For those born in August, the month is uniquely marked by the presence of three distinct birthstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel. These gemstones, each with its own unique history, symbolism, and physical properties, have been cherished across cultures and centuries. Whether worn for their beauty, their protective qualities, or their association with eloquence and fortune, August birthstones offer a rich tapestry of meaning and craftsmanship.
This article explores the gemological and cultural significance of each of these stones, delving into their origins, their use in jewelry, and their place in both historical and modern traditions. With the rise of lab-created alternatives and a renewed interest in natural gemstones, August birthstone jewelry continues to evolve, offering something for every taste and budget.
History and Lore
Sardonyx: The Ancient August Birthstone
Sardonyx, a type of chalcedony, holds the distinction of being the oldest known August birthstone. It is a banded stone composed of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown to orange chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black chalcedony). Historically, sardonyx was highly valued in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was particularly popular during the Renaissance, when it was believed to enhance eloquence and was worn by orators and public speakers.
Beyond its practical use, sardonyx was also associated with love and marriage. It was believed to help single women attract their ideal partners and to support couples in maintaining a happy and harmonious relationship. These beliefs contributed to its enduring popularity as a gemstone of both protection and romance.
India is the primary source of sardonyx today, known for producing stones with the best contrast between the colored bands. Other notable sources include Brazil, Germany, the United States, Madagascar, and Uruguay.
Peridot: The Gem of the Sun
Peridot, a vibrant greenish-yellow gemstone, is one of the more familiar August birthstones. Its history stretches back thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians referring to it as the "Gem of the Sun." Unlike many other gemstones, peridot is formed in the Earth's mantle and can be found in volcanic lava flows and even in meteorites. It is composed of a silicate mineral containing iron, which gives it its distinctive color.
Peridot was long mistaken for ruby, particularly in historical jewelry where red spinel was often labeled as ruby. As the gemstone market evolved and more accurate identification methods became available, peridot gained recognition in its own right. It is also associated with good fortune and is often given as a gift to celebrate the 16th wedding anniversary.
Peridot is relatively affordable compared to other gemstones of similar size and brilliance, making it a popular choice for both jewelry and personal collection.
Spinel: The Newest Addition
Spinel, the newest of the August birthstones, was officially recognized as a birthstone in 2016. Spinel is a versatile gemstone, available in a wide range of colors including red, pink, orange, blue, violet, and green. Its name comes from the Latin word "spina," meaning "thorn," referring to its crystal structure.
Historically, spinel was often confused with ruby and was even used in royal jewelry before its identity was fully understood. It is a traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary, symbolizing love, loyalty, and devotion. Spinel is found in various parts of the world, including Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Each location is known for producing spinel in different colors and qualities.
Myanmar is particularly famous for its intense red and pink spinels, while Sri Lanka produces beautiful blue, pink, and purple varieties. In Vietnam, the Luc Yen region is known for its deep red, purple, and violet spinel, and Tanzania has recently emerged as a source of pinkish and orangy-red spinel.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that can be found in meteorites. It forms under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. The presence of iron in its composition gives it its range of green hues, from pale yellow-green to deep olive green. The most highly prized peridot is transparent and has a vivid green color with minimal brown or yellow tones.
Peridot is found in various parts of the world, including the United States (especially in Arizona), Egypt, China, and Myanmar. The United States is one of the largest producers of peridot, particularly in the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a form of chalcedony, a type of microcrystalline quartz. It forms in layers, with the sard (a reddish or orange chalcedony) alternating with white or black onyx. The banded structure of sardonyx makes it ideal for carving and engraving, which has contributed to its popularity in cameo and intaglio jewelry.
India is the leading source of sardonyx today, producing stones with the most distinct contrast between the sard and onyx layers. Other notable sources include Brazil, Germany, the United States, Madagascar, and Uruguay. The quality of sardonyx can vary depending on the source, with Indian and Brazilian stones generally considered the finest.
Spinel
Spinel forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and is often found in alluvial deposits. It is composed of aluminum oxide and can contain trace amounts of various elements that give it different colors. Red spinel, for example, gets its color from chromium, while blue spinel is colored by cobalt.
