For those born in July and August, a rich heritage of gemstone symbolism awaits. July boasts the vibrant Ruby alongside the enigmatic Onyx, while August presents a trio of choices: the captivating Peridot, the colorful Spinel, and the banded Sardonyx. These stones are not merely beautiful adornments; they are imbued with history, lore, and unique geological origins. This article will delve into the characteristics, origins, and significance of these birthstones, drawing upon available knowledge to illuminate their enduring appeal.
A Tale of Two Stones: July’s Ruby and Onyx
July is unique in possessing two recognized birthstones: the Ruby and the Onyx. This duality stems from a distinction between modern and traditional designations. The Jewelers of America officially designated these stones in the 1950s, though earlier traditions also recognized them. The Ruby, often called the “king of precious stones” in ancient Sanskrit (“ratnaraj”), is the more widely recognized of the two. Its name originates from the Latin “rubeus,” meaning red, evolving through Old French to its current English form.
Rubies, belonging to the corundum family – which also includes sapphires – are celebrated for their intense red hue. This color is a result of the presence of chromium, with higher concentrations leading to deeper, more vivid shades. Ironically, the very element that creates the ruby’s prized color also contributes to its rarity, as chromium can cause fissures and cracks within the stone. Rubies exist only in shades of red and pink, and high-quality, large rubies are exceptionally valuable, sometimes exceeding the price of diamonds.
Alongside the Ruby, July also recognizes Onyx as a birthstone. While less prominent in modern associations, Onyx holds a timeless charm.
August’s Trio: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August stands out with not two, but three birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. This abundance reflects a more contemporary approach to birthstone selection, with Spinel being added as recently as 2016. Initially, Sardonyx was the sole birthstone for August. However, its similarity in color to Peridot led to the inclusion of Peridot as a second option.
The addition of Spinel broadened the choices available to August-born individuals, embracing a wider spectrum of color and history. Each stone offers a unique appeal, reflecting diverse geological origins and cultural significance.
Geological Origins and Sources
The sources for these birthstones are geographically diverse. Rubies are formed in specific geological conditions, and their rarity is linked to the presence of chromium. Sardonyx, a variety of chalcedony, is typically found in regions with volcanic and metamorphic activity. Specifically, Sardonyx is sourced from Brazil, Germany, Madagascar, and the United States. The quality of Sardonyx is often judged by the distinctness of its bands. Peridot, with its captivating green shades, is also found in various locations, though specific mining areas are not detailed in the provided sources.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited detailed gemological data. However, some properties can be gleaned. Rubies, as members of the corundum family, share a similar chemical composition with sapphires. The intensity of a ruby’s red color is directly related to its chromium content. Sardonyx possesses a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but susceptible to scratching from harder materials like quartz, commonly found in household dust. This places it between talc (1) and diamond (10) on the scale. The more distinct the bands within a Sardonyx gemstone, the more valuable it is considered. Peridot is renowned for its shades of green, and its name comes from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning “gem.”
A table summarizing the hardness of some common materials for comparison:
| Material | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Talc | 1 |
| Sardonyx | 6.5 - 7 |
| Quartz | 7 - 7.5 |
| Diamond | 10 |
History and Lore
The history of these birthstones is steeped in tradition and symbolism. Rubies have been revered for millennia, earning the title “ratnaraj” – king of precious stones – in ancient Sanskrit. Their association with passion, protection, and prosperity has endured through the ages. Sardonyx, named from the Greek words for “reddish-brown” and “veined gem,” also boasts a rich history. Its banded appearance has been interpreted as representing strength and stability. Peridot, known as “faridat” in Arabic, has been treasured for its vibrant green color.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of these birthstones requires careful attention. Sardonyx, with its hardness of 6.5 to 7, should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended, and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used with caution. The sources do not provide specific care instructions for Ruby, Onyx, Spinel, or Peridot, but given the Ruby’s hardness, similar gentle cleaning methods are likely appropriate.
Restoring Brilliance and Resources
The sources highlight the possibility of restoring lost brilliance to Ruby and Onyx jewelry. Expert gemologists can meticulously source replacement gems to match the original character of a piece, rekindling cherished memories. Resources such as the American Gem Society (https://www.americangemsociety.org/) and the Gemological Institute of America (https://www.gia.edu/) offer further information on rubies. Gemsociety.org (https://www.gemsociety.org/) and Angara.com (https://www.angara.com/blog/july-birthstone/) provide additional insights into Onyx.
Conclusion
The birthstones of July and August – Ruby, Onyx, Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx – represent a captivating blend of history, geology, and symbolism. From the fiery red of the Ruby to the banded patterns of the Sardonyx, each stone possesses a unique allure. These gemstones are not merely beautiful adornments; they are tangible links to the past, imbued with cultural significance and enduring appeal. Whether chosen for their aesthetic qualities, their historical associations, or their perceived metaphysical properties, these birthstones continue to captivate and inspire.