August is one of the few months in the birthstone tradition to boast not one, but three official gemstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Each of these stones carries a rich history, unique gemological properties, and distinct cultural significance, making them ideal representations for those born during this month. From the fiery red of Spinel to the vibrant green of Peridot and the striking banded patterns of Sardonyx, these gemstones offer a diverse palette of options for jewelry and personal adornment.
This article delves into the origins, symbolism, geological properties, and cultural importance of these three August birthstones. By exploring their historical usage, scientific characteristics, and enduring appeal in modern jewelry, we will uncover why these gems have earned their place in the annals of gemology and continue to be cherished by those born in August.
History and Lore
Peridot: The Eternal Green Gem
Peridot has been revered for thousands of years, with its earliest recorded use dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Known for its vivid green color, Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, making it unique in the world of precious stones. The origin of its name remains uncertain, though it may derive from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem."
In the ancient world, Peridot was believed to possess protective and healing properties. It was used in amulets and talismans to ward off evil spirits and to promote good health. The stone's association with the sun and fire also made it a symbol of light and vitality.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Peridot's history is its extraterrestrial connection. In rare cases, Peridot has been found in meteorites, particularly in pallasite meteorites such as the Jepara meteorite discovered in Java. This cosmic origin adds to the stone's mystique and has led to its classification as one of the few gemstones that originate from deep within the Earth’s mantle, much like diamonds.
Peridot was once mistakenly identified as emerald or topaz due to its similar green hue. A notable example is the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, where 200 carats of what were believed to be emeralds were later identified as Peridot. Historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included Peridot.
In modern times, Peridot was officially recognized as an August birthstone in the 20th century. It is also associated with the zodiac sign Virgo and is a popular choice for 16th wedding anniversary gifts.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Stone of Protection
Sardonyx is perhaps the oldest of August's three birthstones, with a history that stretches back over 4,000 years. It is mentioned in biblical texts and was one of the stones on the High Priest’s Breastplate in the Book of Exodus. This placement underscores its significance in ancient religious and spiritual contexts.
Sardonyx is a composite of two chalcedony varieties—sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black banded chalcedony). Its name, derived from the Greek words sardion and onyx, reflects this dual composition. The stone’s striking red and white bands make it a favorite for carving and jewelry.
In antiquity, Sardonyx was believed to offer protection and strength. It was worn by warriors and leaders to instill courage and to ward off misfortune. In medieval Europe, it was thought to bring peace and harmony in the home and was often used in seals and signet rings.
Sardonyx is also associated with the zodiac sign Leo and is considered a traditional birthstone for those born between July 23 and August 22. Its affordability and durability make it a popular choice for pendants, rings, and other forms of wearable art.
Spinel: The Misunderstood Gem
Spinel is the youngest addition to the August birthstone roster. While it has been known for centuries, it was often confused with ruby and other red gems due to its similar color and brilliance. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that Spinel was properly identified and appreciated for its unique qualities.
Spinel is a versatile gemstone that can occur in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, blue, violet, and even black. The red variety, in particular, is highly prized for its vibrant color and brilliance. One of the most famous Spinel gems is the “Black Prince’s Ruby,” which is actually a large red Spinel and has been part of the British royal collection since the 14th century.
Spinel’s clarity and hardness make it a durable and beautiful gemstone. It has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. In recent years, Spinel has gained popularity as a more affordable and ethical alternative to ruby and sapphire, especially among environmentally and socially conscious consumers.
Spinel is not tied to a specific zodiac sign in traditional birthstone lore, but it has been adopted as a modern alternative to Sardonyx and Peridot for August births. Its versatility and beauty make it a valuable addition to the August birthstone collection.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot: Born from Fire and Earth
Peridot is a gem-quality form of the mineral forsterite, which is part of the olivine mineral group. Olivine is composed of magnesium, iron, and silica, and its green color is primarily due to the presence of iron. The more iron a Peridot contains, the deeper its green hue.
