Enter the World of August Birthstones-Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx

A birthstone is a gemstone associated with a month, and each month has at least one birthstone of its own. The benefits of wearing a birthstone are numerous, so many people love the birthstones that are unique to each month. By understanding and wearing your birthstone, people can gain emotional comfort, spiritual support, and symbolic enlightenment. Let’s read this article and enter the world of August birthstones.

What is the birthstone for August?

It’s August now. Do you know what the birthstone of August is? In fact, there are three birthstones in August, peridot, spinel and sardonyx, each with its own unique characteristics. Also, August is one of only three months with three types of birthstones (the other two being June and December), giving those born in August more birthstones to choose from.

What is the traditional August birthstone?

The traditional August birthstone is peridot. But with the differences and diversity of modern and traditional birthstone lists, spinel and sardonyx are also considered modern August birthstones. The choice of a variety of birthstones also expresses people’s personality and aesthetics. This is also the reason why August has three birthstones.

The Color of August Birthstones

Peridot, spinel and sardonyx these three August birthstones have different colors, and there are many colorful choices.

Peridot Color

Peridot is most commonly found in a vibrant green or yellow-green hue. Its color is consistent and not dependent on the viewing angle. The intensity of the green can vary depending on the amount of iron present in the stone.

Spinel Color

Spinel comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, pink, orange, and purple. The most prized spinel colors are vibrant reds and deep blues, often mistaken for rubies and sapphires due to their striking similarity.

Sardonyx Color

Sardonyx features distinct layers of reddish-brown and white bands, creating a striking striped appearance. The contrasting colors and patterns make sardonyx a popular choice for cameos and intaglio carving

The History of August Birthstones

Each of these August birthstones has an interesting history and had a different use and significance at the time than it does today.

Peridot History

Peridot, with its vibrant green hue, has a rich history dating back over 3,500 years. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun,” believing it protected against nightmares and brought prosperity. Peridot was mined on the volcanic island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island) in the Red Sea, which remained the primary source for centuries. The stone was treasured by Cleopatra, who adorned herself with its radiant beauty, mistaking it for emerald.

Spinel History

Spinel has a fascinating history, often overshadowed by its mistaken identity as other precious gems. For centuries, red spinels were mistaken for rubies, including the famous “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels. Spinel was first mined in the ancient mines of Southeast Asia, especially in Burma (Myanmar), where it was highly prized by royalty. The stone’s name is derived from the Latin word “spina,” meaning thorn, due to its sharp crystal formations. Only in the late 18th century was spinel recognized as a distinct mineral species. Today, spinel is celebrated for its vibrant colors, rarity, and rich history, making it a sought-after gem for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Sardonyx History

Sardonyx, a banded variety of chalcedony, has a history rich with ancient lore and significance. It was highly valued in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, often used in cameos and intaglios due to its layered structure. The name “sardonyx” comes from the Greek words “sard,” referring to its reddish-brown layers, and “onyx,” meaning claw or fingernail. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx amulets engraved with heroes and gods for protection in battle.

The Meaning of August Birthstones

Not only are the August birthstones very different in appearance and history, but the meanings of peridot, spinel and sardonyx are also different.

Peridot Meaning

As the traditional, primary only August birthstone, peridot is known for its bright and clear green color. Peridot symbolizes renewal, vitality and positive energy and is known as the “sun stone”. August birthstone peridot can protect the wearer from nightmares and is often used as a talisman to promote love and harmony. In addition, peridot can also inspire creativity and self-confidence, making it an ideal choice for people who pursue beauty and spiritual health.

Spinel Meaning

Spinel symbolizes rebirth and protection. Spinel is often mistaken for ruby and sapphire because of its unique color. Many people find it difficult to distinguish between Spinel rings and ruby engagement rings and sapphire engagement rings. Spinel, the August birthstone, is believed to bring strength and courage to the wearer and help them cope with challenges in life. As a precious gemstone, Spinel is loved by jewelry lovers for its positive symbolism and beautiful colors.

Sardonyx Meaning

Sardonyx is a symbol of protection and stability and is used as a talisman to pray for peace. As one of the birthstones for August, it is also associated with communication and expression, helping to improve speaking skills and promote harmony in interpersonal relationships. The energy of Sardonyx is seen as bringing good luck and prosperity, making it ideal for those seeking resilience and inner strength.

The Durability of August Birthstones

The three August birthstones are not only different in appearance, but also in internal characteristics: the durability of Peridot, spinel and sardonyx is also different.

Peridot Durability

Peridot is a durable gemstone in jewelry. Its Mohs hardness reaches 6.5-7. The hardest diamond has a Mohs hardness of 10. This shows that peridot is more suitable for daily wear and has a high friction resistance. However, peridot is relatively soft and should be avoided from contact with hard substances.

Spinel Durability

Spinel is a little harder than peridot, with a Mohs hardness of 8. It has strong scratch resistance and is not easy to break, making it an ideal choice for all kinds of jewelry. Due to its high hardness and difficulty in scratching, spinel can also maintain its luster and beauty for a long time and is very durable.

Sardonyx Durability

Sardonyx is as hard as peridot, so as long as you pay attention to not touching too hard materials, it is no problem to wear Sardonyx every day. However, Sardonyx is sensitive to chemicals and needs to be avoided from contact with corrosive substances.

The Use of August birthstones

Peridot, spinel and sardonyx are widely used in the jewelry industry because of their rich colors and shining luster, especially in ring design. Peridot’s bright green color is often used to make peridot engagement rings. The diverse color options of spinel make it an ideal choice for fine jewelry. Sardonyx is used to make classic-style rings with its unique stripes. In addition, the three gemstones are also widely used in jewelry such as bracelets, earrings and necklaces, giving the wearer different symbolic meanings and aesthetic experiences.

Conclusion: Choosing Between the 3 Birthstones for August

I believe that this article’s introduction to the three August birthstones: peridot, spinel and sardonyx, can help you narrow down your choices for August birthstones. In addition, Amanda Fine Jewelry is a jeweler that specializes in fine jewelry, including peridot and a variety of other gemstones, and custom jewelry is also available. Contact Amanda to tell your needs.

Table of Contents

What is the birthstone for August?

What is the traditional August birthstone?