For those born on August 17th, the selection of a birthstone is not as straightforward as for other dates. The provided materials offer a range of perspectives, identifying Ruby, Peridot, and even Pyrite as potential birthstones for this date. Each of these gemstones carries its own rich history, symbolic meaning, and gemological properties, making the August 17th birthstone a subject of both intrigue and complexity.
This article delves into the characteristics, historical uses, and cultural significance of each of these gemstones. It examines their geological properties, symbolic meanings, and their roles in the world of jewelry and spirituality. By exploring the sources provided, we gain a clearer picture of the multifaceted nature of the August 17th birthstone tradition.
History and Lore
The history of the August 17th birthstone is layered and diverse, with different sources offering varying accounts. Some sources emphasize Ruby as the primary birthstone for this date, while others highlight Peridot, and one uniquely identifies Pyrite as the birthstone. This article will explore all three options, based on the data available.
Ruby: The Stone of Passion and Vitality
Ruby is the most prominent and widely recognized gemstone associated with August 17th. According to the sources, it is described as a symbol of passion, vitality, and a connection to the Sun’s life-giving energy. Ruby is the second hardest gemstone after diamond, with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it a durable and suitable gemstone for daily wear in jewelry.
Ruby has a long and storied history across many ancient civilizations. It was revered in ancient Egypt, where it was believed to offer protection from snakes, and in medieval Europe, it was thought to bring love, courage, and abundance. Some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually included Peridot, due to confusion between the two green gemstones.
Ruby is also closely associated with the zodiac sign Leo, which aligns with the fiery, confident, and passionate nature of the stone. It is believed to enhance emotional balance and is linked to the heart chakra, promoting love and compassion. In some traditions, ruby is also used for its healing properties, such as detoxifying the body.
However, the sources do not provide detailed instructions for cleaning or caring for Ruby, though its high durability suggests it can be worn daily and cleaned with gentle methods like warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
Peridot: The Stone of the Sun and Protection
Peridot is another gemstone linked to August 17th. It is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color, a vibrant green to greenish yellow, due to the presence of iron in its chemical structure. Peridot is a variety of olivine, and it is often referred to as the "Evening Emerald" because it maintains its green color under candlelight.
Peridot has a long and rich history, with ancient Egyptians calling it the "gem of the sun" and using it as a protective stone to ward off evil spirits. It was also found in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral, where it was once mistaken for emeralds. Some sources even suggest that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included Peridot, highlighting the historical confusion between green gemstones.
Peridot is formed under extreme conditions, often found in hardened lava and meteorites, making it a rare and unique gemstone. It is associated with the sun and light, and it is believed to bring positive energy and protection. In some traditions, it is used as a stone of transformation, helping to release negative emotions and promote emotional balance.
Peridot is also linked to the Leo and Virgo zodiac signs, and it is considered a lucky stone for those born on August 17th. It is believed to enhance communication, foster open-hearted relationships, and protect against emotional stress.
Pyrite: The Stone of Protective Power
While the majority of sources identify Ruby or Peridot as the birthstone for August 17th, one source identifies Pyrite as the gemstone for this date. Pyrite, often known as “Fool’s Gold,” is a metallic mineral composed of iron sulfide (FeS₂) and is noted for its brilliant golden luster and geometric crystal formations.
The name “Pyrite” comes from the Greek word pyrites lithos, meaning “stone that strikes fire,” a reference to its ability to create sparks when struck against metal or stone. It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, quartz veins, and coal beds, and it has been used in jewelry, tools, and decorative items for centuries.
Pyrite is associated with the concept of “Protective Power,” and it is believed to shield the wearer from negative energies, emotional harm, and physical danger. In metaphysical traditions, it is considered a stone of resilience, strength, and confidence, helping individuals to stand firm in their beliefs and defend themselves from negativity.
Pyrite is also linked to the Sun, much like Ruby and Peridot, and it is considered a stone of transformation and energy. It is believed to boost motivation and willpower, making it a popular stone for those seeking to achieve their goals.
Geological Formation and Sources
Ruby
Ruby is a corundum gemstone, with a chemical composition of Al₂O₃, and it gets its deep red color from chromium or iron impurities. It is formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, typically found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The most famous sources of ruby include Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
Ruby is rare and valuable, especially pigeon blood rubies, which are the most prized and expensive varieties. These rubies are characterized by a vivid red to purplish red color, and they are often heat-treated to enhance their color and clarity.
Peridot
Peridot is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, and it is formed under extreme heat and pressure, often found in hardened lava and meteorites. It is one of the few gemstones that occurs naturally in only one color, a green to greenish yellow, due to the presence of iron.
Peridot is found in a variety of locations, including Arizona, Egypt, Brazil, China, and Russia. The oldest known peridot was found in meteorites, and it has been mined in ancient times, particularly in Egypt, where it was used in jewelry and amulets for protection and healing.
Peridot is relatively soft compared to Ruby, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for jewelry but requiring careful handling to avoid scratches and chips. It is not as durable as Ruby, and it can be damaged by harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
Pyrite
Pyrite is a sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS₂, and it is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, quartz veins, and coal beds. It is not a gemstone in the traditional sense, as it is not used for its beauty or rarity, but rather for its unique metallic luster and practical properties.
