August is a month that celebrates three distinct yet equally captivating gemstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. These stones are not only prized for their aesthetic appeal but also for the rich histories and symbolic meanings they carry. While peridot is the most widely recognized of the trio, sardonyx and spinel contribute to the diversity and depth of August’s birthstone legacy. Each gemstone exhibits a unique color palette, influenced by geological composition, historical usage, and cultural significance. This article explores the colors of these August birthstones in detail, examining their origins, symbolism, and the ways they continue to enchant gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike.
Introduction
August’s birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—are a vibrant and historically significant collection of gemstones that reflect the month’s dual astrological associations with Leo and Virgo. While each of these stones has its own distinct color profile, they share a common thread of being deeply rooted in ancient traditions and modern gemological appreciation.
Peridot, with its warm yellow-green hues, is the most prominent of the August birthstones and is often considered the primary representative of the month. Sardonyx, a banded chalcedony, is known for its striking contrast between brownish-red and white or black bands, while spinel—often mistaken for ruby or sapphire due to its brilliant red and blue tones—adds a dynamic and diverse element to the August birthstone roster.
The following sections will explore each gemstone’s color properties, their geological and historical contexts, and their cultural symbolism, drawing from the most authoritative sources available.
History and Lore of August Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years, with early references found in ancient texts such as the Biblical Breastplate of the High Priest. This artifact, described in the Book of Exodus, lists twelve stones that corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel. While the exact identities of these stones remain debated, some scholars believe that sardonyx was among them. This early association with spiritual and divine protection laid the foundation for the cultural significance of gemstones in later traditions.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, the modern birthstone system had been formalized by various organizations, including the American National Association of Jewelers (now CIBJO). These organizations updated the list to reflect the availability and popularity of gemstones in the contemporary jewelry market, resulting in the inclusion of multiple stones for some months—including August.
Sardonyx: The Ancient August Birthstone
Sardonyx is the oldest known August birthstone, with a history that stretches back over 4,000 years. It is a composite of two types of chalcedony: sard, which exhibits warm brown to reddish hues, and onyx, which appears as white or black bands. The contrast between these colors gives sardonyx a distinctive and visually striking appearance.
Historically, sardonyx was used by ancient Romans and Greeks for seals, signet rings, and cameos. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx as a protective charm, believing it would bring them good fortune in battle. In ancient Egypt, sardonyx was also valued for its decorative and symbolic properties, often incorporated into amulets and other personal adornments.
The stone’s historical use in religious and ceremonial contexts further underscores its enduring significance. In Jewish and Christian traditions, sardonyx is believed to have been one of the stones on the High Priest’s breastplate, reinforcing its association with divine authority and spiritual protection.
Peridot: The Cosmic Green of August
Peridot, with its vivid yellow-green color, has been known and admired for millennia. It is the most widely recognized of the August birthstones and is often the preferred choice for jewelry and gifts. The name "peridot" is derived from the Arabic word "fāidot," meaning "gem," and it has also been linked to the Greek word "peridō," meaning "to give plenty," a reference to the stone's association with abundance and prosperity.
Peridot has been discovered in a variety of geological settings, including volcanic rocks, meteorites, and lava flows. Notably, it has been found in Hawaii, where it is sometimes referred to as the "Hawaiian gem." This unique origin contributes to its cosmic allure and reinforces its connection to the natural world.
Historically, peridot was often mistaken for other green gemstones such as emerald and topaz, particularly due to its similar color and luster. There are even historical accounts suggesting that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have actually been composed of peridot, adding to the stone’s mystique and historical intrigue.
Spinel: The Misunderstood Beauty
Spinel, the third and perhaps most misunderstood of the August birthstones, has long been confused with ruby and sapphire due to its brilliant red and blue hues. This confusion is largely due to the similarities in color and refractive properties, which can make it difficult to distinguish between spinel and other more famous gemstones without specialized equipment.
Despite its misidentification in the past, spinel is a distinct and beautiful gemstone in its own right. It has only recently gained recognition as a unique and valuable gemstone, thanks to the efforts of gemologists and collectors who have highlighted its unique properties and beauty. In Tanzania, for example, the discovery of pinkish and orangy red spinel in 2007 brought new attention to the gemstone, showcasing its versatility and rarity.
Spinel’s ability to exhibit a wide range of colors—from deep red to vibrant blue—makes it a valuable addition to the August birthstone collection. Its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale also makes it a durable choice for everyday wear, particularly in rings and other frequently used jewelry pieces.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of August’s birthstones has a distinct geological origin and formation process, which contributes to its unique color and properties. Understanding these processes helps to appreciate the rarity and beauty of each gemstone.
Peridot: A Product of Volcanic Activity
Peridot is formed from olivine, a mineral that crystallizes from magma and is found in igneous rocks such as basalt and peridotite. Its characteristic yellow-green color is due to the presence of iron in its chemical composition. Peridot is often found in volcanic regions and meteorites, where it is exposed to high temperatures and pressures that facilitate its formation.
Major sources of peridot include:
- Hawaii, where it is found in lava flows and is sometimes called the "Hawaiian gem."
- Zambia, which produces some of the finest peridot in the world.
- Nigeria, where large deposits of peridot are mined.
These geological sources contribute to the availability and affordability of peridot, making it a popular choice for jewelry and gifts.
Sardonyx: A Banded Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline quartz that forms in sedimentary and volcanic rocks. It is composed of alternating bands of sard and onyx, which give it its distinctive appearance. The brownish-red sard is rich in iron oxide, while the white or black onyx contains silica.
Sardonyx is found in a variety of locations around the world, including:
- Brazil, where it is known for its high-quality and vivid color contrast.
- India, which has long been a major source of sardonyx for the jewelry industry.
- Ethiopia, where sardonyx is also mined and used in both traditional and contemporary jewelry.
