August Birthstone: Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel Birthstone

What is August Birthstone?

The month of August now has 3 birthstones; the peridot, the sardonyx and the spinel.

The spinel is the newest of the two to join the August Birthstones. Peridot and sardonyx have been seen throughout history and have rich symbolism. The two birthstones are quite different, both in terms of quality and substance.

The peridot is found in a range of color variations, and can be anywhere from yellowish green to brown, although the most sought after peridot stones are lime green or olive green. After comparing it to the world of fancy color diamonds, the stone that most resembles the Peridot is the Fancy Vivid Yellowish Green diamond.

The sardonyx birthstone on the other hand, a type of onyx, is a reddish brown stone with a white banding. Peridots have a crystal-like appearance while a sardonyx is more stone-like. Have a look at all of our gemstone jewelry or have a closer look at these birthstones, their origin, history, myths, and place in contemporary jewelry.

LEIBISH 19.19 carat, Blue, Sri Lankan Spinel, Cushion Shape

Origin: Where do Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot come from?

Peridot

Peridot is formed far below the Earth’s surface, and similar to diamonds, is brought up by volcanic eruptions. The majority of peridot stones come from Arizona, although there is a significant supply that comes from China, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

Spinel

Spinel is found in various regions around the world, with notable deposits in countries such as Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Madagascar. Each location may yield spinel of different colors and qualities due to variations in the geological conditions during its formation.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx comes from India, but can also be found in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Germany.

Exploring the Historical Journey of Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot Gemstones

History of Sardonyx

Sardonyx goes as far back as the ancient Greeks and Roman, who used the stone during battle, believing it would bring them courage, protection, and victory. Soldiers often wore engraved sardonyx talismans or amulets as a form of protection against their enemies.

Sardonyx boasts a history dating back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. This banded variety of chalcedony, characterized by its alternating layers of sard (a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony) and onyx (black), held great significance for these cultures.

History of Spinel

Spinel has been traded and treasured for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known spinel artifacts dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures prized spinel for its captivating colors and believed it possessed mystical properties.

Throughout history, spinel has been associated with royalty and nobility. It adorned the crowns, jewelry, and regalia of monarchs and rulers. Famous historical spinels, such as the Black Prince's Ruby and the Timur Ruby, are testament to its royal connections.

LEIBISH Oval Spinel Solitaire Pendant

History of Peridot

Peridot's history dates back thousands of years, with its earliest known use tracing back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians called it the "gem of the sun" and believed it had protective powers against evil spirits. Peridot was often mined on the Egyptian island of Zabargad.

Peridot has been worn for centuries and has been used to protect and heal. It was associated with the sun and was thought to bring warmth, energy, and vitality to its wearer.

Mythical Insights: Unveiling Sardonyx, Spinel, and Peridot

Mythical Sardonyx

The myth of the sardonyx is that it stands for courage and victory.

Exploring the Mystique of Spinel

Spinel's association with royalty and nobility throughout history adds to its mystique, symbolizing wealth, power, and prestige.

Peridot's Mythical Journey Through Time

It is believed that a Peridot has magical powers and has the ability to heal and to protect one from nightmares. It is also believed that those who wear peridot stones will be provided with power and influence.

August Birthstone Color

The Color of Sardonyx

The reddish brown color of a Sardonyx embodies both comfort and power, naturally reflecting what color Sardonyx is.

Sardonyx Gemstone

The Color of Spinel

If you're wondering what does Spinel look like, picture a gemstone with a spectrum of captivating colors, from intense reds to deep blues and vibrant pinks, each radiating its own unique brilliance and charm.

LEIBISH 4.52 carat, Red, Spinel, Oval Shape, No evidence of heat enhancement, GIA

The Color of Peridot

It is said that the olive green color of a Peridot helps to reduce anger and heal stress. So, when you ask 'what color is peridot,' think of that soothing, protective green.

Peridot Gemstone

Peridot & Sardonyx Gemstone Jewelry:

Both the peridot and the sardonyx make lovely jewelry although their effects are very different. The crystal look of the peridot gives off a more elegant vibe while the matte sardonyx has more of an earthy and rustic feel to it. The vast difference between the two stones provides a wide range of jewelry options for those searching for August birthstone jewelry. Other stones such as diamonds and tanzanite stones can be terrific additions to these gems, especially to the peridot.

Though the peridot and sardonyx are not as popular as other birthstones such as diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies, and even amethysts and tanzanite gems, they are beautiful stones that are delightful to incorporate in birthstone jewelry. These stones may look similar to other gemstone such as emeralds and colored diamonds, but there are qualities that are exclusive to peridot and sardonyx stones, which make them unique and extraordinary stones.