The birthstones for August are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. As it may be discovered in meteorites that have come from space as well as in the solidified lava that it was brought in from deep inside the Earth’s mantle, the peridot birthstone is noted for having been formed under severe circumstances. Red spinel was mistaken for rubies for millennia, therefore the birthstone remained undervalued until lately as consumers hunt for ruby alternatives. The original August birthstone, sardonyx, has a more than 4,000-year-old tradition. Find out more about these three birthstones for August and the ideal present for August babies.
In This Article...
Why is peridot the birthstone for August?
Peridot is thought to resemble the tears of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, because of its volcanic origin.
History informs us that this green stone, which the ancient Egyptians treasured as the “The Sun’s Gem. Additionally, it was Cleopatra’s preferred gemstone. Pliny also discussed the green stone from Zagbargad Island in his writings from 1500 B.C. This “On Zabargad Island in the Red Sea, the Gem of the Sun has been mined for more than 3,500 years. The jewel in question is peridot, the birthstone for August.
The gem was occasionally mistaken for other stones while carrying the topaz label. There is currently discussion about famous gemstones like Cleopatra’s renowned emerald collection. Today, a lot of historians concur that they were peridot. Additionally, emerald-related uncertainty persisted into medieval times. As an illustration, consider the magnificent 200 ct. diamonds of the German Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in the Cologne Cathedral. These stones were also incorrectly thought to be emeralds for many years.
Why is August the month with three birthstones?
Why is August the month with three birthstones? The American Gem Trade Association and Jewelers of America agreed that the birthstones for August are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx. The original birthstone for August was sardonyx, a stone with a color spectrum from amber to bright green.
When did peridot start to symbolize August?
You might be surprised to learn that sardonyx, spinel, and peridot are the three birthstones for the month of August. The birthstone for August was originally sardonyx, and peridot and spinel were later added. The birthstone for August was spinel until 2016! Peridot has nonetheless evolved into August’s signature gemstone, either due to its brilliant and distinctive green hue, the fact that it is so uncommon to locate on Earth’s surface, or even just because it preserves its color so well.
How to buy Peridot
There are a few considerations to bear in mind whether you have chosen the peridot as your choice for August’s birthstone jewelry or simply adore its stunning lime-green hue:
- There are no noticeable inclusions in the purest peridots (although you might see some dark spots if viewed through a microscope).
- Peridots of the greatest caliber are lime-green in hue, with no hints of brown or yellow.
- Larger stones become more pricey, yet smaller peridot sizes are still reasonably priced.
- Holding peridot up to a light can allow you to see if it is genuine because of its high double refraction (refraction is the bending of light as it enters or exits a gem; the higher the refraction index, the more brilliant the stone is). It is most likely a fake if there is no double refraction.
- Instead of white metals like white gold, peridots look better with yellow or rose gold metals.
fun facts about peridot. See if you already know some of them!
- The highest quality peridot is a bright lime green color without any brownish or olive undertones, contrary to the common lime green hue of peridots.
- One of the few gemstones with a single color is the peridot.
- The Greek word “faridat,” which meaning “jewel,” is the source of the English term “peridot.”
- Since 1912, the peridot has been the recognized birthstone for the month of August.
- Peridots can be found in meteorites, China, Myanmar, and the US.
- Since the time of ancient Egypt, peridots have been used in jewelry and are even considered Egypt’s national gem.
- The amount of iron in peridots’ crystal structure determines how dark the green will be.
- Peridots have the nickname “the poor man’s emerald” because they can occasionally be mistaken for emeralds.
- One of two gems that were created in the earth’s mantle rather than its crust is the peridot (the other one, of course, is the diamond).
Jewelry made with peridot
Peridot is a well-liked gemstone that is utilized in all kinds of jewelry today. Pear-shaped peridot earrings, peridot stud earrings, and princess-cut peridot engagement rings are all great options if you dare to be unique and distinctive with your engagement ring. Peridot put next to diamonds in a halo or pave setting also looks lovely.
JanuaryGarnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is said to protect its owner when they are traveling. Because the gem resembles the color and shape of a pomegranate seed, the name “garnet” is derived from a term that means “seed.
FebruaryAmethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is thought to improve communication and offer the wearer bravery. Only royalty could wear the jewel in the past. The amethyst was believed to protect against intoxication by the ancient Greeks. Amethyst is really derived from the Greek word amethystos, which means “sober.”
MarchAquamarine, Bloodstone
Drinking the water the aquamarine, the birthstone for March, had been bathing in was said to cure stomach, liver, and heart ailments. Early sailors thought that aquamarine talismans bearing engravings of the sea god Neptune shielded them from the perils of the ocean.
The bloodstone, a dark green gemstone with scarlet flecks, is another birthstone for March.
AprilDiamond
The diamond, the birthstone for April, has long been associated with courage and is a symbol of unending love. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called vajra, which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.
MayEmerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, was a favorite jewel of Cleopatra’s. It has been linked to love, rebirth, and fertility for a very long time. This stone was even dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, by the ancient Romans. Emeralds are now considered to represent knowledge, development, and patience.
JunePearl
Pearl, the birthstone for June, has traditionally been associated with purity. The goddess of love Aphrodite was thought by the ancient Greeks to have created pearls out of her dried up tears of ecstasy.
JulyRuby
The ancient Hindus revered ruby, the birthstone for July, as the “king of stones.” It was thought to keep the wearer safe from evil. The intense red color of the ruby now stands for passion and love.
AugustPeridot
Peridot, the birthstone for August, represents fortitude. Due to its pale green hue, it is frequently referred to as the “evening emerald.” The green peridot crystals discovered in volcanic ashes were once thought to represent the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess. This diamond was thought to ward off nightmares when set in gold.
