August, the final full month of summer, is distinguished by a unique feature in the birthstone calendar: it boasts three official birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. Each of these gemstones carries a distinct set of colors, histories, and symbolic meanings that together offer a rich and diverse representation of the month. This article explores the geological, historical, and cultural dimensions of these August birthstones, providing a comprehensive overview for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
Introduction
August is one of the few months in the birthstone calendar to feature three distinct gemstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—each with its own unique color, symbolism, and historical significance. These stones represent a blend of vitality, courage, and protection, making them more than just decorative elements in jewelry. Together, they offer a rich tapestry of gemological properties, cultural narratives, and practical considerations for wear and care.
The following sections will explore the origins, gemological properties, symbolic meanings, and practical considerations for caring for each of these August birthstones.
History and Lore
Peridot: The Sun Stone of Antiquity
Peridot has a long and storied history, with its earliest known use dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was referred to as the “gem of the sun.” The gem was often used in amulets and jewelry to ward off nightmares and evil spirits. Some of the finest specimens of peridot have been found in meteorites, and the mineral has been identified in comet dust, making it one of the few gemstones with an extraterrestrial origin.
The gem was once mistaken for emeralds, including in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, where 200 carats of peridot were believed to be emeralds. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included peridot. The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem," and it was highly valued in many ancient and medieval cultures.
Sardonyx: The Warrior’s Stone
Sardonyx has an even longer history than peridot, with a documented presence dating back more than 4,000 years. This banded chalcedony, composed of sard and onyx, was worn by ancient Greeks and Romans as a talisman for courage and protection in battle. It was believed to provide strength and bravery to warriors and was also associated with the power of the sun.
Sardonyx was traditionally used in signet rings, where its hardness and durability made it suitable for engraving. The gem’s red and white bands symbolized the union of fire and water, and it was often worn as a protective charm against misfortune and negative energies.
Spinel: The Rediscovered Jewel
Spinel is a relatively newer addition to the August birthstone list, though it has a long and fascinating history. Historically, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, and some of the most famous “rubies” in history are actually spinel. For example, the 317-carat "Black Prince’s Ruby" in the UK's Crown Jewels is actually a large red spinel. Similarly, the "Timur Ruby," another gemstone in the Crown Jewels, is a spinel that was believed to be a ruby for centuries.
Spinel was largely overlooked until recent years, when jewelers and gemologists began to appreciate its beauty and brilliance. With a wide range of colors—from deep red and vivid pink to blue and black—spinel is now gaining recognition as a versatile and valuable gemstone. Its rediscovery has made it a popular alternative to ruby and other traditional gems, especially for those seeking a more affordable yet equally stunning option.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot: The Volcanic Gem
Peridot is the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine, which is formed in the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and temperature. It is often brought to the surface through volcanic activity, where it can be found in lava flows and meteorites. Peridot is most commonly found in volcanic regions such as Arizona, Pakistan, and China. The gem’s natural brightness and warm coloration make it a popular choice for jewelry that requires minimal enhancement.
Sardonyx: The Banded Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz, that is characterized by its banded pattern of red-brown and white. It is formed through the deposition of silica in sedimentary environments, often in the presence of iron oxides that give it its reddish hue. Sardonyx is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States. Its durability and ease of carving make it a popular choice for engraved rings and seals.
Spinel: The Diverse and Versatile Gem
Spinel is a mineral that forms in a variety of geological settings, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. It is found in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tanzania. The gem’s wide range of colors is due to trace elements such as chromium (which causes red and pink hues) and cobalt (which causes blue). Spinel is known for its brilliance and clarity, and it is often cut into a variety of shapes to showcase its unique color and luster.