Myanmar is one of the most famous sources of spinel, particularly for its vivid red and pink stones. Sri Lanka is known for producing a wide range of spinel colors, including blue, pink, and purple. Vietnam’s Luc Yen region is another important source, particularly for deep red and purple spinel. Tanzania has also emerged as a new source for pinkish and orangy-red spinel in recent years.
Gemological Properties
| Gemstone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Chemical Composition | Origin | Clarity | Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Greenish-yellow | 6.5–7 | Mg₁₋ₓFeₓSiO₄ | United States, Egypt, Myanmar | Usually transparent to slightly included | Brilliant cut, oval, round |
| Sardonyx | Reddish-brown to orange sard with white or black onyx bands | 6.5–7 | SiO₂ (Chalcedony) | India, Brazil, United States | Usually opaque | Cabochon, beads, engraved |
| Spinel | Red, pink, orange, blue, violet, green | 8 | MgAl₂O₄ | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania | Usually transparent to slightly included | Brilliant cut, round, oval |
Peridot
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but still requiring some care to avoid scratches. It is composed of a silicate mineral known as olivine, and its color is primarily due to the presence of iron. The most valuable peridot is deep, vivid green with minimal brown or yellow tones. Peridot is often cut in a brilliant or oval shape to enhance its brilliance.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable but not suitable for everyday wear in certain settings. It is a type of chalcedony, and its banded structure makes it ideal for carving and engraving. Sardonyx is usually opaque and is most commonly cut in a cabochon or bead shape. It is also used in cameos and intaglios.
Spinel
Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder gemstones and suitable for everyday wear. It is composed of aluminum oxide and can come in a wide range of colors depending on its trace elements. Spinel is usually transparent to slightly included and is often cut in a brilliant or round shape to maximize its sparkle. High-quality spinel is often faceted and set in fine jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Sardonyx
Sardonyx has long been associated with protection and strength. During the Renaissance, it was believed to enhance the eloquence of public speakers and was worn by orators and poets. It was also considered a love stone, believed to help single women attract their ideal partners and to support couples in maintaining a happy and harmonious relationship.
In ancient times, sardonyx was thought to offer protection from negative energies and to help with emotional stability. It was also believed to promote courage and self-confidence, making it a popular choice for warriors and leaders.
Peridot
Peridot is often associated with positive energy, good fortune, and protection. In ancient Egypt, it was referred to as the "Gem of the Sun" and was believed to have been formed from the rays of the sun. It was also used in amulets and talismans to ward off nightmares and negative energies.
Peridot is said to promote emotional healing and is often recommended for those who are feeling down or stressed. It is also believed to enhance creativity and self-expression, making it a popular stone for artists and writers. In some traditions, peridot is used as a symbol of friendship and is given as a gift to celebrate strong relationships.
Spinel
Spinel is considered a gemstone of love and devotion. It is often associated with passion, loyalty, and emotional strength. In historical jewelry, spinel was used in royal crowns and rings and was believed to bring protection and good fortune to the wearer.
Spinel is also believed to have calming properties and is used in meditation and healing practices. It is said to help with emotional balance and to promote a sense of inner peace. In some cultures, spinel is used as a protective stone to guard against negative energies and to enhance one's spiritual connection.
Care and Cleaning
Each of the August birthstones requires specific care to maintain their beauty and longevity.
Peridot
Peridot is relatively soft and should be cleaned gently. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause damage. A soft brush and mild soap with warm water are sufficient for cleaning peridot jewelry. It is also advisable to store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone, but it can be easily scratched if not handled properly. It is best to clean sardonyx with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, as they can cause damage to the stone's surface. Sardonyx should also be stored in a dry, cool place to prevent any changes in color or texture.
Spinel
Spinel is one of the hardest August birthstones and is suitable for everyday wear. It can be cleaned with a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used for spinel, but it is best to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals. Spinel should be stored in a jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent scratches and damage.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel—each offer a unique combination of beauty, history, and symbolism. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant green of peridot, the banded elegance of sardonyx, or the radiant colors of spinel, there is an August birthstone to suit every style and preference.
From their ancient roots to their modern-day appeal, these gemstones continue to captivate and inspire. Whether worn as a symbol of personal meaning, a celebration of love, or simply as a beautiful piece of jewelry, August birthstone jewelry remains a timeless treasure.