SeptemberSapphire
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, was long supposed to ward off evil and poisoning. It was thought that putting a poisonous snake in a sapphire container would cause it to die. The sapphire, which has historically been a favored stone of priests and rulers, stands both innocence and knowledge.
OctoberOpal
Opal, the birthstone for October, represents loyalty and assurance. The term is derived from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious jewel.” Opal-set necklaces were worn to ward off evil and preserve vision.
DecemberTurquoise
Turquoise, the birthstone for December, is viewed as a love charm. It is also a representation of luck and success, and wearing one is said to calm the mind and shield the person from harm. Particularly turquoise rings are said to ward off evil spirits.
Learn More
Do you know your natal flower now that you know your birthstone? See our page of flowers by birth month!
Enjoy our birthday facts, history, folklore, and other fun stuff on our birthdays page.
A uncommon birthstone for August?
The birthstone for August is a genuinely uncommon and old stone that is found in volcanic lava or in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. The Ancient Egyptians called it “The Gem of the Sun.”
The association with light and cosmic extraterrestrial qualities with the light lime-colored Peridot gem is therefore not surprising.
Although peridot only comes in one color (as opposed to other stones, which may have uncommon variants and shades), its tones can range from brilliant yellow to pale brown.
But the Peridot’s interesting past and alluring shine may be its most alluring feature.
What gemstone has the power of August?
The gemstones that correspond to a birth month are known as birthstones; each stone has a special symbolism and historical significance. Birthstones have been popular since prehistoric times, when people thought they possessed extraordinary abilities like luck, good health, and prosperity. Every month has historically been associated with a specific gemstone. This indicates that august is linked to a unique gemstone.
Peridot and spinel are the two birthstones associated with the month of August. Green colored peridot is thought to provide its bearer strength and influence. Spinel comes in a variety of colors and is thought to shield its owner from harm and ward off grief.
Peridots are associated by astrologers with the month of August and the constellation Leo. Additionally, it is recognized as the ideal gemstone gift for 16th wedding anniversaries by international gem organisations. Peridot is said to have superpowers by others as well. You can wear your birthstone as an example. According to maximum mythology, it can bring love and happy partnerships into your life. Some people also think that the gemstone helps you become the best version of yourself by increasing your patience, happiness, and self-assurance.
August Birthstone History
The San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona serves as the primary source of peridot olivine nowadays. It is also mined in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Mayanmar (Burma), Norway, Kashmir, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania in addition to Kilbourne Hole in Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, and New Mexico in the United States. The Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. houses a 310 carat (62 g) specimen of the largest cut peridot olivine.
Color of August Birthstone
One of the few gemstones, peridot only comes in the shade of green. Individual peridot gems can range in color from yellow to olive to brownish-green depending on the amount of iron present in the crystal structure. The intensity and hue of the green, however, relies on this percentage.
August’s birthstone, peridot, is known for its ancient “powers” to heal and prevent nightmares. This gem, which was formed deep beneath the Earth, is frequently brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, but other methods also work. The most common representation of this gem is lime green, which may be found in necklaces, beads, and other items.
Durability of the August Birthstone
Peridots range in hardness from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This gemstone has a decent to good degree of hardness. This places the August gemstone just below quartz in terms of durability. As a result, peridot jewelry works well for earrings, necklaces, and pendants and can be worn every day without much concern for damage, whereas ring jewelry requires greater caution.
Uneven or fast heat is bad for peridot. It is excellent for lighting but is readily harmed by hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. It can also sustain long-term damage from acid sweat.
Is peridot an expensive gem?
A widespread mineral in mafic and ultramafic rocks, olivine, of which peridot is a type, is frequently found in lava and in peridotite xenoliths of the mantle, which lava brings to the surface. However, gem-quality peridot only occurs in a small percentage of these settings. Additionally, peridots can be discovered in meteorites.
Peridots can be distinguished according on their size and makeup. In comparison to meteorites, peridots created by volcanic activity often have higher quantities of lithium, nickel, and zinc.
Although olivine is a common mineral, gem-quality peridot is somewhat hard to find since it is chemically unstable on Earth’s surface. The little grains of olivine that are typically encountered are typically severely worn and unfit for aesthetic application. Olivine is regarded as precious because large crystals of forsterite, the kind most frequently used to cut peridot gems, are uncommon.
On St. John’s Island in the Red Sea, peridot miningthen known as topaziosbegan in 300 B.C.
The San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona serves as the primary source of peridot olivine nowadays. In addition, it is mined in Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, as well as in Hawaii, Arkansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Hawaii, and another area in Arizona.
What abilities does Peridot possess?
Peridot has exceptional emotional healing abilities. The gemstone is thought to have the power to cleanse and open the heart of whoever is wearing it. Peridot makes sure that you aren’t holding on to the past at the same time.
Peridot: common or uncommon?
Even rarer gems exist than this. Only two or three examples of a few are known to exist since they are so uncommon. The source of the material is one aspect that collectors take into account. In light of this, you still have additional extremely rare stones. Peridot, for instance, is a mineral that is widespread throughout the planet but is uncommon in gem-quality. Some peridot gems come from highly unusual sources, such meteorites.
How unique is your diamond, then? Extremely uncommon, albeit perhaps not as uncommon as others. The people whose livelihood depends on discovering gem-quality material, such as miners and prospectors, are aware of the best places to look. It is necessary for their well-being. Nobody else will, however, ever be likely to discover a gem-grade crystal in nature.
What shade is the birthstone for August 29?
Peridot and spinel are the newest birthstones to be associated with the month of August. With its distinctive lime green hue, peridot is thought to bestow strength and influence on those who wear it. Spinel comes in an array of vibrant colors, and its wearer is said to be protected from harm and relieved of sorrow.
