Babies born in August, as well as in June and December, have three birthstones. Peridot, the first of the three August birthstones, is a yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gemstone derived from the magnesium-rich mineral olivine. Peridot’s name comes from the Arabic word faridat, which means “gem.”

Interestingly, peridot has been used by many people and cultures throughout history, but it has not always been known by its proper name; for a long time, it was wrongly classified as topaz, a November birthstone.

August Birthstone Colors:

Peridot’s most essential hue is genuine green, with no yellow or brown overtones. Peridot, one of only two gems to form in molten rock in the upper mantle rather than the earth’s crust (the other being diamond), is known for forming under extreme conditions and was discovered in the hardened lava of volcanoes that brought it to the surface. Some peridots came to Earth as meteorites, however this extraterrestrial form is extremely rare and unlikely to be purchased in a store.

Peridot Global Sources:

The Egyptian island of Topazios (now Zabargad) is the first known source of peridot. Mining may have begun as early as 340–279 BC. While mining was profitable and produced high-quality gems, the island’s harsh environment earned it names like the Island of Death and Ophiodes, which means “snake island.” Myanmar is another major producer of peridot. The gem was discovered loose in fissures in the mountains near Mogok. Peridot is also available in the United States, with Arizona having the most prolific supply; several indigenous Apache families in the state have been mining it for decades.

Peridot History and Myth:

Peridot was traditionally associated with light. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Some people used to believe that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially if it was gold. Other people suspended peridot stones from donkey hair and wrapped them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.

Peridot was used in priests’ jewelry as early as the second century B.C., and then in chalices (fancy drinking cups) and church decorations throughout medieval Europe. During the Crusades, it was used to embellish sacred objects.

Since ancient times, peridot has been confused with other gems such as topaz and emerald. Topazios, a Red Sea island, produced peridot rather than topaz, the gemstone of the same name. The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral has 200 carats of peridot diamonds that were mistaken for emeralds. Historians believe that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have included peridot.

Stone of the pharaohs: Egypt’s ancient rulers cherished this green stone, which they incorrectly referred to as “topazos,” and valued it primarily for personal use and delight. They instructed the locals of Topazios Island to collect the stones and send them for cutting and polishing. In fact, the pharaohs were so concerned about their green gems that they carefully guarded the island, ordering that anyone who arrived without authorization be executed on suspicion of attempting to steal the gems.

In old-world Germany, crushed, powdered peridot was maintained in apothecary shops (medicinal shops) and sold as a remedy for insomnia, memory improvement, and vision restoration. They suspected that the powder may be mixed with wine and drunk or applied topically.

Peridot fell out of favor in the ancient world, but it resurfaced in Europe during the Baroque period (1500s-1700s), when it became a favorite jewel of affluent rulers. During the 1930s and 1940s, it became popular with ordinary people, receiving the nickname “the poor man’s emerald.”

Practical Uses of Peridot Birthstone:

  1. Are you unable to break a bad habit? Some people believe that peridot can help you prevent oversleeping or chewing your nails by breaking down and cleaning out old, undesirable habits.
  2. Peridot is known as a stone of transformation, so it could be the ideal gemstone for you if you’re going through a major life shift, such as trying out for a new club or sport, changing family relationships, moving places, or switching schools.
  3. Anxiety and other negative emotions can make us feel physically unwell. Carry or wear peridot to keep negative emotions from damaging your body.
  4. Have you ever been jealous of a friend or sibling? Peridot is supposed to diminish or eliminate jealousy while also boosting self-acceptance and responsibility for our actions and decisions.
  5. Have you lost anything important? Peridot may be beneficial while looking for a misplaced item.
  6. Wear peridot around the throat to increase its effects.

Spinel – The Second August Birthstone:

Spinel is the second August birthstone, and its vivid red variation is sometimes mistaken for ruby. The name spinel comes from the Latin word spina, which means “thorn,” and refers to the shape of spinel crystals. Spinel was not officially designated as a birthstone until 2016, however this gemstone provides something for everyone:

Spinel Colors:

Spinel is available in a number of colors, including bright red, brilliant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue, and bluish green. The most expensive colors are brilliant red, cobalt blue, vivid pink, and orange. Chromium, the same trace element that colors ruby and emerald, is responsible for the hue of red spinel.

Global Sources of Spinel Birth Stone:

Spinel is now found all over the world, with different locations producing distinct colors; for example, Myanmar is well-known for its hot-pink and red spinel stones. Since the 1980s, Vietnam has been growing deep red, purple, pink, violet, and blue-violet spinel in a rural region several hours away from the nearest city. Spinel in pink, orangey red, purple, and blue hues was discovered in Tanzania in 2007. Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan are the other significant spinel producers.

Spinel, whether synthetic or lab-created, is widely used to mimic other gems, so many people are unaware that it is actually a naturally occurring gemstone. Synthetic spinel is widely utilized in low-cost jewelry, including high school and college rings.

