The month of August is uniquely adorned with not one, but three gemstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. This wealth of birthstones sets August apart from most other months, which typically have only two. Each of these gemstones holds its own significance and history.
Peridot: The Well-Known August Gemstone
Peridot, a semi-precious variety of olivine, is the most recognized August birthstone. Known for its lively olive green to yellowish hue, it captivates with its summery color. The ancient Egyptians revered peridot, believing it offered protection and good fortune. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is durable enough for jewelry but requires care to avoid damage from heat and chemicals. Its strong double refraction makes it easily recognizable under a loupe or microscope.
Peridot’s green color is associated with summer and abundance, leading the National Association of Jewelers (now Jewelers of America) to recognize it as August’s birthstone. Typically untreated, peridot becomes more valuable as it grows larger and clearer, with prices doubling or even tripling for larger, inclusion-free stones. Ironically, some peridots found in Pallasite meteorites have celestial origins, adding to their rarity and allure.
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Sardonyx: The Original August Birthstone
Sardonyx, a variety of chalcedony from the quartz family, is the original and first August birthstone, more popular in Europe than in America. It features layered patterns of red (sard) and white chalcedony, creating a unique banded appearance. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, sardonyx is highly resistant to daily wear, making it ideal for all types of jewelry. It was beloved by ancient Greeks and Romans for its carving potential and is believed to be one of the original gemstones associated with the breastplate of Aaron.
Treatments for sardonyx typically involve dyeing to enhance color contrast and heating to darken certain bands. While not an expensive gemstone, collectors’ items like antique cameos can command high prices. Sardonyx has been sourced historically and presently from countries like India, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and Madagascar.
Spinel: The Newest August Gemstone
Spinel, added as August’s third birthstone by the Jewelers of America in 2016, is a highly durable gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 8. Its colors range from pale reddish orange to deep red and beautiful cobalt blue, easily competing with rubies and sapphires. Fun fact: before modern science, spinel was often mistaken for ruby due to their similar appearances and chemical compositions.
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Spinel’s heat resistance and chemical stability make it an excellent choice for jewelry. It has been sourced from various countries, including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Vietnam. Despite its underrated status, spinel’s fascinating history and wide range of colors make it a compelling addition to August’s birthstone lineup.
August’s trio of gemstones—peridot, sardonyx, and spinel—each tells a unique story shaped by history, culture, and astrology. They continue to hold a special place in the gemstone world and in jewelry traditions around the globe.
