August is one of the few months associated with multiple birthstones, a distinction shared by only a few other months. Today, August is recognized with three official birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Each of these gemstones has a distinct history, origin, and set of symbolic meanings. Peridot, the most widely known and popular of the three, has long been celebrated for its vibrant green hues and cosmic origins. Spinel, once mistaken for ruby and emerald, has recently gained recognition as a modern alternative. Sardonyx, an ancient stone, has been used for thousands of years in jewelry and decorative art.
This article provides a detailed exploration of these three gemstones, covering their historical significance, geological formation, symbolic meanings, and their place in contemporary jewelry. The discussion is grounded in information derived from a range of authoritative and contemporary sources.
History and Lore of August Birthstones
Peridot: The "Gem of the Sun"
Peridot has a rich and ancient history that spans multiple civilizations. The Egyptians referred to it as the "gem of the Sun" and believed it to be a gift from the gods. Its golden-green hues were associated with solar energy and were used in both sacred and decorative contexts. The island of Zabargad, located in the Red Sea, was a primary source of peridot in antiquity and is believed to be the origin of the name "Topazios," which was once thought to refer to a different gem.
Peridot was also used in religious artifacts. One of the most notable examples is the Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Cologne Cathedral in Germany. This shrine, built in the 12th century, was originally thought to be adorned with emeralds. However, modern gemological analysis has confirmed that the gems in question are in fact peridots. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have contained peridot instead of emerald, as the two were frequently confused in antiquity due to their similar coloration.
In modern times, peridot became the primary birthstone for August in the United States and the United Kingdom in the early 20th century. It has been associated with themes of self-responsibility, forgiveness, and the manifestation of personal dreams. Peridot is also believed to promote emotional healing and is often used in crystal healing practices to encourage self-awareness and emotional clarity.
Spinel: The Rediscovered Gem
Spinel has a fascinating history of misidentification. For centuries, red spinel was often mistaken for ruby, and even today, some historical jewelry pieces may contain spinel instead of ruby. The confusion arose because the two gems share a similar appearance, particularly in deep red varieties. Spinel was only recently recognized as a distinct gemstone, and its unique properties are now being appreciated by both jewelers and collectors.
The modern recognition of spinel as an August birthstone came relatively recently. In 2016, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially added spinel to the list of August birthstones, acknowledging its growing popularity as an alternative to more traditional gems. Spinel is now valued not only for its beauty but also for its durability and affordability compared to ruby or sapphire.
Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue. This diversity has made it a versatile choice for jewelry, and its relatively high hardness (on the Mohs scale) makes it suitable for everyday wear.
Sardonyx: The Ancient Stone of Protection
Sardonyx is the original August birthstone and has a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. It is a type of onyx, a banded form of quartz, and is characterized by its reddish-brown body color with white or pale bands. The name "sardonyx" is derived from the Greek words for "blood-colored" and "onix," which describes its appearance.
Sardonyx was widely used in ancient civilizations for amulets, seals, and cameos. It was particularly popular in the Roman Empire, where it was carved into intricate designs and used in signet rings for wax seals. The stone was believed to offer protection, enhance confidence, and promote a sense of optimism and joy.
In modern times, sardonyx is still used in jewelry and spiritual practices. It is considered a protective stone that helps the wearer remain grounded and positive. Sardonyx is also associated with leadership and is believed to support those who are natural leaders in their personal and professional lives.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot: From Volcanic Lava to Meteorites
Peridot is a gem variety of the mineral olivine. It forms under extreme conditions deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. This unique formation process gives peridot its cosmic origin, as it can also be found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth.
Peridot is most commonly found in volcanic rocks, particularly in areas with basaltic lava flows. One of the most famous sources of peridot is the island of Zabargad, located in the Red Sea. Other notable sources include Arizona in the United States, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot can also be found in the lava flows of Hawaii, where it is sometimes discovered near active volcanoes.
The green coloration of peridot is due to the presence of iron within its crystal structure. The more iron it contains, the deeper the green color becomes. Peridot is typically found in a yellowish green to greenish yellow range, with the most desirable stones exhibiting a vivid lime green hue.
Spinel: A Diverse and Durable Gemstone
Spinel is a mineral that occurs in a variety of colors, all of which are caused by different trace elements. For example, red spinel gets its color from chromium or iron, while blue spinel is colored by cobalt. The hardness of spinel, which ranges from 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, makes it a durable gemstone suitable for a wide range of jewelry applications.
Spinel is found in a number of geological settings, including metamorphic and igneous rocks. Some of the most well-known sources of spinel include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. In recent years, new deposits have been discovered in Madagascar and Vietnam, contributing to the increasing availability of high-quality spinel in the market.
Due to its versatility in color and durability, spinel has become a popular choice for both fine and fashion jewelry. Its affordability compared to ruby and sapphire has also contributed to its growing popularity among consumers seeking ethical and budget-friendly alternatives.
Sardonyx: A Banded Variety of Chalcedony
Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. It is composed of layers of different colors, with the reddish-brown base color often contrasting with white or pale bands. The banding pattern can vary depending on the source, and the most desirable specimens have clear, distinct bands.
