August is uniquely distinguished as the only birth month represented by three official birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. This triad reflects the rich historical, geological, and cultural significance of these gems, offering a diverse range of colors, symbolism, and properties. While Peridot is the most widely recognized and celebrated as the primary August birthstone, Spinel and Sardonyx have long-standing traditions and recent recognition that contribute to the month’s gemstone legacy.
This article provides a detailed exploration of each of these August birthstones, including their historical origins, geological formation, physical and optical properties, cultural symbolism, and practical care guidelines. The information is derived from authoritative sources and historical accounts, offering a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on these remarkable gems.
History and Lore of August Birthstones
The tradition of associating gemstones with birth months dates back to ancient times, with roots in biblical and early European practices. For August, the history of its birthstones reveals a fascinating journey across cultures and eras.
Peridot: The Ancient “Gem of the Sun”
Peridot, known in mineralogy as olivine, has been treasured for millennia. The gem was mined in the Red Sea region as early as 1500 BC, with the island of Zabargad (also called St. John’s Island) being a notable historical source. Ancient Egyptians referred to it as “the gem of the sun”, believing it absorbed and radiated sunlight. This belief was further reflected in their practice of wearing peridot during nighttime rituals, as they thought the stone would glow in the dark.
In medieval Europe, peridot was associated with fertility and healing. Women often wore it during childbirth, and it was believed to increase milk production in cows. These beliefs persisted through the centuries, and by the 20th century, peridot had become the primary August birthstone, while sardonyx and spinel were added to the list in the 1950s and 2016, respectively.
Sardonyx: The Timeless “Stone of Strength”
Sardonyx, a banded chalcedony with layers of reddish-brown and white, has been used for over 4,000 years. It was highly prized in ancient Egypt and Rome, where it was used in amulets, seals, and rings. Sardonyx was also associated with protection, courage, and strength, making it a favored stone among warriors and rulers.
The ancient Greek and Roman texts refer to sardonyx as a stone that could ward off evil and bring clarity of thought. Its role as a birthstone for August reflects its long-standing symbolic and practical value in human history.
Spinel: The Misunderstood Gem
Spinel, while newly recognized as an August birthstone in 2016, has a long and intriguing history. It was often mistaken for ruby and sapphire due to its similar appearance and vibrant colors. For example, the “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels is actually a red spinel. The confusion persisted for centuries until modern gemology was able to distinguish spinel from corundum-based gems like ruby and sapphire.
With the rise in consumer interest in ethical and alternative gemstones, spinel has gained popularity as a colorful and durable option. Its inclusion in the August birthstone list reflects its growing appreciation and versatility.
Geological Formation and Sources
Each of the three August birthstones forms under distinct geological conditions, contributing to their unique properties and availability.
Peridot: From Earth’s Mantle to the Stars
Peridot is the gem-quality form of the mineral olivine, a silicate of magnesium and iron. It is one of the few gemstones that form in the Earth’s mantle, at depths exceeding 150 kilometers. Volcanic activity is the primary mechanism by which peridot is brought to the Earth’s surface. As magma rises and cools, it deposits peridot crystals in basalt rock formations.
In rare and extraordinary cases, peridot has been found in meteorites, particularly pallasite meteorites, which contain a mix of metallic nickel-iron and olivine crystals. The Jepara meteorite, discovered in Java, is one such example where peridot was found embedded in the meteorite’s matrix. This extraterrestrial origin adds to the gem’s mystique and allure.
Major sources of peridot include: - Zabargad Island (Red Sea) - Arizona and New Mexico (United States) - Sri Lanka - Australia - Brazil
Peridot is typically found in mafic igneous rocks, particularly basalt and peridotite. Its formation is closely tied to volcanic activity, making it a relatively rare gemstone despite its widespread distribution.
Sardonyx: A Sedimentary Marvel
Sardonyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, a form of microcrystalline quartz. It forms in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, where silica-rich solutions seep into cracks and cavities over time. The alternating bands of sard (a reddish-brown chalcedony) and onyx (a white or black chalcedony) create its distinctive appearance.
Historical sources of sardonyx include: - India (especially the region of Sardinia, from which the name is derived) - Sri Lanka - Nepal - Brazil - The United States (Arizona, California, and Oregon)
Sardonyx is often found in geodes and nodules, where it forms in layers over thousands of years. It is typically cut en cabochon or as a tumbled stone, though it can also be faceted for more modern designs.
Spinel: A Versatile and Durable Gem
Spinel is a mineral composed of magnesium aluminum silicate, and it forms in metamorphic and igneous rocks, particularly in basaltic and granitic environments. It is known for its wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and black, making it one of the most colorful and versatile gemstones.