Peridot forms in mafic igneous rocks, which are rocks that cool from magma rich in iron and magnesium. These rocks are typically found in volcanic regions, where magma from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface. As the magma cools and solidifies, Peridot crystals form within the basalt and other volcanic rocks.
In rare cases, Peridot can also be found in pallasite meteorites, which are stony-iron meteorites that formed in the cores of early planetary bodies. These meteorites contain Peridot crystals embedded in a matrix of nickel-iron. The Jepara meteorite, discovered in Java, is one such example.
Peridot is mined in a variety of locations around the world, including:
- Arizona and Hawaii (United States)
- Sri Lanka
- Brazil
- Egypt
- Madagascar
- Nigeria
The United States is one of the largest producers of Peridot, particularly from the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. The stones from this region are known for their bright green color and high quality.
Sardonyx: Bands of Strength
Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. It is composed of alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black banded chalcedony). These layers create the distinctive banded patterns that make Sardonyx so visually appealing.
Sardonyx forms in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, where it is often found in cavities and veins. It is typically mined from quartz-rich deposits in regions with a history of volcanic activity. The stone is known for its durability, with a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday use in jewelry.
Sardonyx is found in several parts of the world, including:
- India
- Brazil
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Madagascar
- Uruguay
- United States
India is one of the most notable sources of Sardonyx, particularly for the high-quality stones used in jewelry and carving. Brazilian Sardonyx is also highly valued for its fine banding and clarity.
Spinel: A Crystal of Versatility
Spinel is a oxide mineral composed of aluminum and oxygen, with various trace elements that influence its color. The most well-known varieties are red and pink Spinel, which are often confused with ruby and other red gems due to their similar appearance.
Spinel forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, where it is often found in granite pegmatites and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in alluvial deposits, where it is carried by water from its source to riverbeds and alluvial plains. This makes it possible to find Spinel in placer deposits, where it can be panned like gold.
Spinel is mined in several countries around the world, including:
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Vietnam
- Madagascar
- Tanzania
- Nigeria
Sri Lanka is one of the most famous sources of Spinel, particularly for its red and pink varieties. The gem has also gained attention in recent years due to the discovery of large, high-quality stones in Vietnam and Madagascar.
Gemological Properties
Peridot
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ |
| Color | Green (ranging from yellowish to deep green) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 to 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 to 1.70 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.30 to 3.34 |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Translucency | Translucent to transparent |
| Cut | Typically faceted; also used in cabochons |
| Origin | Volcanic rocks and meteorites |
Peridot is known for its brilliant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical structure. It has a moderate hardness on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry, though it requires care to avoid scratches and chips. Peridot is often cut into round or oval shapes, though it can also be found in step cuts or cabochons.
Due to its perfect cleavage, Peridot is relatively fragile and can be damaged if struck in the right direction. This makes it important to handle Peridot jewelry with care and to avoid exposing it to hard knocks or sharp impacts.
Sardonyx
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Color | Red, brown, white, black (banded) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 to 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 to 1.54 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.60 to 2.65 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy |
| Translucency | Translucent |
| Cut | Typically carved or used in cabochons |
| Origin | Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks |
Sardonyx is a banded chalcedony with a white or black base and reddish-brown bands. It has a waxy luster and is translucent, allowing light to pass through it in a soft, diffused manner. Sardonyx is commonly used in carvings, pendants, and rings, where its distinct banding can be showcased.
One of the advantages of Sardonyx is its lack of cleavage, making it more durable than Peridot. It is also easier to carve, which has made it a popular material for intaglio and cameo jewelry. Sardonyx is often used in seals and signet rings, where its hardness and durability make it ideal for engraving.
Spinel
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ |
| Color | Red, pink, blue, violet, black |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 to 1.720 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95 to 4.10 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Luster | Vitreous to subadamantine |
| Translucency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cut | Faceted |
| Origin | Igneous and metamorphic rocks |
Spinel is a hard and durable gemstone, with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is known for its brilliant luster and high refractive index, which gives it a sparkling, glassy appearance. Spinel is typically transparent to translucent and is often cut into round, oval, or princess cuts to enhance its brilliance.
