There are three birthstones associated with August: peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. Known for its hardened lava formation and meteorite origin, the peridot birthstone is found in the hardened lava that rises from deep within Earth's mantle and in meteorites. It has been underappreciated until recently, as consumers are looking for alternatives to rubies, which were mistaken for red spinel for centuries. With a history going back over 4,000 years, sardonyx is the original August birthstone. The perfect gift for those born in August can be found by learning more about these three August birthstones.

Peridot - The August Birthstone

Peridot's History And Meaning

Peridot is a vibrant greenish-yellow gemstone that represents good fortune and is often associated with August's birthday. The 16th anniversary of marriage is also celebrated with this gift. There is no brown or yellow in the finest peridots, but the gem's hues can range from yellowish green to olive green. Stones vary in colour depending on how much iron they contain.

The earth's crust is where most gemstones are formed. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth and brought to the surface by volcanic activity, but peridots are formed in the deep earth. Peridot was discovered as early as 1500 B.C. A volcanic island off the coast of Egypt known as Topazos (later called Zabargad Island or St. John's Island) was the first known source of peridot. It is also possible to find tiny grains of peridot washed up on the shores of Oahu in Hawaii, another early source of the gem. Pakistan, Arizona, Norway, Mexico, Oregon, and Russia are some of the countries that produce fine peridot today.

Pharaohs guarded their tombs against evil eyes with peridot gemstones and artefacts. Peridot was known as the "Gem of the Sun." Cleopatra's emeralds were believed to have been peridots. It was one of her favourite gemstones, and she wore it for its beauty and ability to repel evil spirits. One day, we may be able to see Cleopatra's incredible gem collection when her tomb is discovered! Egypt still considers peridot to be its national gem.

During the battle, the Romans wore peridot on their right arms as an evening emerald. The Middle Ages saw the peridot as a precious gemstone and a symbol of mystical power in Europe. Pele, the volcano goddess of fire, was believed to have shed tears in Hawaii through peridot.

This meaningful gemstone has been the subject of much writing throughout history. Despite its gold construction, it glows in the lamplight and is thought to be a powerful talisman against night terrors and frightening visions. It is known as the stone of compassion, and it is said to bring peace to relationships and good health. In addition to bringing renewal, love, and calmness, it also signifies nature and youth. Medicinal uses include treating asthma in powdered form and curing thirst caused by fever with it. 

During challenging academic pursuits, the peridot gemstone may provide you with mental focus and the strength to persevere. As an antidepressant, it heals, clears out negative emotions, and opens up the heart chakra. 

A Guide To Buying Peridot Jewellery

Colour is one of the most important factors when choosing peridot, as it is with all coloured gemstones. Choose a green gemstone with bright, pleasing colour and no visible inclusions. It is scarce to find a peridot over five carats that is flawless. In combination with blue topaz, aqua colours, or white pearls, the peridot looks sparkly and pretty. 

Setting can change the shape of the gemstone completely. A yellow gold setting will make the peridot look very different from white gold or silver. Occasionally, peridots appear greenish-brown. You can get it for a lower price than the bright green peridot. In addition to earth tones in your clothing, the brownish-green hue goes well with gemstone beads in coordinating shades.  

Peridot Can Be Found Where?

The August gemstone, peridot, has a fascinating history. Peridot is mainly sourced from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States. Still, some were brought to Earth by meteorites, and some are found in exotic locations like Peridot Beach, Hawaii, where green sand shimmers.   

Topazios is believed to have originated on the Egyptian island of Zabargad. It is believed that mining began between 340 and 279 BCE. Despite its beautiful peridot, the island has been dubbed the Island of Death or Snake Island because of its harsh conditions. Despite its centuries of fame, Zabargad peridot continues to be highly coveted. Many prestigious museums around the world house fine specimens of this birthstone.

Care And Cleaning For Peridot

The hardness of peridot is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale. It is, therefore, not ideal for daily wear, especially for peridot rings, because it is softer than many other gems. If you are doing heavy work or physical activity, we recommend taking off your peridot jewellery. Using warm, soapy water to clean peridot is the best method. Let it air dry after rinsing it in lukewarm water. Be careful when wearing it, and store it in a soft pouch away from other metal jewellery to prevent scratching. When cleaning peridot jewellery, avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners and avoid exposing it to drastic temperature changes. 

Sardonyx 

Sardonyx's History And Meaning

There are alternating layers of sard and onyx in sardonyx, a gemstone of some obscurity. Featuring bands of white and reddish-brown, it has a translucent appearance. Depending on how much iron oxide is present, sard can range in colour from yellowish-red to reddish-brown. Cameos are often carved from sardonyx because it is suitable for carving. 

More than 4,000 years ago, sardonyx was the most popular of all the August gemstones. Sardonyx talismans engraved with images of gods were worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans as protection from battle. Sardonyx was believed to be able to heal the body, especially bones, by the ancient Egyptians. 

Sandrophyllite was associated with eloquence during the Renaissance. It promoted clear thinking and communication among public speakers and orators.

Known as a highly protective stone, sardonyx is also associated with happiness, creativity, and courage. Metaphysically, it helps to boost self-confidence, motivation, and willpower. Communication is associated with this August birthstone, and marriages and partnerships are stabilised by it. The United States, Brazil, Madagascar, and India are among the countries that produce sardonyx. 