Sardonyx is found in a number of countries around the world, including India, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany. India is one of the oldest sources of sardonyx and has a long history of using the stone in jewelry and decorative art. The stone is often carved into cameos and seals, and its granular structure makes it ideal for shaping into cabochons or beads.
Sardonyx is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. While it is not as hard as peridot or spinel, it is still suitable for jewelry when properly cut and set. Its ability to absorb light and its subtle sheen make it a popular choice for both antique and contemporary designs.
Gemological Properties of August Birthstones
| Gemstone | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) | Composition | Origin | Cut Commonly Used | Refractive Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Yellow-green to greenish yellow | 6.5–7 | Olivine (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | Volcanic lava, meteorites, Zabargad, Arizona | Emerald, Round, Oval | 1.65–1.70 |
| Spinel | Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue | 8–8.5 | Magnesium aluminum oxide (MgAl₂O₄) | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Madagascar | Round, Cushion, Oval | 1.718–1.723 |
| Sardonyx | Reddish brown with white banding | 6.5–7 | Chalcedony (SiO₂) | India, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany | Cabochon, Cameo | 1.48–1.53 |
Peridot
Peridot is a silicate mineral with a chemical formula of (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄. It is known for its vivid green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its crystal structure. Peridot has a refractive index between 1.65 and 1.70 and a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is commonly cut into emerald, round, or oval shapes to enhance its brilliance and color. Peridot is also known for its pleochroism, a phenomenon where the stone exhibits different colors when viewed from different angles.
Spinel
Spinel is an oxide mineral with a chemical formula of MgAl₂O₄. It is known for its wide range of colors, which are caused by different trace elements. Spinel has a refractive index of 1.718 to 1.723 and a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones among the three August birthstones. It is commonly cut into round, cushion, or oval shapes to maximize its brilliance and fire.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a banded form of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Its chemical formula is SiO₂, and it has a refractive index of 1.48 to 1.53. Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is typically cut into cabochons or carved into cameos to highlight its banding pattern. Sardonyx is not as refractive as peridot or spinel and is more valued for its texture and color contrast rather than its brilliance.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Each of the August birthstones has been associated with various symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties throughout history.
Peridot: Healing, Protection, and Manifestation
Peridot is often associated with emotional healing and the release of negative emotions. It is believed to help individuals forgive themselves and others, making it a powerful stone for those who struggle with guilt or anger. Peridot is also used in manifestation practices, as it is said to help individuals focus on their goals and bring their dreams to life.
In metaphysical traditions, peridot is believed to connect the wearer to their guardian angels and spiritual guides. It is also thought to promote self-respect, willpower, and creativity. Peridot is a stone of optimism and is often used to bring light into dark emotional states.
Spinel: Passion, Clarity, and Strength
Spinel is associated with passion, clarity, and emotional strength. Red spinel, in particular, is believed to enhance vitality and courage, making it a popular choice for those who need to overcome fear or take bold steps in their lives. Spinel is also thought to help with emotional clarity, helping individuals make decisions with confidence and ease.
In some traditions, spinel is used to enhance relationships and communication. It is believed to promote honesty and understanding in interpersonal interactions. Spinel is also associated with the heart chakra, making it a stone of love and compassion.
Sardonyx: Protection, Confidence, and Joy
Sardonyx is considered a protective stone that helps the wearer remain grounded and positive. It is believed to offer protection against negative influences and to promote confidence and self-assurance. Sardonyx is also associated with joy and optimism, making it a stone of motivation and inspiration.
In metaphysical practices, sardonyx is used to enhance leadership qualities and to support individuals in taking charge of their lives. It is believed to help individuals stay focused and motivated, even in challenging situations.
Care and Cleaning of August Birthstones
Each of the August birthstones requires specific care due to their unique physical properties. Proper cleaning and storage can help maintain the beauty and durability of these gemstones.
Peridot
Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable. However, it is susceptible to damage from heat and sudden temperature changes. It is also sensitive to strong acids and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals.
To clean peridot, use a soft cloth and mild soap with lukewarm water. Avoid using steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can cause damage. Store peridot away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.
Spinel
Spinel is one of the hardest gemstones among the August birthstones, with a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It is more durable than peridot and can be cleaned with standard methods.
To clean spinel, use a soft cloth and mild soap with lukewarm water. You can also use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner, as these are generally safe for spinel. Store spinel in a soft pouch or separate compartment to avoid scratches.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is relatively soft compared to peridot and spinel. It is also porous and can absorb liquids, making it more susceptible to staining.
To clean sardonyx, use a soft cloth and mild soap with lukewarm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface. Store sardonyx in a dry place and avoid exposing it to excessive moisture.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—peridot, spinel, and sardonyx—each have a unique place in the world of gemology and jewelry. Peridot, with its vibrant green color and cosmic origins, is a symbol of healing, protection, and manifestation. Spinel, once mistaken for ruby, is now gaining recognition for its beauty and versatility. Sardonyx, an ancient stone with a long history, is valued for its protective qualities and connection to strength and joy.
Together, these gemstones offer a rich and diverse selection for those born in August. Whether worn for their beauty, symbolism, or spiritual properties, they continue to be cherished by gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry lovers, and spiritual practitioners alike.