August boasts a trio of captivating birthstones: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. While peridot and sardonyx have long been recognized as August gems, spinel was more recently added to the list, offering those born in this month a diverse palette of colors and histories to choose from. These gemstones, each with unique origins and symbolism, have adorned royalty, been believed to possess mystical powers, and continue to captivate jewelry lovers today. This article will delve into the history, geological sources, gemological properties, and cultural significance of these three August birthstones.
History and Lore
Peridot holds a particularly rich history, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, referred to peridot as “topazes,” describing them as green with yellowish tones, found on a small island off the coast of Egypt. This island was heavily guarded by the Ancient Egyptians, who prized the gem. In fact, some of Cleopatra’s famed emeralds were, in reality, peridots. The Egyptians considered peridot the “Gem of the Sun,” believing it possessed the power to ward off evil and bring confidence, good health, and luck. Pharaohs’ tombs were often adorned with peridot gemstones and artifacts, reflecting its importance in their culture.
The association with Hawaii is also significant. The green sands of Papakolea Beach on the island of Oahu are due to a high concentration of crushed olivine, the mineral that forms peridot. Hawaiian folklore attributes the green color to the tears of Pele, the volcanic goddess.
Sardonyx also has a long history, though less prominently featured than peridot. Details regarding its specific historical uses are limited within the provided sources.
Spinel, while a more recent addition to the August birthstone family, has a history rooted in mistaken identity. For centuries, vibrant red spinels were often confused with rubies, particularly those found in the Crown Jewels of England. The name “spinel” itself originates from the Latin word “spina,” meaning “thorn,” referencing the gem’s crystal structure. It was a traditional gift for a 22nd wedding anniversary. During the Renaissance, spinel was believed to bestow eloquence upon public speakers and orators, and was thought to aid in attracting a spouse and maintaining a happy marriage.
Geological Formation and Sources
Peridot is unique among gemstones in that it is sometimes found in meteorites, specifically Pallasite Meteorites. However, these meteoritic peridots are typically too small for use in jewelry. More commonly, peridot is brought to the surface by volcanic activity, originating from the Earth’s upper mantle. Significant sources include Egypt, where it was historically mined, and more recently, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma), and Hawaii. Vietnamese peridot, discovered in the 1990s, is known for its varied shades of green, while Burmese peridot is prized for its large size and rich color.
Spinel is sourced from a variety of locations worldwide. Notable sources include Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Pakistan. Myanmar is particularly renowned for producing spinels with arresting colors, such as hot pink and red. Sri Lanka yields blue, pink, and purple spinels, often found in the rolling hills of the Central Highlands and river gravels of the Ratnapura District. Northern Vietnam’s Luc Yen region is known for deep red, purple, pink, vivid blue, violet, and violet-blue spinels. Tanzania has also become a source, with pinkish and orangy-red spinels discovered in 2007.
Sardonyx comes primarily from India, but can also be found in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany.
Gemological Properties
Peridot’s chemical formula is (Mg,Fe)2 SiO4, indicating it is primarily composed of olivine, magnesium, and iron. The amount of iron present dictates the intensity of its color. It is often described as an “evening emerald” due to its ability to sparkle under both natural and artificial light, though it is distinct from emerald in its composition and characteristics. Peridot typically exhibits shades of lime green, deep olive green, and yellow-tinted greens.
Spinel is known for its vibrant range of colors, including intense red, vivid pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish-green. Its crystal structure is characterized by a thorn-like shape, reflected in its name. Spinel is harder than peridot, registering an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, compared to peridot’s lower score.
Sardonyx is a variety of onyx, characterized by its reddish-brown color and white banding. It has a more stone-like appearance compared to the crystal-like appearance of peridot.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties:
| Gemstone | Chemical Formula | Color Range | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peridot | (Mg,Fe)2 SiO4 | Lime green, olive green, yellow-tinted green | Lower than Spinel |
| Spinel | Varies with composition | Red, pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, bluish-green | 8 |
| Sardonyx | SiO2 (Onyx variety) | Reddish-brown with white banding | Not specified in sources |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Peridot is associated with good health, peace, and harmony. It is often called the “gem of compassion” and is believed to bring renewal to all things. It is thought to promote restful sleep, calm anger, and even cure depression. Peridot is also the traditional gemstone for celebrating a 15th wedding anniversary.
Spinel, historically, was believed to bestow eloquence and aid in finding love.
The sources do not provide extensive details regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with sardonyx.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its lower hardness, peridot requires careful handling. It is susceptible to scratches and should be protected from harsh impacts. Cleaning can be done with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
Spinel, being harder, is more durable and can withstand more wear. It can also be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions for sardonyx.
Conclusion
Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx offer a vibrant and historically rich selection of birthstones for those born in August. From the ancient reverence of peridot by Egyptian pharaohs to the recent recognition of spinel’s unique beauty and the enduring presence of sardonyx, these gemstones represent a diverse range of colors, origins, and symbolic meanings. Whether chosen for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or perceived metaphysical properties, these August birthstones continue to be cherished by gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike.