For centuries, gemstones have captivated humanity with their beauty and mystique, often imbued with symbolic meaning and associated with specific months of the year. While modern lists offer expanding choices, traditional birthstone associations remain deeply rooted in history and lore. This article explores the birthstones for August – peridot, spinel, and sardonyx – and November – topaz and citrine, delving into their geological origins, historical significance, gemological properties, and cultural symbolism, as understood through available records.
A History of Association
The practice of linking gemstones to birth months dates back to the first century, though the specific assignments have evolved over time. Initially, the association was often tied to religious or astrological beliefs. Peridot, while now firmly established as an August birthstone, wasn’t always designated as such. Standardization of birthstones occurred in 1912, solidifying its place alongside spinel and sardonyx for those born in August. Spinel, however, is a more recent addition, gaining recognition in 2016 through updates by the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association.
Similarly, November boasts two birthstones: topaz and citrine. Topaz has a long and storied history, with ancient Greeks attributing it with powers of strength and protection. However, historical texts sometimes confused topaz with peridot, leading to interchangeable use of the name in earlier records. Citrine, with its warm golden hue, complements topaz as a November birthstone, representing abundance and joy.
The August Trio: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
August is unique in offering three birthstones, providing a range of choices for those seeking a gem with personal resonance.
Peridot: This vibrant green gem is often linked to volcanic activity, found in ancient lava flows in Arizona and Hawaiʻi. Its color, ranging from yellowish-green to olive green, has led to historical misidentification with other gemstones, including topaz. Cleopatra herself was known to adorn herself with peridot, believing it to possess powerful properties. The name “peridot” is thought to derive from the Greek word “pederos,” meaning “to glow.”
Sardonyx: A variety of onyx, sardonyx presents a reddish-brown base with white banding. It is one of the oldest known August birthstones, referenced in the Bible and incorporated into the high priest’s breastplate. Sardonyx is sourced from India, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany.
Spinel: The newest addition to the August birthstone family, spinel, offers a diverse range of colors, though it is less commonly known than peridot or sardonyx. Its inclusion in the official birthstone list in 2016 broadened the options available to those born in August.
November’s Golden Pair: Topaz and Citrine
November is represented by two gemstones that share a warm, inviting aesthetic.
Topaz: This silicate mineral boasts a remarkable spectrum of colors, including colorless, blue, yellow, orange, brown, red, and even rare pink varieties. Throughout history, topaz has been revered for its perceived mystical properties. Ancient Greeks believed it enhanced strength and offered protection, while Hindu mythology associated it with Surya, the sun god, symbolizing courage and wisdom. Topaz exhibits pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles, adding to its visual complexity. It ranks 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, indicating good durability.
Citrine: Known for its radiant golden glow, citrine symbolizes abundance and joy. Its color is often attributed to the presence of iron impurities. Like topaz, citrine is believed to possess healing properties and is associated with positivity and clarity.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation and sourcing of these birthstones vary significantly. Peridot forms deep within the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Sardonyx, a layered variety of chalcedony, forms in sedimentary rock environments. Spinel typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Topaz is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often in association with granite and rhyolite. Citrine is often heat-treated amethyst, a variety of quartz, altering its color from purple to yellow or orange.
Specific sourcing locations include:
- Peridot: Arizona, Hawaiʻi, and historically, Topazios (now Zabargad) island in the Red Sea.
- Sardonyx: India, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany.
- Topaz: Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico.
- Citrine: Often sourced as heat-treated amethyst from Brazil and other quartz-producing regions.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
The following table summarizes key gemological properties of the discussed birthstones:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Color | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ | 6.5 - 7 | Yellowish-green to Olive Green | Transparent to Translucent |
| Sardonyx | SiO₂ (Chalcedony) | 6.5 - 7 | Reddish-brown with White Banding | Translucent |
| Topaz | Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂ | 8 | Colorless, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Red, Pink | Transparent |
| Citrine | SiO₂ (Quartz) | 7 | Yellow to Orange | Transparent |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, these birthstones have been attributed with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. Peridot is associated with strength, happiness, and good fortune, believed to attract wealth and promote harmony. Sardonyx symbolizes courage and protection, while topaz embodies strength, protection, and vitality. Citrine represents abundance, joy, and positivity. These beliefs, while not scientifically proven, contribute to the enduring appeal of these gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of these birthstones requires appropriate care. Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5-7, is relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. It should be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Sardonyx, also with a hardness of 6.5-7, requires similar gentle cleaning. Topaz, with a hardness of 8, is more durable but can still be chipped with a sharp blow. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, or with an ultrasonic cleaner. Citrine, also with a hardness of 7, is relatively durable and can be cleaned similarly to topaz. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners for all these gemstones.
Conclusion
The birthstones for August and November – peridot, spinel, sardonyx, topaz, and citrine – represent a rich tapestry of history, geology, and symbolism. From ancient beliefs to modern interpretations, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Whether chosen for their aesthetic beauty, perceived metaphysical properties, or personal significance, these birthstones offer a tangible connection to the natural world and the enduring power of gemstones.