For those born in August, the distinction of having not one, but two birthstones – Peridot and Spinel – is a relatively recent development in the long history of gemological tradition. While Peridot boasts a lineage stretching back to ancient civilizations, Spinel’s recognition as an official August birthstone is a 21st-century addition, formalized in 2016 by the American Gem Trade Association. Both stones, however, carry rich histories, unique geological origins, and captivating aesthetic qualities. This article will delve into the characteristics, lore, and significance of these dual birthstones, drawing exclusively from available sources.
History and Lore
The history of Peridot is deeply interwoven with ancient beliefs and traditions. Revered by the ancient Egyptians as “the stone of the sun,” Peridot was believed to possess the power to ward off night ghosts and evil spirits. This association with sunlight and protection likely stemmed from the gem’s vibrant green hue, reminiscent of the sun’s rays. The name “Peridot” itself originates from the French word, but its roots lie in the Arabic “faridat,” meaning “treasure,” underscoring its historical value and association with good fortune, luck, and prosperity.
Spinel, while a more recent addition to the birthstone list, possesses an equally compelling, albeit often obscured, history. In antiquity, Spinels were frequently mistaken for Rubies, adorning the crowns and jewels of kings, princes, and emperors. The famed “Black Prince’s Ruby,” a prominent feature of the British Crown Jewels, is, in fact, a large red Spinel. This misidentification led to Spinels being incorporated into historical accounts as Rubies, contributing to a legacy of regal association and even fueling conflicts as they were sought after as valuable war booty.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is a mineral known in mineralogy as olivine, its green color being characteristic of this mineral class. The sources detail no specific modern mining locations, but the ancient Egyptians sourced the gem from locations like the Sinai Peninsula.
Spinel’s formation and occurrence are not detailed in the provided sources beyond its presence in various colors. The sources do not specify current mining locations for Spinel.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited detail regarding the specific gemological properties of Peridot and Spinel. Peridot is identified as a variety of olivine, defined by its green coloration. Spinel is noted for its diverse range of colors, including beautiful shades of red. No information regarding hardness, refractive index, chemical composition, or clarity is provided within the sources.
A table summarizing the limited available information is presented below:
| Birthstone | Chemical Class | Color(s) | Historical Misidentification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | Olivine | Green | None noted |
| Spinel | N/A | Red, and a variety of other colors | Frequently mistaken for Ruby |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot, historically, was believed to bestow good fortune, luck, and prosperity upon its wearer. The ancient Egyptians specifically associated it with protection against negative energies. The Garnet, while not an August birthstone, is noted to bring peace, prosperity, health, friendship, and security.
Spinel, due to its historical association with royalty and power, carries a symbolic weight of prestige and strength. The sources do not detail specific metaphysical beliefs associated with Spinel beyond its historical context.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific guidance on the care and cleaning of Peridot or Spinel. Given the lack of information regarding their hardness and other physical properties, no recommendations can be made based on the available data.
Additional Birthstone Associations
The sources highlight the broader tradition of associating gemstones with days of the week. According to this tradition, wearing a gold topaz on Sunday harnesses the Sun’s energy, while a moonstone or pearl on Monday promotes tranquility. Tuesday calls for a ruby or garnet to inspire creativity and passion, Wednesday a turquoise, sapphire, or lapis lazuli for protection, Thursday an amethyst for mental clarity, Friday an emerald for love and excitement, and Saturday a diamond for happiness.
Furthermore, the sources detail the association of certain gemstones with wedding anniversaries. Garnet is traditionally gifted for a second anniversary, while Amethyst marks a sixth. Peridot is associated with the fifteenth wedding anniversary.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The standardization of modern birthstone lists is a relatively recent phenomenon, dating back to 1912 when the American National Retail Jeweler’s Association (now the Jewelers of America) convened in Kansas City to establish a unified list. Prior to this, the association of gemstones with specific months varied considerably, reflecting regional traditions and evolving beliefs. The addition of Spinel as an August birthstone in 2016 demonstrates the ongoing evolution of these lists, reflecting both historical discoveries and contemporary preferences.
Alternative Birthstones
The sources indicate that several months have multiple birthstone options. August, as previously noted, has both Peridot and Spinel. November is associated with Topaz and Citrine, while December features Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Other months also have alternative stones, offering a wider range of choices for those seeking a birthstone that resonates with their personal preferences.
Gemstone Names and Origins
The origins of gemstone names are often complex and reflect a rich linguistic history. The name “Garnet” derives from the Latin “granatum,” meaning “pomegranate,” due to the gem’s resemblance to the fruit’s seeds. “Amethyst” also has ancient roots, while “Zircon” seems to originate from the Arabic word “zargoon” (vermilion) and the Persian word for “golden color.” The term “turquoise” may come from the ancient French “tourques,” referring to Turkey, through which Persian Turquoise reached Europe.
Conclusion
Peridot and Spinel, the dual birthstones of August, represent a fascinating intersection of ancient tradition and modern gemological understanding. Peridot, with its long-standing association with sunlight and protection, embodies a legacy of ancient beliefs. Spinel, recently recognized as a birthstone, carries a regal history, often mistaken for its more famous cousin, the Ruby. While the provided sources offer a limited glimpse into the full spectrum of their gemological properties and metaphysical attributes, they reveal a compelling narrative of history, symbolism, and enduring beauty. The evolution of birthstone lists, from ancient traditions to modern standardization, underscores the enduring human fascination with these precious gems and their perceived powers.