One of the most notable varieties of Spinel is red Spinel, which is prized for its deep, vibrant color and clarity. Unlike ruby, which contains chromium or vanadium, red Spinel gets its color from chromium or iron, giving it a slightly different hue. Spinel is also known for its lack of cleavage, making it very tough and suitable for everyday wear.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot
Peridot has long been associated with healing, protection, and prosperity. In ancient Egypt, it was believed to ward off nightmares and evil spirits. In medieval Europe, it was used in amulets and talismans to promote good health and happiness.
Peridot is also known as the “sunstone” due to its association with the sun and fire. It is believed to bring light, energy, and positivity, making it a popular gemstone for those seeking to boost their mood and vitality.
In modern metaphysical practices, Peridot is used to balance emotions, reduce stress, and enhance self-esteem. It is also believed to promote heart health and encourage healing. Peridot is particularly associated with the heart chakra, where it is said to help release old emotions and promote emotional healing.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a stone of strength, protection, and balance. In ancient times, it was used by warriors and leaders to instill courage and to ward off misfortune. It is also believed to promote peace and harmony in the home, making it a popular gemstone for families.
Sardonyx is associated with the root chakra, where it is said to help ground and stabilize the body and mind. It is also believed to enhance focus, discipline, and willpower, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
In some cultures, Sardonyx is used to protect against negative energies and to promote spiritual growth. It is also believed to enhance communication and foster strong relationships.
Spinel
Spinel is a stone of love, passion, and protection. In ancient times, it was believed to bring good luck and to protect the wearer from harm. It is also associated with romance and emotional healing, making it a popular gemstone for lovers and those seeking to mend broken relationships.
Spinel is believed to stimulate the heart and crown chakras, promoting emotional balance and spiritual growth. It is also thought to enhance intuition and to help the wearer connect with their higher self.
Red Spinel, in particular, is associated with passion, vitality, and strength, making it a powerful gemstone for those seeking to increase their energy and motivation.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of August's birthstones. While each gem has its own unique properties, there are general guidelines that apply to all three.
Peridot
Peridot has a moderate hardness and perfect cleavage, which makes it relatively fragile. It is important to avoid hard knocks or sharp impacts, as these can cause chips or fractures.
- Cleaning: Peridot can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. It is not recommended to use steam or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause damage to the stone.
- Storage: Store Peridot separately from harder gemstones to avoid scratches.
- Avoid: Exposure to heat, chemicals, and abrasives.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a durable gemstone with a high resistance to wear. It is not prone to scratches or chips, making it ideal for everyday use.
- Cleaning: Sardonyx can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are generally safe, but it is best to avoid prolonged exposure.
- Storage: Sardonyx can be stored with other chalcedony gemstones without risk of damage.
- Avoid: Exposure to harsh chemicals, as these can damage the surface of the stone.
Spinel
Spinel is a very durable gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is resistant to scratches and fractures, making it ideal for everyday wear.
- Cleaning: Spinel can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, a soft brush, or ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
- Storage: Spinel can be stored with other hard gemstones without risk of damage.
- Avoid: Exposure to abrasives, as these can scratch the surface of the stone.
Conclusion
August’s three birthstones—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—each offer a unique blend of beauty, history, and symbolism. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant green of Peridot, the bold red of Spinel, or the striking banded patterns of Sardonyx, these gemstones provide a rich and meaningful choice for those born in August.
Peridot, with its extraterrestrial origins and healing properties, is a symbol of light and vitality. Sardonyx, with its ancient roots and protective qualities, represents strength and balance. Spinel, once misidentified and overlooked, is now celebrated for its brilliance and versatility.
Together, these three gemstones reflect the diverse and vibrant spirit of August, offering a treasured legacy that continues to inspire and enchant.