August boasts not one, but three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. This offers those born in the eighth month a diverse palette of colors and histories to choose from. While peridot is perhaps the most widely recognized August birthstone, spinel has gained prominence in recent years, and sardonyx holds the distinction of being the original birthstone for this month. Each gem carries its own unique story, geological origins, and symbolic meaning.
History and Lore
Sardonyx claims the longest history as an August birthstone, with use dating back over 4,000 years. Ancient Romans favored sardonyx for creating seals and signet rings, appreciating its smooth surface that prevented wax from adhering. The stone also appears in historical religious texts, believed to be one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate as described in the Old Testament, symbolizing spiritual strength. Roman soldiers even wore sardonyx rings carved with the image of Mars, seeking protection in battle.
Peridot’s history is equally fascinating, with potential misidentification throughout the ages. Many historians believe that Cleopatra’s famed emeralds were, in fact, peridot sourced from the Red Sea island of Topazios. During medieval times, peridot adorned shrines, revered for its vibrant green hue. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral features 200 carats of gems once thought to be emeralds, but now identified as peridot.
Spinel’s story is one of mistaken identity. For centuries, red spinel was often confused with ruby, particularly in historical collections. The famous “Black Prince’s Ruby,” a 170-carat gem owned by successive Moorish and Spanish kings before ending up in the British Imperial State Crown, is actually a spinel. It wasn’t until the 18th century that spinel was definitively distinguished from ruby based on chemical differences. Red spinel was historically believed to be a remedy for blood loss and inflammatory diseases, promoting harmony and easing anger. It is traditionally gifted to celebrate a 22nd wedding anniversary.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is uniquely formed under extreme conditions, often found in hardened lava carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle. Remarkably, peridot has even been discovered in meteorites that have traveled from outer space.
Spinel also forms under challenging geological circumstances. A 2007 discovery in Tanzania yielded spinel in a range of colors, including pinkish and orangy red, purple, and blue hues. The specific locations where spinel is found are not detailed beyond Tanzania.
Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony – sard and onyx – creating banded patterns of brownish-red to dark orange sard alternating with white or black onyx layers. The sources for sardonyx are not specified in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Its color varies depending on the amount of iron present, ranging from yellowish-green to olive green.
Spinel boasts a wide spectrum of colors, including intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish-green. It registers an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable enough for everyday wear in jewelry.
Sardonyx is a cryptocrystalline quartz, a combination of sard and onyx, exhibiting banded patterns.
Here's a table summarizing the hardness of these three August birthstones:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Spinel | 8 |
| Peridot | Not specified in sources |
| Sardonyx | Not specified in sources |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Red spinel, along with other red gems, was historically associated with healing properties, believed to alleviate blood loss and inflammatory diseases. It was also thought to promote harmony and quell anger.
Sardonyx was believed to bring stability to marriage and partnerships, and to foster courage, happiness, and clear communication.
Peridot is associated with good fortune. It is also the traditional gift for the 16th wedding anniversary.
Care and Cleaning
Both spinel and sardonyx, with a Mohs hardness of 8, are generally durable enough for use in rings and other jewelry. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used for these stones, though caution is advised if fractures are present. Warm soapy water is always a safe cleaning alternative. Spinel is stable when exposed to light and chemicals, but high heat can cause some colors to fade.
Specific care instructions for peridot are not provided in the sources.
Conclusion
August’s birthstones – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx – offer a rich tapestry of history, geological intrigue, and symbolic meaning. From Cleopatra’s purported peridot “emeralds” to the centuries of mistaken identity surrounding spinel, and the ancient Roman use of sardonyx for seals, these gems represent a fascinating intersection of science, culture, and artistry. The choice between these three stones allows individuals born in August to select a gem that resonates with their personal preferences and beliefs, carrying with it a legacy of beauty and significance.