Gemological Properties
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Chemical Composition | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Yellow-green to deep olive | 6.5–7.0 | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | Arizona, Pakistan, China |
| Sardonyx | Red-brown and white bands | 6.5–7.0 | SiO₂ with iron oxides | Brazil, India, U.S. |
| Spinel | Red, pink, blue, black | 8.0 | MgAl₂O₄ | Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania |
Peridot
Peridot is known for its vibrant green color, which ranges from yellow-green to deep olive. Its color is caused by the presence of iron in the olivine structure. The gem has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but still softer than many other gemstones. Peridot is also known for its high refractive index and strong luster, which give it a bright and luminous appearance.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a banded chalcedony with alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black variety of chalcedony). The gem has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale and is known for its durability and ease of carving. Sardonyx is often used in engraved rings and seals due to its ability to hold fine details.
Spinel
Spinel is a versatile gemstone that comes in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. The most valuable spinel stones are the deep red and vivid pink varieties, which are caused by trace amounts of chromium. Spinel has a hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones. It is also known for its brilliance and clarity, and it is often cut into a variety of shapes to showcase its unique color and luster.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot: The Stone of Joy and Harmony
Peridot is often referred to as the “Stone of Joy and Harmony,” and it is believed to promote balance and well-being. It is associated with positive energy and is thought to enhance feelings of happiness and optimism. In ancient times, peridot was believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits, and it was often used in amulets and talismans for protection.
Peridot is also associated with the sun, and it is believed to bring warmth and vitality to the wearer. Some modern sources suggest that peridot can help with emotional healing and can be used to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also thought to be a stone of abundance and prosperity, making it a popular choice for those seeking success and good fortune.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Protection and Courage
Sardonyx is known as the “Warrior’s Stone” and is believed to provide protection and courage to the wearer. In ancient times, it was worn by warriors and soldiers to enhance their bravery and to protect them in battle. Sardonyx is also associated with the power of the sun and is believed to bring strength and vitality to the wearer.
The gem is also thought to have a grounding effect, helping to stabilize emotions and provide a sense of security. It is often used in amulets and talismans for protection against negative energies and for promoting self-confidence and determination.
Spinel: The Stone of Passion and Clarity
Spinel is believed to have a range of metaphysical properties, depending on its color. Red and pink spinel are associated with passion, love, and vitality, while blue spinel is thought to promote calmness and clarity. Spinel is also believed to enhance the wearer’s ability to make clear and decisive choices.
In ancient times, spinel was believed to have protective properties and was often used in amulets and talismans for good luck and success. Some modern sources suggest that spinel can help with emotional healing and can be used to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also thought to be a stone of transformation and can help the wearer to embrace change and new opportunities.
Care and Cleaning
Peridot
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively durable but still softer than many other gemstones. Because of this, peridot should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips. When storing peridot jewelry, it is recommended to keep it separate from harder gemstones to prevent damage.
To clean peridot, use a soft-bristle brush with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse the stone thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale and is relatively durable and easy to care for. It is resistant to scratches and can be worn on a daily basis without significant wear. However, it is still recommended to store sardonyx jewelry separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.
To clean sardonyx, use a soft-bristle brush with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse the stone thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.
Spinel
Spinel has a hardness of 8.0 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones. This means that it is very durable and can be worn on a daily basis without significant wear. Spinel is also resistant to scratches and is easy to care for.
To clean spinel, use a soft-bristle brush with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone. After cleaning, rinse the stone thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth.
Conclusion
August’s birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a rich and diverse array of colors, histories, and symbolic meanings. Each of these gemstones has a unique set of properties that make them valuable not only for their beauty but also for their historical and cultural significance. Peridot, with its vibrant green color and association with the sun, is a symbol of joy and harmony. Sardonyx, with its bold red and white bands, is a stone of protection and courage. Spinel, with its wide range of colors and brilliance, is a versatile and valuable gemstone that has only recently been recognized for its beauty.
Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry buyer, or a student of gemology, these August birthstones offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of gemstones. Their rich histories, unique properties, and enduring appeal make them a valuable addition to any collection or piece of jewelry. By understanding the geological, historical, and cultural significance of these stones, we gain a deeper appreciation for their enduring appeal and the meaningful role they play in the world of gemology.