August is unique among the calendar months, boasting not one, but three recognized birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Each gem carries its own distinct history, geological origins, and symbolic meaning, offering a diverse range of choices for those born under the August sun. While sardonyx holds the distinction of being the original August birthstone, peridot gained prominence over time, and spinel was officially added as a modern option in 2016. This article will delve into the fascinating world of these three August birthstones, exploring their origins, properties, and cultural significance.
History and Lore
Sardonyx holds the longest documented history of the three, with evidence of its use dating back over 4,000 years. Ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, prized sardonyx for its beauty and perceived protective qualities. The name itself derives from “sarda,” meaning reddish-brown, and “onux,” meaning fingernail, referencing its appearance. Throughout history, it was believed to bring comfort, joy, happiness, creativity, balance, courage, and generosity, and was even considered a charm for a happy marriage and a ward against evil spirits.
Peridot’s story is intertwined with historical misidentification. For centuries, it was often confused with other green gems, particularly emerald and topaz. The island of Topazios in the Red Sea, historically believed to be the source of topaz, actually yielded peridot. This led to the gem being mistakenly referred to as “topaz” for a considerable period. Some historians even suggest that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have largely consisted of peridot. The gem was also featured in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, initially believed to be emeralds but later identified as peridot.
Spinel’s history is marked by a case of mistaken identity of a different kind. For centuries, vibrant red spinel was often misidentified as ruby, particularly within royal collections and crown jewels. It wasn’t until more recently that spinel was recognized as a distinct and beautiful gemstone in its own right.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a gem formed under extreme conditions, originating from deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is carried to the surface through volcanic activity, often found in hardened lava. Remarkably, peridot has even been discovered in meteorites, originating from outer space.
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx, typically found in India and Brazil, but also sourced from parts of Africa, Europe, and Russia. Its banded appearance, featuring layers of light brown and red with white or gray bands, contributes to its unique aesthetic.
While specific mining locations for spinel are not detailed in the provided sources, it is noted that spinel comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, white, and black, suggesting diverse geological origins.
Gemological Properties
Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow variety of the mineral olivine. Its color is influenced by the amount of iron present within the stone.
Spinel’s hardness is notably higher than peridot, registering an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while peridot scores lower. Spinel is also known for its diverse color range, extending beyond red to include pink, blue, white, and black.
Sardonyx displays shades of brown, often with banded patterns of white, gray, or black. The most popular varieties feature lighter shades with contrasting bands.
A table summarizing key properties, based on the provided sources, is as follows:
| Gemstone | Color(s) | Hardness (Mohs) | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Yellowish-green to greenish-yellow | Not specified | Volcanic lava, meteorites |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, white, black | 8 | Not specified |
| Sardonyx | Shades of brown with white/gray/black bands | Not specified | India, Brazil, Africa, Europe, Russia |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx has long been associated with positive emotions and protective energies, symbolizing comfort, joy, happiness, creativity, balance, courage, and generosity. It was believed to promote a happy marriage and ward off negative influences.
Peridot is often linked to good fortune and is traditionally given as a gift for 16th wedding anniversaries. Some believe it possesses refreshing properties, renewing energy and fostering humility in victory.
Spinel is associated with perseverance and accepting victory with humility, according to author Judy Hall. Different colors of spinel have been given industry-specific names, such as rubicelle for yellow-orange, almandine for purple, sapphirine for blue, and chlorospinel for green. Red spinel, in particular, is often associated with the heart.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific care instructions for these gemstones. However, considering peridot’s lower hardness compared to spinel, it would likely require more careful handling to avoid scratches. General gemstone care practices, such as cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, would be appropriate for all three. Avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners is generally recommended for colored gemstones.
Conclusion
August’s birthstones – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx – offer a rich tapestry of history, geological intrigue, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient origins of sardonyx to the celestial origins of peridot and the long-misunderstood beauty of spinel, each gem provides a unique connection to the past and a vibrant expression of personal style. Whether seeking a traditional gift, a meaningful talisman, or simply a beautiful piece of jewelry, the three August birthstones provide a wealth of options for those born in this summer month.