August is a month of vibrant energy, marked by the sun's zenith and the lush growth of summer. For those born under its light, the month is also symbolized by a unique trio of gemstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel. While most months have one or two birthstones, August distinguishes itself by celebrating three, each with its own rich history, cultural significance, and gemological properties. These stones have captivated civilizations for millennia, serving as adornments, symbols of status, and even believed to possess metaphysical powers. In this article, we explore the origins, properties, and meanings of these three August birthstones, uncovering the reasons behind their selection and the enduring allure they hold for gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The History and Lore of August Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones is ancient, with roots in biblical and medieval European lore. The earliest references date back to the Breastplate of Aaron, described in the Old Testament, which was said to contain twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, this symbolic association evolved into a more personal tradition, linking each month to specific gemstones that could be worn for their protective and healing properties.
The concept of birthstones as we know it today began to take shape in the 15th century in Europe, particularly in Germany and Poland. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that a standardized list of birthstones was formally established. In the United States, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), now known as Jewelers of America, played a pivotal role in determining the official birthstones for each month. This organization periodically updates the list to reflect new discoveries and changing trends in the gemstone industry.
The Evolution of August's Birthstones
The August birthstone tradition began with Sardonyx, a composite of sard and onyx, and was the sole official gemstone for the month for many years. Sardonyx, with its contrasting bands of red-brown sard and white or black onyx, was highly valued in ancient times and was often used in signet rings and amulets. Its inclusion as an August birthstone is attributed to its long-standing cultural significance and its association with eloquence and marital harmony.
In the mid-20th century, Peridot was added to the list of August birthstones. This decision was made due to the frequent confusion between peridot and sardonyx, particularly because both can exhibit yellowish-green hues. Peridot, known for its vibrant color and geological origins, quickly became a popular alternative, especially in jewelry design.
Most recently, in 2016, Spinel was officially recognized as the third August birthstone. This addition reflects a growing appreciation for spinel’s beauty and versatility. Spinel, once mistaken for ruby and other red gemstones, has gained recognition for its brilliance and wide range of colors. Its inclusion in the August birthstone list underscores the modern trend toward valuing lesser-known but equally stunning gems.
Cultural Significance and Symbolism
Each of August’s birthstones carries its own set of symbolic meanings and cultural associations. In ancient times, Sardonyx was believed to promote eloquence and was often worn by orators and public speakers. It was also thought to aid in finding love and maintaining a happy marriage, making it a favored gemstone among young women and newlyweds.
Peridot, with its luminous green hues, has long been associated with vitality, renewal, and positive energy. It was believed to protect against nightmares and was sometimes used in amulets to ward off evil. In medieval Europe, peridot was considered a sacred stone, and many religious artifacts were inlaid with peridot, although they were often mistaken for emeralds.
Spinel, the newest addition to August’s birthstone lineup, has a rich history of being mistaken for other gems, particularly ruby. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several “rubies” in European royal collections were later identified as spinel. The discovery of large deposits in countries like Myanmar and Vietnam has helped bring spinel into the spotlight, and its vivid red and pink tones have made it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Geological Formation and Sources of August Birthstones
Understanding the geological origins of August’s birthstones provides insight into their rarity, beauty, and the conditions under which they are formed. Each gemstone has its own unique formation process and primary sources, which influence its availability and market value.
Sardonyx: A Composite of Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of alternating bands of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a banded chalcedony in white or black). The formation of sardonyx occurs through the deposition of silica-rich solutions in cavities within volcanic rock. Over time, these solutions crystallize, forming the distinct banding patterns characteristic of the stone.
India is the primary source of high-quality sardonyx, particularly for stones with sharp contrast between the sard and onyx layers. Other notable sources include Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States. The United States has produced sardonyx in states such as Arizona, where it is found in sedimentary deposits.
The unique banding of sardonyx makes it an ideal material for carving and engraving. Historically, it was used for signet rings, seals, and decorative items. The clarity and durability of sardonyx, which falls in the 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, make it suitable for everyday wear, though it is best suited for rings and pendants rather than bracelets or earrings due to its relative softness compared to harder gemstones.
