August boasts not one, but several recognized birthstones, primarily peridot, but also including carnelian and sardonyx. These gemstones, while differing in composition and appearance, share a connection to the late summer months and have accumulated rich histories and symbolic meanings. This article will explore the available information regarding these August birthstones, drawing from crossword puzzle data and associated clues to present a concise overview of their identification and recognition.
Historical Recognition Through Crossword Clues
The primary source material for this discussion consists of crossword puzzle clues and solutions. This unique dataset reveals how these gemstones are perceived and recognized within popular culture and linguistic associations. The frequent appearance of “August birthstone” as a crossword clue highlights the public’s awareness of a gemstone linked to this month. The most consistently cited answer is peridot, appearing in solutions for the Wall Street Journal crossword (May 21, 2025) and frequently referenced as a 7-letter solution. Carnelian and sardonyx also appear as valid answers, though with less frequency. This suggests peridot holds a more prominent position in the collective understanding of August birthstones.
Peridot: The Olivine Gem
Peridot, identified as an August birthstone in multiple sources, is a gem variety of olivine. The sources describe it as a “green gemstone” and “green olivine,” emphasizing its characteristic color. It is also described as a “semi-precious stone,” indicating its position within the broader gemological hierarchy. The clues suggest an association with summer, as it is linked to “some summer births” and “most August babies.” The crossword data does not provide details on its chemical composition, crystal structure, or specific geological origins. However, its consistent identification as an August birthstone underscores its cultural significance.
Carnelian: A Warm-Toned Gem
Carnelian is another gemstone identified as an August birthstone. The sources indicate it is a 9-letter solution to the “August birthstone” crossword clue. While no specific properties are detailed, its inclusion alongside peridot demonstrates its historical recognition as a birthstone for this month. The sources do not offer any details regarding its color variations or geological formation.
Sardonyx: Banded Chalcedony
Sardonyx is also listed as an “August birthstone,” appearing as an 8-letter solution in crossword puzzles. The sources do not provide details about its composition or appearance beyond its classification as a gemstone.
Gemological Properties: Limited Data
The provided sources are limited in their gemological detail. They do not offer information on the hardness, refractive index, specific gravity, or chemical formulas of peridot, carnelian, or sardonyx. The sources only broadly categorize peridot as a “green semi-precious stone” and identify carnelian and sardonyx simply as August birthstones. Therefore, a comprehensive gemological profile cannot be constructed from this data.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance: Hints from Clues
The crossword clues offer subtle hints regarding the symbolism associated with these stones. Peridot is linked to “Durocher and the Lion,” a reference that requires external context to fully understand. The association with “action-oriented sorts” suggests a perceived connection to vitality and energy. The clues also mention peridot as a stone “for many Libras,” linking it to astrological signs. However, the sources do not elaborate on the historical or cultural basis for these associations. Carnelian and sardonyx lack any symbolic associations within the provided data.
Crossword Clue Frequency and Word Length
The data reveals a pattern in the frequency and length of solutions. Peridot (7 letters) is the most frequently cited answer, followed by carnelian (9 letters) and sardonyx (8 letters). The sources also provide information on the possible number of letters in the answer, ranging from 3 to 9. This information is useful for crossword puzzle solvers but does not contribute to a deeper understanding of the gemstones themselves.
Historical Usage: Limited to Puzzle Appearances
The historical usage of these gemstones, as reflected in the sources, is limited to their appearances in crossword puzzles. The sources indicate that the “August birthstone” clue has appeared in various publications, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New Yorker, spanning from 2023 to 2025. This demonstrates a consistent, though limited, recognition of these gemstones as birthstones within the context of puzzle creation and solving.
Table of August Birthstones from Sources
| Gemstone | Length | Frequency of Appearance (in Sources) |
|---|---|---|
| Peridot | 7 | High |
| Carnelian | 9 | Moderate |
| Sardonyx | 8 | Moderate |
| Opal | 5 | Mentioned, but not as an August stone |
| Topaz | 5 | Mentioned, but as a November stone |
Care and Cleaning: No Information Provided
The provided sources do not contain any information regarding the care and cleaning of peridot, carnelian, or sardonyx. Without details on their hardness, cleavage, or other physical properties, it is impossible to offer specific recommendations for their maintenance.
Conclusion
The available data, derived from crossword puzzle clues and solutions, confirms that peridot, carnelian, and sardonyx are recognized as August birthstones. Peridot appears to be the most prominently associated gem with this month, based on its frequency in crossword puzzle answers. However, the sources are limited in their gemological detail, offering only basic information on color and classification. Further research, utilizing dedicated gemological resources, is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of these gemstones’ properties, history, and significance. The reliance on crossword puzzle data provides a unique, albeit limited, perspective on the cultural awareness of these birthstones.