Major sources of spinel include: - Myanmar (Burma) - Vietnam - Tanzania - Madagascar - Afghanistan - Brazil
Spinel is particularly noted for its high hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), making it durable and suitable for everyday wear. Its clarity and brilliance also make it an excellent center stone in jewelry.
Gemological Properties
Each of the three August birthstones possesses distinct gemological properties that influence their appearance, durability, and value.
Peridot
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | (Mg, Fe)₂(SiO₄) |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Color | Yellow-green to olive green (determined by iron content) |
| Refractive Index | 1.65 – 1.70 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
| Specific Gravity | 3.30 – 3.40 |
| Common Cuts | Faceted (especially emerald and brilliant cuts), tumbled, and cabochon |
Peridot is known for its vibrant green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical structure. The deeper the green, the more iron is present. Its orthorhombic crystal system gives it a distinctive symmetry, and its vitreous luster enhances its brilliance when properly cut.
Sardonyx
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (silica) |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Color | Reddish-brown and white bands |
| Refractive Index | 1.48 – 1.53 |
| Luster | Waxy to dull |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58 – 2.64 |
| Common Cuts | Cabochon, tumbled, and carved |
Sardonyx is a microcrystalline quartz with a distinct banded appearance. Its low refractive index and waxy luster make it less brilliant than other gemstones, but its durability and affordability make it a popular choice for carved seals, pendants, and beads.
Spinel
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | MgAl₂O₄ |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8 |
| Color | Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, black |
| Refractive Index | 1.718 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Specific Gravity | 3.60 – 4.00 |
| Common Cuts | Faceted (especially round brilliant, emerald, and cushion cuts) |
Spinel is a hard and durable gemstone, making it ideal for everyday jewelry. Its wide range of colors and high refractive index give it a sparkling brilliance comparable to sapphire and ruby. Its cubic crystal system ensures uniformity in its optical properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The August birthstones are not only admired for their beauty but also for the symbolic and metaphysical properties attributed to them across cultures and time.
Peridot: A Stone of Light and Clarity
Peridot has long been associated with positive energy, healing, and spiritual growth. Ancient Egyptians believed it could ward off nightmares and was often placed under pillows. In medieval Europe, it was thought to promote fertility and safe childbirth.
Modern gemstone practitioners attribute calming and balancing effects to peridot, suggesting it can help with emotional healing, reducing stress, and enhancing clarity of thought. It is also considered a stone of prosperity, believed to attract abundance and success.
Sardonyx: A Stone of Strength and Protection
Sardonyx has been revered as a protective stone in many cultures. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and promote courage and resilience. In ancient Rome, it was often used in amulets and signet rings, symbolizing authority and power.
Today, sardonyx is thought to enhance willpower, discipline, and communication, making it a popular stone for leaders, speakers, and those seeking confidence. It is also associated with balance and stability, helping individuals stay grounded and focused.
Spinel: A Stone of Passion and Clarity
Spinel is often described as a stone of passion and vitality. Its vibrant red and pink varieties are associated with love, energy, and emotional strength. In ancient times, it was believed to boost courage and vitality, making it a favored stone for warriors and leaders.
Modern metaphysical practitioners suggest that spinel can enhance emotional clarity, stimulate creativity, and bring out the best in relationships. Its versatility in color also allows it to be used for different purposes, depending on the hue.
Care and Cleaning of August Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and longevity of gemstones. Each of the August birthstones requires specific handling due to their hardness, cleavage, and sensitivity to chemicals.
Peridot
- Hardness: 6.5 – 7 (relatively soft for a gemstone)
- Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
- Best Cleaning: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners, as they can damage the stone.
- Storage: Store peridot separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Avoid sharp blows or extreme pressure due to its cleavage.
Sardonyx
- Hardness: 6.5 – 7
- Cleavage: None
- Best Cleaning: Warm, soapy water is safe for sardonyx. It is more durable than peridot, but still not suitable for ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
- Storage: Sardonyx can be stored with other non-abrasive gemstones. It is less sensitive to chemicals and heat, making it easier to maintain.
Spinel
- Hardness: 8
- Cleavage: None
- Best Cleaning: Spinel is very durable and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners.
- Storage: Spinel can be stored with most other gemstones due to its high hardness and lack of cleavage. It is also resistant to chemicals and heat, making it ideal for daily wear.
Conclusion
The August birthstones—Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx—represent a rich tapestry of history, beauty, and symbolism. From the deep-Earth origins of peridot to the misunderstood brilliance of spinel, and the timeless strength of sardonyx, each gemstone offers a unique story and set of properties.
Whether worn for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or metaphysical benefits, these stones continue to captivate gemstone enthusiasts, jewelers, and historians alike. Their inclusion in the August birthstone list reflects the evolving appreciation for rare, beautiful, and meaningful gems.
For those born in August, these birthstones offer a personal connection to nature, history, and culture, making them not just ornamental objects, but symbols of identity and meaning.