These sources ensure a steady supply of sardonyx, making it a relatively accessible and affordable gemstone.
Spinel: A Diverse and Versatile Gemstone
Spinel is a mineral species that forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and it is known for its wide range of colors, which are determined by the presence of different trace elements. For example:
- Red spinel is colored by chromium or iron.
- Blue spinel is colored by cobalt.
- Pink and orange spinel are colored by manganese.
Spinel is found in a variety of locations, including:
- Tanzania, where the 2007 discovery of pink and red spinel brought the gemstone to the attention of collectors and gemologists.
- Sri Lanka, which has been a historical source of high-quality spinel, particularly in red and blue hues.
- Myanmar (Burma), where spinel is also found in a variety of colors.
These sources contribute to the diversity and availability of spinel, making it a valuable and versatile gemstone for both collectors and jewelry designers.
Gemological Properties of August Birthstones
The gemological properties of each August birthstone—including color, hardness, refractive index, and chemical composition—play a significant role in their appeal and practicality for jewelry.
Peridot
Peridot is the yellow-green gem variety of the mineral olivine, and it has the following gemological properties:
- Color: Yellowish green to deep olive green.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69.
- Birefringence: 0.035 to 0.038.
- Specific Gravity: 3.34.
Peridot is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, which means it is more susceptible to scratches and damage. However, its vibrant color and affordability make it a popular choice for jewelry, particularly for necklaces, earrings, and pendants, where it is less likely to be exposed to wear and tear.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, and it has the following properties:
- Color: Alternating bands of brownish red and white or black.
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: 1.53 to 1.54.
- Birefringence: 0.017.
- Specific Gravity: 2.58 to 2.64.
Sardonyx is a relatively hard and durable gemstone, making it suitable for rings, seals, and cameos. Its banded appearance also makes it a popular choice for intaglios and engraved designs, where the contrast between the sard and onyx layers can be used to create intricate patterns and images.
Spinel
Spinel is a distinct mineral species with the following properties:
- Color: Red, blue, pink, orange, and more.
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale.
- Refractive Index: 1.718 to 1.732.
- Birefringence: 0.005 to 0.010.
- Specific Gravity: 3.6 to 4.1.
Spinel is a very hard and durable gemstone, making it ideal for rings and other jewelry that is worn frequently. Its high refractive index also gives it a brilliant luster, which enhances its beauty and visual appeal.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of August’s birthstones is associated with a range of symbolic and metaphysical properties, many of which have been passed down through generations and continue to influence their popularity today.
Sardonyx: Strength, Protection, and Communication
Sardonyx has long been associated with strength, courage, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to bring victory in battle and enhance communication skills, making it a popular choice for soldiers and leaders. In modern metaphysical practices, sardonyx is said to promote confidence, clarity, and emotional stability, making it a valuable stone for those seeking to improve their communication and assertiveness.
Peridot: Abundance, Joy, and Positivity
Peridot is often associated with abundance, prosperity, and positivity. Its warm yellow-green color is believed to symbolize growth, renewal, and vitality, making it a popular choice for those seeking to attract good fortune and success. In ancient Egypt, peridot was believed to have healing properties and was used to ward off nightmares and negative energy. Today, it is still valued for its uplifting and calming effects, making it a popular stone for stress relief and emotional healing.
Spinel: Passion, Clarity, and Transformation
Spinel is often associated with passion, clarity, and transformation. Its brilliant red and blue hues are believed to represent love, energy, and emotional depth, making it a popular choice for those seeking to attract love and passion in their lives. In modern metaphysical practices, spinel is also believed to promote clarity of thought and emotional balance, making it a valuable stone for self-discovery and personal growth.
Care and Cleaning of August Birthstone Jewelry
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of August birthstone jewelry. Each gemstone has specific care requirements based on its hardness, refractive properties, and susceptibility to damage.
Peridot
Peridot is relatively soft (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale), so it is more susceptible to scratches and damage than harder gemstones like spinel or diamond. To clean peridot jewelry, it is best to use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as the vibrations and heat can cause fractures or damage to the stone.
Peridot is also sensitive to high heat, which can cause it to fade or lose its color. Therefore, it is best to store peridot jewelry in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a relatively hard and durable gemstone (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale), making it suitable for daily wear in rings and other jewelry. To clean sardonyx jewelry, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause fractures or damage to the stone.
Sardonyx is also relatively stable in light and chemical environments, making it a low-maintenance gemstone that can be worn and cleaned with ease.
Spinel
Spinel is a very hard and durable gemstone (8 on the Mohs scale), making it ideal for rings and other jewelry that is worn frequently. To clean spinel jewelry, use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can also be used, but it is important to check for fractures or inclusions that could be damaged by these methods.
Spinel is also stable in light and chemical environments, making it a low-maintenance gemstone that can be worn and cleaned with ease.
Conclusion
The colors of August’s birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—reflect the rich and diverse heritage of gemstones in both historical and modern contexts. Each stone contributes a unique and vibrant element to the August birthstone collection, offering a wide range of options for jewelry lovers and collectors alike.
Peridot, with its warm yellow-green hues, is the most widely recognized of the three and is often associated with abundance, prosperity, and positivity. Sardonyx, with its banded appearance, has a long and storied history in ancient traditions and religious practices, making it a powerful and meaningful stone. Spinel, with its brilliant red and blue colors, adds a dynamic and versatile element to the August birthstone roster, offering a versatile and durable choice for jewelry and personal adornment.
Understanding the colors, history, and properties of these gemstones not only enhances their appreciation but also deepens the connection between the wearer and the stone. Whether worn for beauty, symbolism, or spiritual significance, August’s birthstones continue to captivate and inspire, making them a timeless and meaningful choice for those born in this vibrant month.