August Birthstones
Three August Birthstones: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel
Birthstones carry rich significance in culture, history, and religion. There are one or more gemstones as the birthstones for people who are born every month. Tracing back to history, it is said that birthstones are closely related to the twelve stones in the high priest's breastplate, which represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Others believe that it is associated with which represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
However, modern birthstones are not totally the same as traditional birthstones. Since 1912, various organizations worldwide have updated the roster of birthstones leading to the inclusion of gems for each month. Therefore, there are many new gemstones added to the list and each month may have one or several birthstones. For example, in this blog, we will introduce three August birthstones to you, including Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel, which are believed to bring luck to individuals born under Leo and Virgo signs in August.
The Most Popular August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot Properties
- Mineral: olivine
- Color: yellowish green
- Refractive Index: 1.65 to 1.69
- Birefringence: 0.035 to 0.038
- Specific Gravity: 3.34
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Peridot Meaning
Peridot is known by different names like Chrysolite, "Gem of Sun ", and "Evening Emerald." It belongs to the olivine group and its color can range from yellowish green to olive or even brownish green based on the iron content in the gem.
This stone is significant as the birthstone for August and is also associated with the 16th wedding anniversary. Myth has it that Peridot serves as a charm against dreams promoting tranquility and peaceful sleep by balancing the mind and body. It is also believed that it may contribute to psychological treatment, happiness and contentedness of life, emotional stability, and positive power.
Mining Locations of Peridot
Initially discovered in ancient Egypt around 2000 BC, high-quality Peridot has mainly been mined from Egypt. Subsequently, many top-notch Peridots have also been mined in Burma, America, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan and China.
Peridot can also be found in dust and pallasite meteorites adding an air of mystery to this gemstone. The presence of Peridots in these bodies could hold clues about how our solar system came into existence 4.5 billion years ago. As the only known extra-terrestrial gemstone, Peridots is also found on the Moon and Mars.
The Oldest August Birthstone: Sardonyx
Sardonyx Properties
- Mineral: microcrystalline quartz, banded chalcedony
- Color: red and white
- Refractive Index: 1.544 - 1.553
- Specific Gravity: 2.60 - 2.65
- Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7
Sardonyx Meaning
Known for its banded appearance Sardonyx combines qualities of Onyx, Carnelian and Chalcedony. Its hues range from brown or reddish brown to orange sard with white or black Onyx bands. Sardonyx is commonly used in hardstone carvings and jewelry pieces like cabochons or beads. Both Ancient Egypt and Greece cherished Sardonyx for adorning accessories such as rings, bracelets, earrings and lockets. In Rome, it was employed in seals and signet rings before gaining popularity in cameos and intaglios.
Sardonyx also holds significance as one of the twelve stones in the high priest's breastplate. People believe it can bring stability to marriages and partnerships as well. Now this gemstone signifies spirituality, open communication, prosperity, courage, and romantic relationships.
Mining Locations of Sardonyx
As the oldest August birthstone, Sardonyx is a certainly historical gemstone and mined in various regions across the globe. The finest quality Sardonyx can be found in India, known for its distinct layer contrasts. Other places where Sardonyx is sourced include Greece, Uruguay, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Pakistan, Indonesia, Madagascar, Latin America, the United Kingdom and different states in the United States.
A New Choice For August Birthstones: Spinel
Spinel Properties
- Mineral: Spinel group
- Color: red, orange, pink, purple, blue, black
- Refractive Index: 1.718
- Specific Gravity: 3.60
- Mohs Hardness: 8
Spinel Meaning
According to its spine-shaped crystals, the name "Spinel" may be derived from the Latin word "Spina", which means thorn. As the newly added August birthstone, Spinel is the 22nd wedding anniversary gemstone as well, because this “stone of immortality” represents the best wishes for marriage. Besides, this gemstone comes in a wealth of colors, including red, pink, green, blue, violet, yellow, etc. It is believed that different color has different physical and mental healing benefits.
For a long time, Spinel is often assumed to be other gemstones because red and blue Spinels are very similar to Ruby and Sapphire. Black Spinel has become recently popular for its unique black color and resemblance to Black Diamonds. Despite color, the saturation of a spinel gem will have the greatest impact on its price, so the richest, brightest colors will have the highest price.
Mining Locations of Spinel
Spinel is primarily sourced from regions like Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan. Myanmar is renowned for its pink and red Spinels while Tanzania boasts pinkish and orangy red varieties. Notably, Sri Lanka's blue, pink and purple Spinels are highly prized by gemstone enthusiasts for their quality.
Contact Us
Our LUO Jewelry offers customers natural Peridot and Black Spinel rings, earrings and necklaces, which have high quality and clarity. Welcome to contact us if you want to have a piece of unique jewelry customized for you.
