August is a month graced by a rare distinction in the world of birthstones: it is associated with not one, but three gemstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel. These stones, each with its own unique composition, historical significance, and symbolic meaning, offer a rich tapestry of beauty and lore. This article delves into the geological, historical, and cultural aspects of these August birthstones, providing a comprehensive overview for gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology alike. From their formation deep within the Earth to their roles in ancient civilizations and modern jewelry, these stones continue to captivate and inspire.
History and Lore
The history of August’s birthstones is as rich and varied as the stones themselves. Among the three, Sardonyx is the most ancient and historically significant. It was one of the foundation stones of Jerusalem and a gemstone featured on the high priest’s breastplate, as mentioned in the Bible. Sardonyx has been known and used for thousands of years, with evidence of its use by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In ancient times, it was a popular material for seals and signet rings due to its durability and the way it resisted the adhesion of hot wax.
Peridot, on the other hand, has a more recent emergence into the world of gemstones. It is a gem-quality variety of olivine, a mineral composed of magnesium-iron silicates. Peridot has been mined from the Red Sea island of Zabargad since ancient times. This island, known for its extreme conditions, has been a source of some of the finest peridot stones. Peridot has also been found in various parts of the world, including Norway, Brazil, Kenya, and even in meteorites, adding a cosmic dimension to its origins.
Spinel, while less ancient than Sardonyx, has a history that dates back to the Renaissance. However, it was often confused with ruby and other red gemstones before its identity was established in the 18th century. The 2007 discovery in Tanzania of pinkish and orangy red spinel brought renewed attention to this gemstone, highlighting its beauty and rarity. Spinel has since gained popularity among gem collectors and jewelry designers.
Each of these stones carries with it a wealth of symbolism and belief. Sardonyx was thought to protect against infectious diseases and the bites of venomous creatures, particularly scorpions. It was also believed to attract friends and bring success in legal matters. Peridot was considered a symbol of happiness and was often referred to as the "evening emerald" due to its vibrant green hue under artificial light. Spinel, with its fiery red and other vibrant colors, was seen as a gemstone of passion and vitality.
Geological Formation and Sources
Understanding the geological formation and sources of these gemstones provides insight into their rarity and beauty. Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony: sard and onyx. Sard is a brownish-red to dark orange variety of chalcedony, while onyx is typically white or black. The alternating bands of these two materials create the distinctive striped appearance of sardonyx. This gemstone is formed through the deposition of silica-rich solutions in cavities within rocks, a process that can take thousands of years. Sardonyx is found in various parts of the world, including India, Brazil, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.
Peridot is a gem-quality transparent variety of olivine, a mineral composed of magnesium-iron silicates. The color of olivine ranges from olive to lime green, with the green coloration attributed to the presence of iron. Peridot is formed in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. The most significant source of peridot is the Red Sea island of Zabargad, where it has been mined since ancient times. Other notable sources include Norway, Brazil, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Australia, Mexico, and the Mogok district of Myanmar. Peridot has also been found in meteorites, making it a truly cosmic gemstone.
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum oxide. It forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks and is often found in association with corundum (the mineral that includes ruby and sapphire). Spinel is known for its hardness, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a durable gemstone suitable for rings and other jewelry. The 2007 discovery in Tanzania of pinkish and orangy red spinel brought new attention to this gemstone. Spinel is also found in Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan, and other parts of Asia.
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of these stones are essential for understanding their use in jewelry and their care. Sardonyx, with its alternating bands of sard and onyx, is a type of chalcedony and ranks 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This moderate hardness makes it suitable for pendants and earrings, but less ideal for rings, which are subject to more wear and tear. Sardonyx is also a relatively affordable gemstone, making it a popular choice for jewelry.
Peridot, as a gem-quality olivine, has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it somewhat durable but still vulnerable to scratches and chips. Peridot is known for its vibrant green color, which can range from a deep olive to a bright lime green. Its color is due to the presence of iron, and some peridot stones have a brownish tint, indicating a higher iron content. Peridot is also one of the few gemstones that occur in meteorites, adding to its unique allure.
Spinel, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, is a durable gemstone suitable for a wide range of jewelry, including rings. It is known for its brilliant colors, which can range from deep red to pink, orange, blue, and even black. Spinel is also known for its clarity and brilliance, making it a desirable gemstone for collectors and jewelry designers. However, it is important to note that some colors of spinel can fade when exposed to high heat, so care should be taken when cleaning and storing these stones.
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs) | Composition | Color | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sardonyx | 6.5 | Silica-rich chalcedony | Red, white, and black bands | India, Brazil, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, United States |
| Peridot | 6.5-7 | Magnesium-iron silicates | Olive to lime green | Zabargad, Norway, Brazil, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Australia, Mexico, Myanmar |
| Spinel | 8 | Magnesium aluminum oxide | Red, pink, orange, blue, black | Tanzania, Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism and metaphysical beliefs associated with these gemstones add another layer of intrigue. Sardonyx has long been associated with protection and success. It was believed to protect the wearer from infectious diseases and the bites of venomous creatures, particularly scorpions. Sardonyx was also thought to attract friends and bring success in legal matters. In Rosicrucianism, a spiritual and cultural European movement of the 17th century, sardonyx was considered "the gem of victorious ecstasy and rapture which flow from the eternal font of delight, banishing grief and woe." It was also believed to be the birthstone of fortune, happiness, and self-control.
Peridot has been associated with happiness and positivity. It was considered a symbol of happiness and was often referred to as the "evening emerald" due to its vibrant green hue under artificial light. Peridot was also believed to have healing properties, particularly for the heart and the liver. In some cultures, peridot was used to ward off nightmares and negative energy.
Spinel, with its fiery red and other vibrant colors, has been associated with passion and vitality. It was often confused with ruby and other red gemstones before its identity was established in the 18th century. Spinel is known for its brilliance and clarity, making it a symbol of purity and strength. In some cultures, spinel was believed to bring good luck and fortune, and it was also used in love and prosperity charms.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of these gemstones. Sardonyx, with a hardness of 6.5, is relatively durable but should be handled with care to avoid scratches and chips. It can be cleaned with warm soapy water, but ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be used with caution, as they can potentially damage the stone. Sardonyx should be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Peridot, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7, is also relatively durable but can be scratched or chipped if mishandled. It should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Peridot should be stored separately from harder gemstones and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or high heat, as this can cause discoloration.
Spinel, with a hardness of 8, is a durable gemstone that can be cleaned with ultrasonic and steam cleaners. However, the presence of fractures in some spinel stones can be a concern, so it is best to use warm soapy water as a safe alternative. Spinel should be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. High heat can cause some colors of spinel to fade, so it should be kept away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Conclusion
August’s birthstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel—offer a unique and captivating array of colors, histories, and symbolic meanings. From the ancient and revered sardonyx to the vibrant and cosmic peridot and the fiery and brilliant spinel, these gemstones continue to inspire and enchant. Whether chosen for their beauty, their historical significance, or their symbolic meaning, these stones are a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones. For those born in August, these stones provide a connection to the past and a celebration of the present, making them a cherished part of the world of gemology.