August is a unique month in the world of birthstones, celebrated with not one, but three distinct and beautiful gemstones: sardonyx, peridot, and spinel. Each gem carries its own rich history, fascinating geological origins, and unique symbolism, offering a diverse palette of color and meaning for those born in the eighth month of the year. This article will explore the characteristics, history, and care of these three August birthstones, drawing upon the latest understanding of these captivating gems.
A Historical Perspective
Traditionally, sardonyx held the sole designation as the August birthstone. Its layered structure, composed of sard and onyx – both varieties of chalcedony – was highly valued in ancient times. Evidence suggests its use dates back to ancient civilizations, appearing in the High Priest’s breastplate as referenced in the Old Testament, and adorning Roman soldiers’ rings, often carved with the image of Mars for protection in battle. The bands of color within sardonyx were particularly prized, making it a popular material for intricate carvings like cameos and intaglios for millennia.
However, the landscape of birthstone recognition evolved with advancements in gemology. As a wider variety of gems became identifiable, the National Association of Jewelers, now known as Jewelers of America, officially added peridot as an August birthstone in 1912. This expansion provided more options for those seeking a gemstone connection to their birth month. More recently, in 2016, a collaborative decision by Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association broadened the selection further by including spinel, aiming to increase awareness and appreciation for this often-overlooked gem, frequently mistaken for ruby.
Sardonyx: Bands of History and Strength
Sardonyx is a captivating combination of two forms of cryptocrystalline quartz: sard, characterized by its brownish-red to brown hues, and onyx, typically displaying white or black layers. These alternating bands create a visually striking gemstone, prized for its unique appearance. Historically, its smooth surface and layered structure made it ideal for carving, particularly for seals and signet rings. Ancient Romans valued sardonyx for its practical property of preventing hot wax from adhering to it, making it perfect for sealing important documents.
Today, sardonyx is associated with courage, happiness, and clear communication, believed to bring stability to partnerships and marriages. This August birthstone is sourced from various locations, including India, known for specimens with strong color contrast, as well as Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States.
With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, sardonyx requires careful handling, especially when worn as a ring. While ultrasonic and steam cleaners can be used with caution, warm soapy water and a soft brush are the safest cleaning methods. It’s important to note that sardonyx is often dyed, and high heat can affect the color of these treated stones.
Peridot: The “Gem of the Sun”
Peridot, often referred to as the “gem of the sun,” is celebrated for its distinctive green color, ranging from lime to olive shades. This vibrant hue is relatively unique in the gem world, making peridot a sought-after choice for those seeking a gemstone with a striking appearance. The name “peridot” originates from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem.”
Its history is equally captivating. Peridot was valued in ancient and medieval cultures, appearing in priests’ jewelry as early as the second century BCE and adorning chalices and churches throughout medieval Europe. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, peridot was also considered a protective talisman, shielding the wearer from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.” It is also the traditional gemstone given to celebrate a 16th wedding anniversary.
While most peridot available today comes from sources like China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the United States, its origins are even more extraordinary. Some peridot crystals have even been found on meteorites, while others are sourced from exotic locales like Peridot Beach in Hawaii, where the sands shimmer with a luminous green hue. The Egyptian island of Zabargad, historically known as Topazios, is the oldest recorded source of peridot, with mining potentially beginning as early as 340–279 BCE. Despite producing beautiful stones, the island’s harsh conditions earned it ominous names like the Island of Death and Ophiodes (“snake island”).
Peridot’s relative softness, rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, necessitates careful handling. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth or warm, soapy water. Harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes should be avoided, and it’s advisable to remove peridot jewelry before swimming or engaging in strenuous activities. Holding the jewelry by the metal setting, rather than the gemstone itself, helps prevent the build-up of skin oils that can dull its surface.
Spinel: A Vibrant and Often-Overlooked Gem
Spinel, the newest addition to the August birthstone family, is a gemstone with a vibrant color range, often mistaken for ruby. Its hues span striking deep reds and pinks to soothing blues, purples, and even vibrant oranges and yellows. This broad palette makes spinel a versatile gem suitable for a variety of styles and occasions.
A significant discovery in Tanzania in 2007 captivated gem collectors with the emergence of pinkish and orangy-red spinel. Mines in Tanzania continue to produce spinel in a range of colors, including purple and blue hues.
Spinel is a durable gem, registering 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for everyday wear, including rings. It can generally be cleaned using ultrasonic and steam cleaners, although caution is advised if the stone contains fractures. Warm, soapy water is always a safe alternative. Spinel is stable when exposed to light and chemicals, but high heat can cause some colors to fade.
Gemological Properties at a Glance
The following table summarizes the key gemological properties of each August birthstone:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Color | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sardonyx | SiO₂ (Chalcedony) | 6.5 - 7 | Banded brown, red, white, black | India, Brazil, Germany, USA |
| Peridot | (Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄ | 6.5 - 7 | Green (lime to olive) | China, Myanmar, Tanzania, USA, Zabargad Island |
| Spinel | MgAl₂O₄ | 8 | Red, pink, blue, purple, orange, yellow | Tanzania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka |
Conclusion
The August birthstones – sardonyx, peridot, and spinel – represent a rich tapestry of history, geological wonder, and symbolic meaning. From the ancient origins of sardonyx and the vibrant green of peridot to the often-overlooked beauty of spinel, each gem offers a unique connection to the month of August. Whether chosen for their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or perceived metaphysical properties, these three birthstones provide a diverse and captivating selection for those born under the August sun.