August is a rare and notable month in the birthstone calendar, distinguished by its trio of official gemstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. Each stone carries a unique color palette, historical legacy, and symbolic meaning, offering August-born individuals a rich selection of meaningful gems. This article explores the individual and collective significance of these gemstones, drawing on their geological properties, historical usage, and spiritual symbolism, as reflected in the provided sources.
August is one of the few months in the birthstone calendar to feature three distinct gemstones, each with its own unique color, symbolism, and history. These stones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a diverse palette of options for jewelry lovers and those seeking meaningful adornments for August birthdays. Together, they represent a blend of vitality, courage, and protection, making them more than just decorative stones.
Peridot, with its bright green hue, is often described as the "sun gem" for its warm, luminous appearance. Sardonyx, a banded chalcedony, is marked by its layered red-brown and white stripes, while spinel dazzles with a wide range of colors, including deep red and vivid pink. Each stone offers not only aesthetic beauty but also rich historical and cultural narratives that have shaped their roles in jewelry and personal adornment.
History and Lore
The August birthstones have a long and storied history, with roots stretching back to ancient civilizations. Peridot, for instance, has been cherished for thousands of years and is among the oldest known gemstones. In ancient Egypt, it was referred to as the "Evening Emerald" and was believed to be a source of protection and light. Pharaohs prized peridot for its purported ability to ward off nightmares and negative energies. It is also noted that some of the finest peridot specimens have been found in meteorites, adding to its mystical allure.
Sardonyx, on the other hand, has a more structured and layered history, often linked to ancient Rome and Greece. It was valued for its protective properties and was commonly used in signet rings and amulets. The stone’s banded pattern—typically featuring red and white layers—was thought to represent both courage and purity, making it a popular choice for warriors and statesmen alike.
Spinel is a relatively newer addition to the August birthstone list, officially recognized in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and Jewelers of America (JA). Historically, it was often mistaken for ruby due to its deep red color, and several famous "rubies" in royal collections have since been identified as spinel. Its inclusion as an August birthstone reflects the growing appreciation for its brilliance and versatility.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones provides insight into their rarity, beauty, and availability.
Peridot
Peridot is a gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, formed in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It can also be found in meteorites, a rare and fascinating fact that underscores its extraterrestrial origins. The most highly valued peridot stones exhibit a vivid lime-green color and are typically found in volcanic regions. Commercial-grade peridot is commonly sourced from locations such as Arizona, Pakistan, and China, with Arizona being particularly renowned for its high-quality deposits.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a form of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz mineral. It is characterized by its distinct banding, which consists of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black chalcedony). The formation of sardonyx occurs over geological time as silica-rich solutions seep into cavities and form layered deposits. Historical sources of sardonyx include regions in Italy, India, and Brazil, with India being a major contemporary source.
Spinel
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate and is known for its wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, and black. Unlike peridot and sardonyx, which are silicate and quartz minerals, respectively, spinel belongs to a different mineral family. It is formed in metamorphic and igneous rocks and is often found in association with other gemstones. The finest red spinel is typically mined in Burmese deposits, although notable sources also exist in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Madagascar.
Gemological Properties
Each August birthstone possesses distinct physical and optical properties that contribute to its desirability in jewelry and decorative arts.
Peridot
Peridot is known for its glassy luster, translucent to transparent appearance, and vibrant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable but not as tough as harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. Peridot is also known for its pleochroism, a phenomenon in which the stone exhibits different colors when viewed from different angles.
Chemically, peridot is a silicate of magnesium and iron, with the formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. Its refractive index ranges from 1.65 to 1.70, contributing to its bright and lively appearance.
| Gemological Property | Peridot |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65–1.70 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Color | Yellow-green to olive green |
| Transparency | Translucent to transparent |
| Cleavage | Good in one direction |
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a form of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz. It is known for its banded pattern, typically composed of red-brown and white layers. The red color comes from iron oxides, while the white layers are due to pure silica. Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable and suitable for most types of jewelry. It has a waxy to glassy luster and is generally translucent to opaque, depending on the thickness of the layers.
| Gemological Property | Sardonyx |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silica (SiO₂) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Color | Red-brown and white bands |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None (conchoidal fracture) |
Spinel
Spinel is a silicate mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate, with the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It is known for its brilliance and clarity, often rivaling that of the ruby. The red spinel, in particular, is highly prized for its deep, saturated color and high refractive index, which gives it a fiery luster. Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, making it quite durable and suitable for all types of jewelry.
| Gemological Property | Spinel |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.718–1.722 |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Color | Red, pink, blue, orange, black |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None (conchoidal fracture) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones carries its own symbolic and metaphysical significance, often rooted in historical traditions and cultural beliefs.
Peridot
Peridot has long been associated with joy, peace, and protection. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to ward off nightmares and bring good fortune. It was also considered a symbol of the sun, and was thought to bring warmth and vitality to the wearer. Modern metaphysical traditions continue to associate peridot with clarity, emotional healing, and balance. It is often recommended for those seeking to release anger and promote inner peace.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is traditionally associated with courage, protection, and strength. The red bands are said to represent vitality and passion, while the white bands are associated with purity and clarity. In ancient times, it was used as a protective amulet and was believed to provide courage and strength to its wearer. It is also thought to enhance one’s ability to express oneself and to overcome obstacles.
Spinel
Spinel is a relatively newer gemstone in the metaphysical world, but it is gaining popularity for its energetic properties. It is associated with passion, vitality, and emotional strength. The red spinel, in particular, is believed to stimulate the heart chakra and promote love and compassion. It is also thought to enhance one’s ability to take action and pursue goals with confidence.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of August birthstone jewelry.
Peridot
Peridot has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, which means it is relatively durable but can still be scratched by harder gemstones. It should be stored separately from harder gems to avoid scratches. It is also sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes, so it should not be exposed to high heat. Cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, followed by a thorough rinse and air drying.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable. However, it is also porous, so it should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. It can be cleaned with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. It is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage the stone over time.
Spinel
Spinel is a very durable gemstone, with a Mohs hardness of 8, and can withstand normal wear and tear. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is also suitable for ultrasonic cleaners, which can help to remove dirt and restore its shine.
Conclusion
The August birthstone trio—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offers a unique and diverse selection of gemstones that reflect the energy, warmth, and strength of summer. Each stone has its own rich history, distinct physical properties, and meaningful symbolism, making them not only beautiful but also deeply significant. Whether chosen for its protective qualities, its vibrant color, or its spiritual significance, an August birthstone is a meaningful and enduring gift.