August, a month steeped in history and tradition, is uniquely marked by three official birthstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. These gemstones, each with its own distinct charm and significance, offer a rich tapestry of geological, historical, and cultural narratives. While peridot is often considered the primary representative of the month, sardonyx and spinel bring depth and diversity to the August birthstone tradition. This article delves into the origins, properties, symbolism, and care of these remarkable gemstones, drawing from authoritative sources and historical accounts.
Introduction
August, named after the Roman Emperor Augustus, is a month of grandeur and historical importance. Its association with three gemstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—reflects both the richness of the month’s heritage and the evolving nature of gemstone appreciation. Peridot, with its vibrant green hue and cosmic origins, is the most well-known of the trio. Sardonyx, a composite of chalcedony types, has a storied history in ancient civilizations, while spinel, though relatively newer to the birthstone roster, offers a stunning alternative to more traditional gems like ruby and sapphire.
Each of these stones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and gemological properties. Understanding their formation, historical usage, and cultural significance provides a deeper appreciation for why they were chosen to represent the month of August.
History and Lore
The Origins of the August Birthstones
The tradition of assigning gemstones to months dates back centuries, with roots in ancient cultures that believed stones held protective and healing powers. For August, the tradition includes three stones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—each with a unique historical journey.
Sardonyx: The Oldest August Birthstone
Sardonyx, a type of chalcedony composed of sard and onyx, is the oldest of the August birthstones. Historical records indicate that it has been used for over 4,000 years, particularly in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The stone’s banded appearance, with its warm sard and contrasting onyx layers, made it a popular choice for seals, rings, and amulets. Ancient Romans believed that sardonyx brought good luck and protection, and it was especially favored by soldiers for its supposed ability to bring victory in battle.
One of the earliest references to sardonyx is found in the Old Testament, where it is listed as one of the stones on the High Priest’s breastplate. This association with spiritual and leadership roles underscores the stone’s symbolic importance in ancient times.
Peridot: The Cosmic Gem
Peridot’s history is equally rich. Known as the yellowish green to greenish yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine, peridot has been prized for its vibrant color and supposed healing properties. The ancient Egyptians referred to it as the “gem of the Sun,” believing it had the power to heal and protect. It was also associated with the volcano island of Topazios in the Red Sea, a source of peridot and a name that may have contributed to the term “topaz.”
Peridot has often been confused with other gems, such as emerald and topaz, due to its color. In fact, some of the gems in the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral, believed to be emeralds, were later identified as peridot. There is also speculation that Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have included peridot, highlighting the stone’s historical significance.
Spinel: The Modern Addition
Spinel is the youngest of the three August birthstones, officially added in 2016 by the American National Association of Jewelers (ANAJ). Historically, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, and its beauty and brilliance were overlooked for centuries. With the growing interest in gemstone alternatives and more affordable options, spinel has gained popularity. It is particularly valued for its clarity, brilliance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant gemstone without the high cost of ruby or sapphire.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot: Formed in Extreme Conditions
Peridot is a unique gemstone in that it is formed under extreme geological conditions. It is primarily found in volcanic rocks, where it is carried to the Earth’s surface by magma. Peridot can also be found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, making it one of the few gemstones with a cosmic origin. The presence of iron in peridot’s chemical composition gives it its characteristic yellow-green color. High-quality peridot is typically found in locations such as Arizona, Egypt, and Myanmar.
Sardonyx: A Composite of Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It is formed through the deposition of silica in sedimentary rock, where it develops its distinctive banded appearance. The sard portion of the stone is typically a warm reddish-brown to orange color, while the onyx portion is a contrasting white or black. Sardonyx is found in various parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States. Its historical use in seals and amulets speaks to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Spinel: A Versatile and Resilient Gem
Spinel is a mineral that occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. It is formed in both igneous and metamorphic rocks and is known for its high clarity and brilliance. Spinel is typically found in locations such as Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Its versatility and affordability have made it a popular gemstone in the modern jewelry market, especially as an alternative to ruby and sapphire.
Gemological Properties
Peridot: A Unique Composition
Peridot is a silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. It is known for its vivid green color, which is caused by the presence of iron. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but still susceptible to scratches. It has a refractive index of 1.65 to 1.69 and is pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Sardonyx: A Durable and Durable Stone
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. Sardonyx is known for its banded appearance and is often used in carvings, seals, and cameos. Its composition includes both sard and onyx, with the sard portion typically being a warm reddish-brown to orange color and the onyx portion being a contrasting white or black.
Spinel: A Brilliant and Versatile Gem
Spinel is a mineral that belongs to the oxide family and has the chemical formula MgAl₂O₄. It is known for its high clarity and brilliance, with a refractive index of 1.718 to 1.758. Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone. It is available in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, and black. Spinel is often mistaken for ruby and sapphire due to its similar color and brilliance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot: A Stone of Positivity and Abundance
Peridot has long been associated with positive energy, abundance, and protection. It is believed to bring joy and good luck to the wearer and to ward off negative thoughts and worries. In ancient Egypt, peridot was considered a sacred stone and was used in jewelry and amulets. It was also believed to have healing properties and was used in various rituals and ceremonies.
In modern times, peridot is often associated with the month of August and is considered a symbol of confidence, empathy, and resilience. It is also believed to enhance communication and bring clarity to one’s thoughts. Peridot is particularly valued as a Virgo birthstone, as it is said to enhance the wearer’s natural traits of curiosity and analytical thinking.
Sardonyx: A Stone of Strength and Courage
Sardonyx has been used for centuries as a symbol of strength, courage, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to bring victory in battle and was often worn by soldiers and warriors. It was also associated with open communication and was used in seals and cameos to enhance one’s ability to express themselves clearly.
Sardonyx is also believed to promote prosperity and happy relationships, making it a popular choice for those seeking to improve their personal and professional lives. It is associated with spiritual growth and is believed to help the wearer connect with their higher self.
Spinel: A Stone of Passion and Clarity
Spinel is a relatively new addition to the August birthstone list, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its beauty and symbolism. It is often associated with passion, love, and clarity. Red spinel, in particular, is believed to bring warmth and vitality to the wearer and is often used in romantic jewelry.
Spinel is also believed to enhance one’s ability to see clearly and make sound decisions. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to help the wearer connect with their inner wisdom. Spinel is also believed to promote emotional balance and to help the wearer release negative emotions and thoughts.
Care and Cleaning
Peridot: Gentle Handling and Storage
Due to its relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale (6.5 to 7), peridot requires gentle handling and care to avoid scratches and damage. It should be stored separately from harder gemstones to prevent abrasion. Peridot is sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to high temperatures. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, but ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the stone.
Sardonyx: Durable and Easy to Maintain
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It is not sensitive to heat or chemicals and can be cleaned with ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Sardonyx should be stored in a dry place to prevent any potential damage from moisture.
Spinel: Resilient and Easy to Care for
Spinel is a resilient gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It is also safe to use ultrasonic and steam cleaners, making it easy to maintain. Spinel is not sensitive to heat or chemicals and can be stored with other gemstones without the risk of damage.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—offer a fascinating combination of history, beauty, and symbolism. Each gemstone has its own unique story, from the cosmic origins of peridot to the ancient traditions surrounding sardonyx and the modern appeal of spinel. Whether chosen for their gemological properties, historical significance, or symbolic meaning, these stones are a testament to the enduring appeal of gemstones in human culture. For those born in August or those seeking to give a meaningful gift, these stones provide a beautiful and meaningful choice.