Spinel History and Myth:

Red spinel, along with other red gems, was thought to help with a range of inflammatory illnesses. The crimson diamonds were considered to calm anger and encourage unity.

Spinel, which was sometimes confused with the more well-known gems ruby and sapphire, was produced in ancient mines that supplied royal courts from China to Rome. As a result, some of the world’s most famous “rubies,” sometimes known as “balas rubies” (as described in the ruby history and folklore), are actually spinel.

The 170 carat Black Prince’s “ruby,” for example, was owned by several Moorish and Spanish kings before being handed to Edward, Prince of Wales (also known as the Black Prince) in 1367 as a reward for victory in battle. In 1783, breakthroughs in science enabled scientists to conclude that this gem was spinel rather than ruby based on chemical differences—this discovery was one of the first to give rise to the field of gemology.

The historic Black Prince’s Ruby is currently placed in Britain’s Imperial State Crown. Another large spinel in the crown jewels is known as the “Timur ruby.” This gemstone weights about 350 carats. The Timur ruby has a long history, with its original owner dating back to 1612, and several Persian inscriptions engraved into the diamond attest to its age.

Practical Uses of Spinel:

  1. Spinel may help you come out of a funk. This is a stone of joy and hope that can increase your energy and help you overcome negative ideas.
  2. Feeling stuck? Whether you’re stuck on a school project or trying to think of something new, spinel is said to spark new thoughts.
  3. Spinel is recognized as a calming stone, making it an ideal gift for someone who works or studies too hard or is constantly on the move. It gives them tranquility and allows them to unwind, relax, and enjoy their surroundings.
  4. Specific hues of spinel offer particular benefits, such as
    • Black spinel gives you insight into your difficulties and the strength to overcome them.
    • Blue spinel enhances communication and is an excellent stone to have on hand during a challenging talk.
    • Green spinel encourages love and compassion for others.
    • Red spinel promotes physical health and strength.
    • Violet spinel promotes spiritual development.
    • Yellow spinel represents knowledge and mental development.
  5. Spinel is adaptable, just like its various colors. Wear and carry it as you see appropriate.

Sardonyx – August Third Birthstone:

Sardonyx, the oldest of the three August birthstones, is the third and last. It is a mix of two varieties of chalcedony, sard and onyx, which is how it got its name.

Sardonyx Colors:

This magnificent and one-of-a-kind stone is made up of brownish-red, brown, and dark orange sard bands separated by white or black onyx layers. For millennia, this August birthstone’s color bands have made it a favored material for cameos and intaglios (gem carvings).

Sardonyx was once valued higher than gold, silver, and sapphire. Sardonyx is now connected with courage, happiness, and open communication, as well as the stability it provides in marriages and partnerships. Sardonyx comes in a range of colors, including black, brown, red, and white, and can be layered or combined.

Global Sources of Sardonyx:

Sardonyx can be found all over the world, but India is perhaps the most well-known source, producing a gem with crisply colored layers. Sardonyx is also found in Brazil, Germany, the Czech Republic, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the United States, namely in Oregon and around Lake Superior.

Sardonyx History and Myth:

Sardonyx was a popular stone for Roman seals and signet rings because hot wax couldn’t stick to it. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars (their god of war) carved on them to symbolize bravery and protection in battle. In medieval Europe, sardonyx represented spiritual power and modesty.

Sardonyx was known as the “everyman’s stone” in ancient Egypt because it was widely available and inexpensive to the majority of the population. The Egyptians believed that sardonyx brought good luck and wore the stones as talismans. They also believed that sardonyx would protect the user from deadly insect attacks, particularly scorpions.

Perhaps the most famous sardonyx stone was set in a gold ring featuring an image of Queen Elizabeth I of England. The Queen presented it to the Earl of Essex as a token of friendship, promising to help him anytime he needed it.

Onyx, the dark diamond that accounts for half of this birthstone, was originally supposed to be a stone of “dream necromancy,” allowing individuals to connect with their deceased friends or loved ones if worn at night. Onyx is named after the Greek word for “claw” or “fingernail,” and it is also referred to as “the fingernail stone” because to its white part that mimics a human fingernail.

Practical Uses:

  1. Got the blues? Some individuals believe that wearing or placing Sardonyx near their hearts can help them overcome depression and unpleasant emotions.
  2. Sardonyx is supposed to help reduce resistance and stimulate progress in life. When faced with a difficult decision, sardonyx can help you think more clearly and make the best choice.
  3. Sardonyx is a stone thought to stimulate all five senses. Sardonyx is an excellent resource whether you’re starting a collaborative project or joining a team; it’s said to promote peace and well-being in all forms of collaboration.
  4. Tough on crime: Some believe that placing a sardonyx stone in each corner of your home or garden (as well as all windows) will deter crime.
  5. Sardonyx is commonly known as the stone of self-control. It could help you stick to your goals, break bad habits, and reconnect with your emotions.
  6. Sardonyx can be worn anywhere or placed on the abdomen for support.