Peridot: A Gem of Fire and Earth
Peridot is a gem variety of the mineral olivine, which is a silicate mineral that forms in the Earth’s mantle. It is one of the few gemstones that can be found in meteorites, as it is created under extreme heat and pressure. Peridot is formed when olivine is exposed to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity, where it cools and hardens, forming gem-quality crystals.
The most well-known source of peridot is the Red Sea island of Zabargad, also known as St. John’s Island. This island has been a source of peridot for thousands of years and is believed to be the origin of the name “topaz,” which was once used to describe peridot. Other significant sources include Arizona, Nevada, and Nigeria in the United States, as well as Madagascar, Brazil, and Myanmar.
Peridot is known for its range of green hues, from a pale yellow-green to a deep olive-green. The most valuable peridot is a greenish-yellow to yellow-green color, which is known as the “Peridot” color. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear, though it is susceptible to damage from hard knocks or abrasion.
One of the most interesting facts about peridot is that it is the only gemstone that can be found in space. Peridot crystals have been identified in meteorites, making it a truly cosmic gemstone.
Spinel: A Hidden Treasure of the Earth
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate, and it is found in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, blue, purple, and green. It is formed under high-pressure conditions in the Earth’s crust and is often found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
The most notable sources of spinel include Myanmar, where red and hot pink spinels are found in the Mogok region, known for its ruby and sapphire deposits. Sri Lanka is another major source, producing a wide variety of spinel colors, particularly in the Central Highlands and Ratnapura District. Vietnam, particularly in the Luc Yen region, is known for producing deep red, purple, and violet spinels. In Tanzania, pinkish and orangy-red spinels were discovered in 2007, adding to the global supply of this versatile gemstone.
Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder gemstones. It is also known for its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle similar to that of corundum (ruby and sapphire). Unlike corundum, however, spinel does not exhibit pleochroism or birefringence, which means it has a more consistent color and clarity.
The discovery of large spinel deposits in recent years has led to an increase in its popularity among jewelers and consumers. Spinel is now being used as an alternative to ruby and sapphire, particularly in engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces. Its affordability compared to ruby and sapphire, combined with its beauty and durability, has made it a highly sought-after gemstone.
Gemological Properties of August Birthstones
To fully appreciate the beauty and value of August’s birthstones, it is essential to understand their gemological properties. These properties include color, hardness, refractive index, specific gravity, and other optical characteristics that determine how the gemstone is cut, polished, and worn.
Sardonyx: A Banded Chalcedony
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Chalcedony (a form of quartz) |
| Color | Alternating bands of red-brown sard and white or black onyx |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 to 7 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.60 to 2.61 |
| Refractive Index | 1.48 to 1.53 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone due to its quartz composition, but it is still relatively soft compared to other gemstones. It is best suited for rings, pendants, and earrings, but it is not ideal for bracelets due to the risk of wear and abrasion. The banded pattern of sardonyx makes it an ideal material for carving and engraving, and it is often used in intaglio (engraved) and cameo (relief) styles.
Peridot: The Vibrant Green Gem
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Olivine |
| Color | Yellowish green to greenish yellow |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 to 7 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.34 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 to 1.69 |
| Birefringence | 0.035 to 0.038 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
Peridot is known for its brilliant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition. It is one of the few gemstones that can be found in meteorites, making it a truly unique gemstone. Peridot has a high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling appearance, and it is often cut in brilliant or emerald styles to enhance its fire and brilliance.
Peridot is relatively soft compared to other gemstones, so it is best suited for rings and pendants rather than bracelets or earrings. It is also susceptible to damage from hard knocks or abrasion, so it requires careful handling and cleaning.
