The months of August and December boast a diverse selection of birthstones, each with a unique history, geological origin, and symbolic meaning. While August is traditionally represented by sardonyx, modern lists include peridot and spinel, offering a spectrum of green and reddish hues. December, similarly, features blue zircon and blue topaz, both captivating gemstones associated with serenity and purity. This article will delve into the characteristics of these stones, exploring their historical significance, geological formation, gemological properties, and cultural associations, as understood through available records.
History and Lore of August Birthstones
The history of August birthstones is rich and varied. Sardonyx, the oldest of the three, dates back over 4,000 years, finding use in ancient Roman seals and signet rings due to its smooth surface, ideal for carving and its resistance to hot wax. Romans even wore sardonyx rings depicting Mars for protection in battle, believing it imbued courage and strength. Its banded layers were seen as representing stability in partnerships and clear communication.
Peridot, valued since ancient times, was often mistaken for emerald and topaz. Its history stretches back to ancient Egypt, where it was mined on the island of Zabargad – a location known ominously as the “Island of Death” due to its harsh conditions – as early as 340–279 BCE. Priests adorned themselves with peridot jewelry as early as the second century BCE, and it later graced the chalices and churches of medieval Europe. Throughout history, peridot has been considered a protective talisman, shielding the wearer from evil spirits and “terrors of the night,” stemming from its association with the sun and its lively appearance.
Spinel, while historically often confused with ruby, gained recognition as a distinct gemstone more recently, particularly with the discovery of vibrant pink and orangy-red varieties in Tanzania in 2007. For centuries, spinel was underappreciated, but it is now gaining popularity as an alternative to ruby.
History and Lore of December Birthstones
December’s birthstones, blue zircon and blue topaz, also carry significant historical weight. Blue zircon is prized for its unusually bright luster and high dispersion, rivaling that of diamond. Zircons, in various colors, have a long history, with blue zircons specifically associated with serenity and purity.
Blue topaz, similarly, has a rich past, with topaz jewelry reaching its peak in the 18th and early 19th centuries, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot’s formation is particularly remarkable. It is often found in hardened lava, carried from deep within the Earth’s mantle, and has even been discovered in meteorites. Primary sources today include China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States. The Egyptian island of Zabargad remains a historically significant source, though mining there was challenging.
Spinel is also sourced from various locations, including Tanzania, where recent discoveries have yielded captivating colors.
Sardonyx, a combination of sard and onyx, is found in India, Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States. Indian sardonyx is particularly noted for its strong color contrast.
Blue zircon is sourced from various locations, though specific details are limited in the provided sources.
Blue topaz is also sourced from multiple locations, but the provided materials do not specify particular mining areas.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine.
Spinel boasts a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear, including in rings. It is stable when exposed to light and chemicals, though high heat can cause some colors to fade.
Sardonyx, a form of chalcedony, has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. It is commonly dyed, and high heat can affect the color of dyed stones.
Blue zircon’s gemological properties are not detailed in the provided sources beyond its high luster and dispersion.
Blue topaz’s gemological properties are also not detailed in the provided sources.
The following table summarizes the Mohs hardness of the August birthstones:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Spinel | 8 |
| Sardonyx | 6.5 - 7 |
| Peridot | Not specified |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Rubies, often associated with July, are linked to physicality and strength, believed to increase stamina and calm anger. Peridot, similarly, was thought to protect wearers from nighttime evil spirits due to its association with the sun. Sardonyx was believed to bring stability to marriage and partnerships, representing courage, happiness, and clear communication.
Blue zircon is associated with serenity and purity.
Care and Cleaning
Spinel is typically durable and can be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, though caution is advised if the stone has fractures. Warm soapy water is always a safe alternative.
Sardonyx, like other chalcedony varieties, should be cleaned with caution. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used carefully, and warm soapy water with a soft-bristle brush is the safest option. It’s important to note that sardonyx is often dyed, and high heat can affect the color.
Peridot’s care instructions are not specified in the provided sources.
Conclusion
The birthstones associated with August and December – peridot, spinel, sardonyx, blue zircon, and blue topaz – represent a fascinating array of gemstones with rich histories and diverse geological origins. From the protective qualities attributed to peridot and sardonyx in ancient times to the serenity associated with blue zircon and the symbolism of wealth linked to blue topaz, these stones continue to captivate and inspire. While modern birthstone charts offer a wider selection, the traditional stones retain their significance, offering a connection to the past and a beautiful expression of personal meaning. The recent appreciation for spinel as a distinct gemstone highlights the evolving understanding and appreciation of these natural treasures.