The Three August Birthstones: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel – A Comprehensive Guide

August is distinguished by having not one, but three official birthstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. This unique distinction reflects the rich historical, cultural, and gemological significance of each stone. From the fiery energy of sardonyx to the radiant glow of peridot and the diverse allure of spinel, these gemstones offer a wide range of colors, symbolism, and properties that have captivated people for centuries. In this article, we will explore the origins, properties, meanings, and care instructions for each of these August birthstones, providing an in-depth look at their individual and collective importance in the world of gemology and jewelry.

History and Lore

Sardonyx: The Original August Birthstone

Sardonyx is the oldest of August’s three birthstones, with a documented history that dates back over 4,000 years. This gemstone was highly valued in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was used to craft seals, amulets, and other adornments. The stone's distinctive banded appearance—alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (a black or white variety of chalcedony)—was believed to symbolize strength, protection, and clarity of thought.

In Roman culture, sardonyx was particularly significant. The red bands were seen as representing the intensity of summer, while the white or black bands were thought to provide balance and stability, making it an ideal symbol for the month of August, which marks the transition from the peak of summer to the harvest season. Sardonyx was often worn as an amulet to ward off negative energies and to promote success in both personal and professional endeavors.

Peridot: The "Gem of the Sun"

Peridot is the second of August’s birthstones and has a history that is just as rich as that of sardonyx. Known as the "gem of the sun" by the ancient Egyptians, peridot was believed to bring health, happiness, and protection from nightmares. It was often used in jewelry and amulets and was even thought to be a gift from the gods, particularly in the form of a divine flame.

The stone was historically confused with other gemstones such as topaz and emerald due to its yellowish green to greenish yellow color. For example, the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral is adorned with 200 carats of gems that were once believed to be emeralds but are now identified as peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included peridot.

The name "peridot" comes from the Arabic word "faridat", meaning "gem", reflecting the stone's long-standing value across cultures. Its association with the sun and its vibrant green hue have made it a symbol of renewal, vitality, and positive energy, making it a fitting birthstone for those born in the warmest month of the year.

Spinel: A Modern Addition to August’s Gemstones

Spinel is the most recent addition to August’s birthstone lineup, having been officially included in 2016. Despite its late recognition, spinel has a long and fascinating history. It was often mistaken for ruby and sapphire due to its similar color and refractive properties. In fact, many historical "rubies" in royal collections were later identified as red spinel.

Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, including vivid red, pink, orange, blue, and black, making it a versatile gemstone that appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes and styles. Its inclusion as an August birthstone reflects the growing appreciation for rare and diverse gemstones in the modern jewelry industry. Spinel is known for its brilliance and fire, often rivaling that of its more famous counterparts.

Geological Formation and Sources

Peridot

Peridot is a gemstone that is formed under extreme geological conditions, often originating from the Earth's mantle. It can be found in hardened lava that brought it to the surface, as well as in meteorites that have traveled from outer space. This unique formation process gives peridot a distinctive composition and color.

Peridot is composed of olivine, a mineral that is rich in magnesium and iron, which contributes to its yellowish green to greenish yellow color. The more iron a peridot contains, the deeper its green hue will be. High-quality peridot is typically found in Arizona (USA), Myanmar, and China. These regions are known for producing some of the finest and most vibrant peridot specimens.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a mineral that is a form of microcrystalline quartz. It is formed in sedimentary rock and is characterized by its alternating bands of sard and onyx. The red bands are due to the presence of hematite or iron oxide, while the white or black bands are caused by different impurities and levels of silica.

Sardonyx is most commonly found in India, Brazil, and the United States, particularly in Arizona and Nevada. These regions have been known for producing sardonyx for centuries, and the stone remains a popular choice for seals, cameos, and intaglios due to its hardness and ability to take a fine polish.

Spinel

Spinel is a mineral that belongs to the oxide family, and it is composed of aluminum and magnesium oxides, with trace elements responsible for its diverse colors. The most valuable and sought-after spinel is the red variety, which is often referred to as "Balas ruby" due to its historical association with the region of Badakhshan in Afghanistan, a major source of the stone.

Spinel is found in a variety of geological settings, including metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks, and marble deposits. Major sources of spinel include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), and Madagascar. The stone is known for its high refractive index and dispersion, which gives it a sparkling appearance that is often compared to that of diamonds and corundum.

Gemological Properties

Peridot

Peridot is a silicate mineral with a hexagonal crystal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable but still susceptible to scratches and damage from harder gemstones. Its refractive index ranges from 1.650 to 1.690, and it exhibits strong double refraction, which means that it can show a double image when viewed through the stone.

Peridot is known for its pleochroism, meaning that it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. High-quality peridot is typically transparent to translucent and has a vibrant, glassy luster. The most valuable peridot is olive-green or yellow-green in color, with a high degree of clarity and a large size.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a microcrystalline variety of quartz with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, which makes it suitable for most types of jewelry, although it requires careful handling to avoid scratches. It has a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.64, and it is typically translucent to opaque in appearance.

