August is a month rich in history, associated with Roman emperors, natural warmth, and the vibrant energy of summer. This richness is mirrored in its three official birthstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. These gemstones, each with its own distinct characteristics and storied past, represent centuries of cultural, geological, and symbolic significance. While peridot is the most widely recognized of the three, the inclusion of sardonyx and spinel in the August birthstone roster reflects a broader appreciation for diversity and the evolving standards of the gemstone industry.
This article delves into the history, geological properties, cultural symbolism, and care requirements of each of these August birthstones. Drawing on historical accounts, geological data, and symbolic interpretations, it offers a comprehensive view of what makes these stones not only valuable but also deeply meaningful to those born in August or who choose to wear them for their beauty and significance.
History and Lore
The tradition of assigning gemstones to each month of the year dates back to ancient times, with roots in biblical and cultural practices. According to some historical accounts, the twelve gemstones in the High Priest’s breastplate from the Old Testament are considered the earliest form of birthstone tradition. These stones were believed to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, and over time, they became associated with the twelve months of the year.
The modern system of birthstones, however, was standardized in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, now known as the Jewelers of America. This standardization introduced a more structured and widely accepted list of birthstones for each month. For August, peridot was officially designated as the primary birthstone. Sardonyx, with its ancient lineage, was also included, and in 2016, spinel was added to the list to reflect its growing popularity and versatility in jewelry design.
Peridot: The Radiant Green Gem of August
Peridot has a long and storied history that spans millennia. It was known to the ancient Egyptians, who called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it was created by fire from the sun. In the modern era, peridot is often associated with volcanic activity, as it forms in magma and is sometimes found in meteorites. The name "peridot" is derived from the French word péridot, which in turn comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning "gem."
Peridot has often been mistaken for other gems, such as topaz and emerald. A notable historical example is the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. This shrine was once believed to be adorned with emeralds, but it was later discovered that the green gems were in fact peridot. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have contained peridot.
Peridot became the designated August birthstone in 1912 due to its connection with summer and the warmth of the sun. Its vibrant green color and association with lava flows make it a fitting symbol for the month of August.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Gem of Strength and Protection
Sardonyx is the oldest of the three August birthstones and has been used since antiquity. It is a type of chalcedony, composed of sard (a reddish-brown form of quartz) and onyx (a white or black form of quartz), giving it a distinctive banded appearance. The stone has been used in ancient Roman and Greek jewelry, including cameos, seals, and rings.
In biblical tradition, sardonyx is believed to have been one of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate. Roman soldiers believed it brought them victory in battle and protection from harm. The ancient Greeks and Romans also valued sardonyx for its supposed ability to enhance communication and foster successful relationships.
Today, sardonyx continues to be appreciated for its historical significance and its symbolic meanings of strength, courage, and open communication.
Spinel: The Rediscovered Gem
Spinel is the youngest of the August birthstones and was officially added to the list in 2016. Historically, it was often confused with ruby and sapphire due to its similar color and brilliance. For centuries, red spinel was mistaken for ruby, and some of the most famous "rubies" in history—such as the "Black Prince’s Ruby" in the British Crown Jewels—were in fact red spinel.
Spinel is a versatile gemstone that occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, and purple. Its relatively high hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and affordability have made it a popular alternative to more expensive gems like ruby and sapphire. The inclusion of spinel in the August birthstone lineup reflects its growing popularity and the desire for greater variety among birthstone options.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological origins of these gemstones helps to appreciate their rarity and beauty.
Peridot: Formed in Fire
Peridot is a mineral variety of olivine, a magnesium iron silicate. It is one of the few gemstones that can be found in both Earth’s mantle and outer space. On Earth, peridot forms in igneous rocks, particularly in areas where magma cools and solidifies. It is often found in volcanic regions such as Hawaii, Arizona, and Pakistan.
Peridot can also be found in meteorites, where it is created under extreme conditions in space. This extraterrestrial origin adds to the gemstone’s mystique and makes it one of the few gemstones with a cosmic connection.
The color of peridot is due to the presence of iron in its chemical composition. Its color ranges from a pale yellow-green to a deep olive green. The most valuable peridot stones are those with a rich, vivid green color and minimal inclusions.
Sardonyx: The Banded Stone
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz. It forms in sedimentary and volcanic rocks and is often found in association with other quartz varieties. The red or brown bands in sardonyx are due to the presence of iron oxide, while the white or black bands are caused by the absence of iron or the presence of impurities.