Spinel: A Versatile and Radiant Gem
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Spinel (magnesium aluminum silicate) |
| Color | Red, pink, orange, blue, purple, violet, green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.60 to 4.00 |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 |
| Birefringence | None |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
Spinel is one of the hardest gemstones, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for rings, bracelets, and earrings. It has a high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling, glassy appearance, and it is often cut in brilliant or oval styles to enhance its fire and brilliance.
Spinel does not exhibit birefringence or pleochroism, which means it has a consistent color and clarity. This makes it an ideal gemstone for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces. The vivid red and pink spinels from Myanmar and Vietnam are particularly prized for their color and clarity, and they are often used as alternatives to ruby.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The August birthstones have long been associated with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties, which have influenced their use in jewelry, amulets, and other decorative objects.
Sardonyx: The Stone of Eloquence and Harmony
In ancient times, Sardonyx was believed to promote eloquence and persuasive speech, making it a popular choice among orators and public speakers. It was also thought to aid in finding love and maintaining a happy marriage, making it a favored gemstone among young women and newlyweds.
In medieval Europe, sardonyx was believed to ward off nightmares and protect against evil influences. It was also used in protective amulets and charms to promote good fortune and success.
Peridot: The Stone of Renewal and Positivity
Peridot has long been associated with renewal, vitality, and positive energy. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to protect against nightmares and was often used in amulets and talismans. In medieval Europe, peridot was considered a sacred stone, and many religious artifacts were inlaid with peridot, although they were often mistaken for emeralds.
Peridot is also believed to promote emotional balance and mental clarity, making it a popular choice for those seeking inner peace and stability. It is said to help with digestion and metabolism, and it is often used in holistic healing practices.
Spinel: The Stone of Passion and Intuition
Spinel is associated with passion, intuition, and emotional strength. In ancient times, it was believed to enhance love and attraction, making it a popular choice for love spells and charms. It is also believed to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, making it a favored gemstone among healers and spiritual practitioners.
Spinel is also known as the 22nd anniversary gemstone, symbolizing long-lasting love and commitment. It is said to bring clarity and focus to relationships, helping couples to communicate more effectively and resolve conflicts.
Care and Cleaning of August Birthstones
Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of August birthstones. Each gemstone has its own set of care requirements, based on its hardness, refractive properties, and susceptibility to damage.
Caring for Sardonyx
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7
- Susceptibility to Damage: Moderate
- Cleaning: Sardonyx can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can cause surface damage or banding erosion.
- Storage: Store sardonyx in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones.
- Wear: Avoid wearing sardonyx during physical activities or hard work, as it is relatively soft and can be easily scratched.
Caring for Peridot
- Hardness: 6.5 to 7
- Susceptibility to Damage: Moderate to high
- Cleaning: Peridot should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as these can cause surface damage or alter the color.
- Storage: Store peridot in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent scratches and abrasions.
- Wear: Avoid wearing peridot during physical activities or hard work, as it is relatively soft and can be easily damaged.
Caring for Spinel
- Hardness: 8
- Susceptibility to Damage: Low
- Cleaning: Spinel can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. It can also be cleaned with ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as it is durable and resistant to damage.
- Storage: Store spinel in a jewelry box or soft cloth to prevent scratches from other gemstones.
- Wear: Spinel is very durable and is suitable for daily wear, including rings, bracelets, and earrings.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel—represent a unique and diverse trio of gemstones that have captivated civilizations for centuries. From the ancient banded beauty of sardonyx to the fiery brilliance of spinel and the radiant green glow of peridot, each gemstone carries its own rich history, cultural significance, and gemological properties.
These stones have been used in jewelry, amulets, artifacts, and spiritual practices, and their popularity continues to grow in the modern world. Whether chosen for their aesthetic appeal, symbolic meaning, or gemological rarity, August’s birthstones offer a wide range of options for those seeking a meaningful and beautiful gemstone.
For those born in August, the choice of a birthstone is a personal and meaningful one, reflecting not only the month of their birth but also their individual style, values, and beliefs. Whether it’s the eloquence of sardonyx, the renewal of peridot, or the passion of spinel, each gemstone holds a special place in the heart of those who wear it.