Pyrite is widespread across the globe, with major deposits in the United States, China, Spain, and Russia. It is often found in association with other minerals, and it has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for its golden appearance and geometric formations.
Pyrite is not as durable as Ruby or Peridot, and it can tarnish or corrode over time, especially when exposed to moisture and air. It is not recommended for daily wear, and it should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, avoiding abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Gemological Properties
Ruby
- Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃ (corundum)
- Color: Deep red to purplish red, depending on the presence of chromium or iron
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 9
- Refractive Index: 1.76–1.78
- Specific Gravity: 4.00–4.10
- Cleavage: None
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Inclusions: Common, including needle-like rutile inclusions
Ruby is a very durable gemstone, with a high hardness and no cleavage, making it ideal for jewelry. It is often heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity, and it is priced based on its color, clarity, and origin.
Peridot
- Chemical Formula: (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄
- Color: Green to greenish yellow
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6.5–7
- Refractive Index: 1.650–1.690
- Specific Gravity: 3.32–3.37
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Luster: Vitreous
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent
- Inclusions: Common, including needle-like inclusions and gas bubbles
Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone, with a perfect cleavage in one direction, which makes it susceptible to chipping or cracking. It is often found in jewelry, but it requires careful handling and cleaning to maintain its beauty and integrity.
Pyrite
- Chemical Formula: FeS₂
- Color: Brassy yellow to golden
- Hardness (Mohs Scale): 6–6.5
- Refractive Index: 2.35–2.55
- Specific Gravity: 4.9–5.2
- Cleavage: None
- Luster: Metallic
- Transparency: Opaque
- Inclusions: Rare
Pyrite is not a traditional gemstone, and it is not used for its clarity or transparency. Instead, it is appreciated for its metallic luster and geometric crystal formations. It is often used in jewelry and decorative objects, but it is not as durable as Ruby or Peridot, and it can tarnish or corrode over time.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Ruby
Ruby is deeply symbolic, representing passion, vitality, and the life-giving energy of the Sun. It is often associated with love, courage, and abundance, and it is considered a stone of protection and strength. In ancient traditions, ruby was believed to ward off evil spirits, protect against illness, and enhance emotional balance.
Ruby is also linked to the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is believed to boost confidence and self-esteem, and it is often used in jewelry and meditation practices to enhance spiritual connection and personal power.
Peridot
Peridot is known as the “Evening Emerald” and is associated with the energy of the sun and light. It is considered a stone of protection, positive energy, and emotional balance. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, and it was often used in jewelry and amulets for protection and healing.
Peridot is also associated with transformation and change, helping individuals to release negative emotions and embrace new beginnings. It is believed to promote open-hearted relationships, foster communication, and enhance emotional stability.
Pyrite
Pyrite is known as the “Fool’s Gold”, and it is associated with protective power, resilience, and confidence. It is believed to shield the wearer from negative energies, emotional harm, and physical danger, and it is often used in jewelry and protective amulets to enhance strength and willpower.
Pyrite is also linked to the Sun, and it is considered a stone of transformation and energy. It is believed to boost motivation, drive, and determination, making it a popular stone for those seeking to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Care and Cleaning
Ruby
Ruby is a very durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 9, making it suitable for daily wear. However, due to its high value and historical significance, it is advised to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is sufficient to maintain its brilliance.
Ruby can be exposed to ultrasonic or steam cleaners, but care should be taken to ensure that the gemstone is free from any fractures or inclusions that could be damaged. It is also important to store ruby jewelry separately, to prevent scratches from other gemstones or metals.
Peridot
Peridot has a lower hardness (6.5–7) and perfect cleavage in one direction, making it more fragile than Ruby. It should be handled with care to avoid chipping or cracking, especially in settings that exert pressure on the gemstone.
Cleaning peridot should be done with gentle methods, such as warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and it should be avoided from exposure to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, which can damage the gemstone or cause it to lose its color.
Pyrite
Pyrite is not a traditional gemstone, and it is not as durable as Ruby or Peridot. It is susceptible to tarnishing and corrosion, especially when exposed to moisture and air. It should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap, and it should be stored in a dry place to prevent oxidation and discoloration.
Pyrite is not recommended for daily wear, and it should be handled carefully to avoid scratches or damage. It is best used in decorative objects or special occasions, where it can be appreciated for its unique beauty and symbolism.
Conclusion
The birthstone for August 17th is a subject of multiple interpretations, with Ruby, Peridot, and Pyrite all being associated with this date. Each gemstone carries its own rich history, symbolic meaning, and gemological properties, making the August 17th birthstone a complex and fascinating subject.
Ruby is the most widely recognized and historically significant of the three, representing passion, vitality, and the life-giving energy of the Sun. Peridot is associated with protection, positive energy, and emotional balance, and it is one of the few gemstones that exists in only one color. Pyrite, while not a traditional gemstone, is believed to offer protective power, resilience, and confidence, making it a popular stone in metaphysical traditions.
Each of these gemstones has its own unique charm and significance, and they offer a rich tapestry of meaning, history, and beauty for those born on August 17th. Whether worn as jewelry, carried as a talisman, or used in meditation and healing practices, these gemstones continue to capture the imagination and admiration of gemstone enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.