Sardonyx is found in a variety of locations around the world, including India, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. It is relatively easy to carve, which makes it a popular choice for cameos, intaglios, and other engraved jewelry designs.
Spinel: A Diverse and Resilient Gem
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate. It forms in a wide range of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is found in various parts of the world, including Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.
Spinel is known for its wide range of colors, which is due to different trace elements in its composition. For example, red spinel gets its color from chromium or iron, while blue spinel is colored by cobalt. The most valuable spinel stones are those with a deep red or intense blue color and high clarity.
Spinel is relatively durable, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of a stone is essential for jewelers, collectors, and buyers. These properties include color, hardness, refractive index, and more.
Peridot Gemology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Color | Yellow-green to olive green |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Refractive Index | 1.65–1.69 |
| Birefringence | 0.035–0.038 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5–7 |
Peridot is known for its vibrant green color and glassy luster. It is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, which makes it susceptible to scratches and damage. It is also sensitive to heat and should be avoided in high-temperature environments.
Sardonyx Gemology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chalcedony (Quartz variety) |
| Color | Reddish-brown sard with white or black onyx bands |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Refractive Index | 1.48–1.53 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58–2.64 |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5–7 |
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone that is well-suited for carving and engraving. Its banded pattern makes it ideal for cameos and intaglios, and it has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.
Spinel Gemology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Spinel |
| Color | Red, pink, orange, blue, purple |
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 |
| Birefringence | 0 (isotropic) |
| Specific Gravity | 3.6–4.0 |
| Mohs Hardness | 8 |
Spinel is a versatile and durable gemstone that is suitable for everyday wear. Its isotropic nature (no double refraction) gives it a unique and smooth appearance, and its wide range of colors makes it a popular choice for collectors and jewelers.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each August birthstone carries its own set of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, which have been passed down through history and continue to influence modern interpretations.
Peridot: A Stone of Positivity and Abundance
Peridot is often associated with positivity, abundance, and protection. It is believed to promote feelings of happiness and optimism and to ward off negative emotions and energy. In ancient times, it was thought to bring good luck and prosperity to its wearer.
Peridot is also associated with the heart and solar plexus chakras in modern metaphysical traditions. It is believed to help with emotional healing, particularly in cases of grief and depression. Some believe that wearing peridot can help with digestion and overall physical health.
Sardonyx: A Stone of Strength and Communication
Sardonyx has long been associated with strength, courage, and protection. It was believed to bring victory in battle and to protect soldiers from harm. In modern metaphysical practices, it is used to enhance communication skills and to promote clarity and confidence in public speaking.
Sardonyx is also thought to help with self-discipline and to encourage positive relationships. It is often recommended for those seeking to improve their communication in both personal and professional settings.
Spinel: A Stone of Passion and Balance
Spinel is associated with passion, vitality, and emotional balance. Red spinel is often linked to the heart chakra and is believed to promote love and emotional healing. Blue spinel, on the other hand, is associated with the throat and third eye chakras and is used to enhance intuition and communication.
Spinel is also believed to help with stress relief and emotional stability. It is a versatile stone that can be used in various ways to support emotional well-being and mental clarity.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the beauty and value of gemstone jewelry. Each of the August birthstones has different care requirements based on its hardness and sensitivity to heat, chemicals, and light.
Peridot Care
Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone (6.5–7 on the Mohs scale) and is sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals. It should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone. Store peridot jewelry separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
Sardonyx Care
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone that can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It is not sensitive to light or heat and can be worn in most environments. However, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, as they can damage the stone’s surface. Sardonyx can be worn daily and is well-suited for engraved jewelry.
Spinel Care
Spinel is a hard and durable gemstone that can be cleaned with a soft brush, warm, soapy water, and a soft cloth. It is not sensitive to light or heat and can be exposed to normal wear and tear. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s surface. Spinel is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry due to its durability and resilience.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—each bring their own unique beauty, history, and symbolism. Peridot, with its vibrant green color and connection to the sun, is the most widely recognized and celebrated of the three. Sardonyx, with its ancient roots and banded appearance, offers a timeless elegance and has been cherished for millennia. Spinel, the newest addition to the list, brings a vibrant energy and a wide range of colors, making it a versatile and valuable choice for jewelry.
These gemstones are not only beautiful but also rich in meaning and tradition. Whether worn as personal adornment, a meaningful gift, or a symbol of protection and prosperity, the August birthstones continue to captivate and inspire those who wear them.