A Guide To Buying Sardonyx Jewellery

The Mohs hardness of Sardonyx is 6.5, making it a relatively soft gemstone. Necklaces, stud earrings, and pendants are the best ways to wear them rather than an engagement ring and bracelet. Ideally, the brown and white stripes of the gemstone should contrast highly with each other. There are a few flaws or fractures in them, and they may be translucent or opaque.

As a gemstone bead, Sardonyx works well as beads paired with gemstone beads of other colours, as well as pendants with freeform shapes. In most cases, pendants and stud earrings with sardonyx are set in bezels (a bezel is a metal frame that surrounds the gemstone). 

The carved sardonyx in cameos and other vintage jewellery pieces is set in traditional settings. There are several ways to wear sardonyx necklaces, including vintage necklaces and ones with gemstone beads.

Sardonyx Can Be Found Where?

August's birthstone comes from a variety of sources. A significant feature of Indian sardonyx is that it is composed of layers of different colours that are well contrasted. Besides Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay and the United States, Sardonyx is also found in Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the United States.  

Care And Cleaning For Sardonyx 

Sardonyx jewellery should be cared for just like any other gemstone jewellery. Clean it gently with warm soapy water and store it separately to prevent scratches. Make sure it is thoroughly rinsed and dried with a soft towel. Care should be taken when using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. 

Spinel

Spinel's History And Meaning

It is spinel that is the new birthstone for August. Be prepared to be delighted if you have never heard of this gemstone! There are a variety of colours and shapes available in spinel, making it a very versatile gem. 

Due to its colours and its location in the same areas as rubies and sapphires, spinel was often mistaken for one of these gems in earlier times. Spinel, also known as Balas Ruby, is a gemstone found in northern Afghanistan at the local Badakhshan mine, which has been producing gemstones since the year 1000. Light red gems were initially diagnosed as rubies, but spinel has now been identified as some of them. In central and southeast Asia, these large, light red crystals once belonged to royalty.

A large fine red spinel in the Iranian Crown Jewels is part of the Samarian Spinel, the largest in the world, and a gorgeous red spinel in the Russian Imperial Crown is also in royal collections.

One of the things that make spinel different from other gems is its magnetic property. In terms of magnetic properties, blue is the most vital colour. Spinels were identified as gemstones in their own right in the 1800s, with a dazzling array of colours. In terms of popularity, vivid red is most desired, followed by cobalt blue, bright pink, and bright orange. You can find less expensive shades of lavender, grey, black, greenish-blue, and yellow as well. Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the top four countries that mine spinel today. There is only one place in the world where cobalt blue spinel gemstones can be found.

It is a highly magnetic variety of spinel called lodestone, or ways one. Since ancient times, lodestone has also been used for its healing properties in addition to its use in magnetising compass needles. The lodestone was used by Cleopatra to keep her skin looking youthful. A variety of conditions were treated with it, including melancholy, baldness, and arthritis. 

Spinel comes in a variety of colours and has a variety of properties. Symbolising vitality and harmony, red spinel is vibrant and joyful. Inflammatory diseases and blood loss were also treated with red spinel. There is calming energy associated with softer colours. They are also healing, rejuvenating, and stress relieving. There is an association between love and compassion and spinel, especially green and pink spinel. Spiritual development is aided by a violet spinel, and intellect is aided by a yellow spinel.

A Guide To Buying Spinel Jewellery

There is a lot of interest in spinel right now. With its sparkling surface and variety of colours and shapes, it makes for an exciting jewellery choice. Diamonds and sapphires look sparkling when paired with grey or black spinels. Be on the lookout for gems that are vibrant and sparkly without any visible inclusions. It is not common to treat spinel. It is common to find synthetic spinels on the market. 

Octagonal, trillion, square, fancy pear and oval shapes are the most popular spinel shapes. The sparkle is enhanced by faceting. A pretty fashion look can be created by stringing tiny beads as strands and adding tassels. In a jewellery piece combining different-coloured gems, the colours will stand out. Make pendants or eternity rings with a tiny angular spinel to complement a giant round gem.  

There is the possibility that spinel exhibits asterism, which is often accentuated by cutting the gemstone as a cabochon (smooth, rounded shape).

Spinel Can Be Found Where?

Spinel birthstone is found in several places around the world today. Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Tajikistan are significant sources. There are some sources of spinel that produce red and hot pink spinel that are known for their striking colours.

The gems of Sri Lanka, including sapphires, rubies, and garnets, are indeed a treasure trove. South of the country is where spinel is mined. Purple, pink, and blue are some of the colours found there. For centuries, river gravels in the Ratnapura District and the lush rolling hills of the Central Highlands have been valuable sources.

As well as this peridot, Myanmar's Mogok Stone Tract is another prolific source of gemstones. Among the gems unearthed, some are so naturally lustrous that they are referred to by locals as "spirit polished."

Care And Cleaning For Spinel 

Sapphire and ruby are harder than spinel, which measures eight on the Mohs scale. Although it is suitable for everyday wear, it is not too bulky. If you are going to do some heavy lifting or exercise, you should remove your spinel jewellery. It should be stored separately from other jewellery pieces to prevent catching or scratching. You should clean your hands with warm, soapy water, rinse them well, and then let them air dry. 

Conclusion

You may be inspired to add a pair or three of these August birthstones to your jewellery collection after learning more about their history and origin.