As of 2016, August, along with June and December, is one of the three months represented by three different birthstones. The original birthstone for August was sardonyx (sardonyx). Then peridot (peridot) was added, which became the primary gemstone for August. The addition of spinel, which can be found in a variety of colors, gives August babies a plethora of choices!
Peridot (Peridot)
Peridot is widely recognized for its green glow, but the origin of its name is not clear. Most scholars agree that the word “peridot” comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “precious stone”. However, some believe that it has its roots in the Greek word peridona, which means “to give abundance”. Perhaps this is why peridot was, according to tradition, associated with prosperity and good luck.
The Egyptians called the peridot the «jewel of the Sun» and believed it had special healing powers.
Peridot is the rare gem quality variety of the common mineral olivine. This is formed deep within the Earth's mantle and is brought to the surface by volcanoes. In Hawaii, peridot once symbolized the tears of Pele, the volcanic fire goddess who controls the flow of lava. Rarely, it is also found inside meteorites.
The origin of the characteristic green colour of peridot is from the composition of the mineral itself and not from traces of impurities, as is the case with many gemstones. This is why it is one of the few gemstones that comes in only one colour. But its shades can vary from yellowish green to olive and brownish green, depending on how much iron is present.
Although it is known as “the emerald of the afternoon” because of its sparkling green hue, the peridot looks good at any time of the day.
Most of the world's peridot stock originates from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. Other sources are China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Africa.
The peridot measures only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. So while the rough crystal is prone to cracking during cutting, the finished gemstones are durable and easy to wear.
Sardonyx (Sardonyx)
Sardonyx combines alternating layers of sard and onyx, two species of the layered mineral chalcedony, to create a reddish gemstone with zebra stripes and white bands.
Its name combines sardis (referring to the ancient Persian city of Sardis, in present-day Turkey, where the red stone was found) with onycha (from the Greek word with the same spelling, meaning “nail or claw”).
It is another stone that was loved and used by the Ancient Egyptians. Not only did they believe it reduced crime, but they used it to ward off evil spirits.
The colour of the flesh can range from yellowish-red to reddish-brown, depending on how much iron oxide is present. It is easy to confuse the flesh with carnelian, another type of chalcedony that is slightly softer and lighter in color.
Sardonyx, like onyx, shows layers of parallel bands instead of the chaotic, curved bands that make up agate, another type of chalcedony.
The finest examples of sardonyx, with sharp contrasts between layers, are found in India. Other sources include Brazil, Germany, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Madagascar, Uruguay and the United States.
Measuring 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, sardonyx is widely available and relatively inexpensive as a gemstone, beads and jewellery. It is often set in cameos, intaglios, and brooches (cameos, intaglios, and brooches ) to bring out the color contrast between layers.
Spinel (Spinel)
Spinel is often confused with either ruby or pink sapphire, as it can look like both. In fact, some of the most famous rubies in history are spinels. Its distinctive characteristics are its octahedral crystal structure and simple refraction. These make it stand out from other gemstones. Spinel also has a lower Mohs hardness than ruby and sapphire.
Significant spinel deposits are found in Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Also in Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Brazil, Madagascar, Nepal, Nepal, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tanzania and the United States.
Vibrant red is the most sought-after colour of spinel gemstones. It is followed by cobalt blue, bright pink and bright orange. The most affordable gemstones are often those with lighter colors, such as lavender. You can also find spinel in black, violet blue, greenish blue, greyish blue, pale pink, purple, yellow or brown.
A high quality gemstone should not have visible inclusions. The more inclusions, the less valuable it is. Birthstone spinels can be found in various cuts such as octagon, triangle, square, round, oval, pear and cushion.
