized by its banded layers of red and white. Its composition is silica, and it is valued for its strength and durability.
A comparative table of key properties is provided below:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ | Yellow-green to greenish-yellow | 6.5 - 7 | Consistent color, often found in meteorites |
| Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | Red, pink, blue, white, black | 8 | Cubic crystal structure, often mistaken for ruby/sapphire |
| Sardonyx | SiO₂ (Chalcedony) | Banded red and white | 6.5 - 7 | Layered appearance, durable |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, each of these August birthstones has been attributed with specific meanings and powers. Sardonyx symbolizes strength, courage, and protection, and was historically used in amulets and seals. Peridot is associated with abundance, protection, and positivity. It has been referred to as a “stone of immortality” and was believed to ward off evil spirits.
Spinel, the newest addition to the August birthstone family, is also believed to possess protective qualities. Red spinel, in particular, was historically associated with vitality and passion, while other colors were thought to promote creativity and inspiration.
Care and Maintenance
The provided sources offer limited specific care instructions. However, based on their hardness, peridot and sardonyx require careful handling to avoid scratches. Spinel, being harder, is more durable. General jewelry care practices, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, are recommended for all three stones.
Conclusion
The August birthstones – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx – represent a fascinating blend of history, geology, and symbolism. From ancient amulets to modern jewelry, these vibrant gems have captivated cultures for millennia. While peridot is often considered the primary August birthstone, the inclusion of sardonyx and spinel provides a diverse range of options for those seeking a meaningful and beautiful gemstone. The story of these three stones is a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world and the human fascination with its hidden treasures.