Sardonyx is known for its banded patterns, which are highly valued in the jewelry industry for their aesthetic appeal and symbolic meaning. The stone has a waxy to vitreous luster, and it is often carved into cameos, intaglios, and seals. The most desirable sardonyx is well-banded, with sharp contrast between the red and white or black layers, and it is free from inclusions and fractures.

Spinel

Spinel is a oxide mineral with a cubic crystal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 8, which makes it very durable and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry. Its refractive index ranges from 1.718 to 1.738, and it exhibits strong dispersion, which gives it a sparkling appearance similar to that of diamonds and corundum.

Spinel is available in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, and black. The most valuable and sought-after spinel is the red variety, which is often referred to as "Balas ruby". High-quality spinel is typically transparent to translucent, with a high degree of clarity and a brilliant luster. The most desirable spinel is large in size and of a vivid, saturated color.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

Peridot

Peridot has long been associated with positive energy, renewal, and vitality. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to bring health, happiness, and protection from nightmares, and it was often used in amulets and talismans. The stone was also considered a divine gift, symbolizing the flame of the sun and the energy of creation.

In medieval Europe, peridot was thought to protect against evil spirits and negative energies, making it a popular choice for protective charms and amulets. It was also believed to promote inner peace, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.

In modern times, peridot is often used in jewelry and healing practices to promote optimism, confidence, and emotional healing. It is considered a stone of transformation, helping individuals to release negative emotions and embrace positive change.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx has been associated with strength, protection, and clarity of thought for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, it was used to make seals and amulets, and it was believed to ward off negative energies and promote success in both personal and professional life.

In Roman culture, sardonyx was considered a powerful protective stone, often worn by soldiers and leaders to enhance their courage and determination. It was also believed to bring balance and stability, making it an ideal stone for those seeking to maintain harmony in their lives.

In modern times, sardonyx is often used in jewelry and healing practices to promote confidence, clarity, and emotional strength. It is considered a stone of protection, helping individuals to overcome fear and uncertainty and to make clear, decisive choices.

Spinel

Spinel is often associated with passion, vitality, and emotional strength. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good fortune, success, and protection from negative energies. It was often worn by monarchs and royalty as a symbol of power and authority.

In modern times, spinel is often used in jewelry and healing practices to promote emotional balance, confidence, and inner strength. It is considered a stone of transformation, helping individuals to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. The stone is also believed to enhance creativity, passion, and self-expression, making it a popular choice for artists and creative professionals.

Care and Cleaning

Peridot

Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, which makes it relatively durable, but it is still susceptible to scratches and damage from harder gemstones. It is not resistant to heat, so it should be avoided when cleaning with steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause thermal shock and damage the stone.

To clean peridot, use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution, and gently wipe the stone to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or dull the surface of the stone. Store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and damage.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it suitable for most types of jewelry, although it requires careful handling to avoid scratches and damage. It is not heat-sensitive, so it can be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners, but it is better to use a soft cloth and mild soap solution to avoid over-cleaning.

To clean sardonyx, use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution, and gently wipe the stone to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or dull the surface of the stone. Store sardonyx separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and damage.

Spinel

Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, which makes it very durable and suitable for everyday wear in jewelry. It is not heat-sensitive, so it can be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners, making it easy to maintain.

To clean spinel, use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution, and gently wipe the stone to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can scratch or dull the surface of the stone. Store spinel separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches and damage.

Conclusion

The three August birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and gemological properties that make them unique and valuable in the world of gemology and jewelry. Each stone has its own story, meaning, and significance, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the month of August.

Peridot, with its sun-like green glow, has been cherished for thousands of years for its beauty, vitality, and protective qualities. Sardonyx, with its banded patterns of red and white or black, has been used for seals, amulets, and jewelry since ancient times, symbolizing strength, protection, and clarity. Spinel, with its brilliant colors and high durability, is a modern gemstone that has quickly gained popularity for its beauty, versatility, and affordability.

Whether you choose peridot for its uplifting energy, sardonyx for its strength and protection, or spinel for its vibrant colors and brilliance, each of these August birthstones offers a unique and meaningful way to celebrate your birth month. With proper care and appreciation, these stones can be cherished for generations, serving as beautiful reminders of the power of gemstones to connect us to history, culture, and the natural world.

Sources

1. Crystalviden - August Birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx
2. My Irish Jeweler - Lucky August Babies Have Three Birthstones
3. Casual Carats - What Is the August Birthstone Meaning and Care
4. GIA - August Birthstones
5. Sylvie Jewelry - August Birthstones
6. Birthstones Guru - The Three Birthstones of August