August is a month of harvesting, full of abundance, giving people an option to wear three official birthstones, namely sardonyx, Peridot, and spinel. While some people enjoy wearing just one birthstone, those born in August are lucky enough to wear three birthstones.
Meanwhile, a birthstone becomes a compliment to the outfit you wear, and also fills your life with fortune if you are born in August. Wearing a birthstone is associated with bringing good luck, health, and wealth for the wearer.
In the guide, I will unveil the history and meaning of each stone, as well as their color, durability, and origin. Let’s stay with me till the end to enrich your understanding of all about Peridot, Spinel & Sardonyx, the three birthstones of August.
What makes August special
August is a month of venerability named after Augustus Caesar. When it comes to August, it reminds us of either a Virgo or a Leo zodiac sign. This month reminds us about Chris Hemsworth, Barack Obama, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, and many more.
People born in August are often seen as full of confidence, determination, and charisma. Besides this, they’re also hardworking and loyal. The qualities of the vibrant personalities are interwoven as a symbolism with the three birthstones of August month namely sardonyx, Peridot, and spinel.
What Is the Birthstone for August?
The three official birthstones of August are sardonyx, Peridot, and spinel. August is a special month of the two, with the option for wearing three birthstones. The historic legacy of sardonyx dates back 4000 years, while peridot was later discovered and designated as the primary August birthstone. In 2016, the list included a newer addition, namely Spinel, with the lineup of august stones. Out of the three birthstones mentioned, sardonyx is the oldest of the three, with several references being seen in the Bible.
Cultural significance of the August birthstone
August birthstones are not just holding an ornamental value; they also have deep-rooted cultural and symbolic relevance. From time immemorial, august gemstones have been believed to have healing properties and magical prowess, making them capable of banishing evil spirits and achieving victory by eliminating them. Meanwhile, it is also believed to influence personal attributes and help to protect an individual from harm.
Wearing the gemstones by the wearer on each of the 12 months, including August too, gives them certain energy to make them competent to fight against the negative energies of the corresponding months. In the present day, this birthstone is becoming a central hub for people searching for it both for spiritual purposes and as a lavish jewelry.
Peridot Birthstone
Meaning & history: Peridot birthstone also regarded as “gem of the sun” in Egyptian tradition is nothing less than a testament to the belief of protecting people from evil spirits. The oldest source of the Peridot stone is Zabargad, formally known as the island of Topazios. Historically, the birthstone peridot is believed to bring good health, peace, and restful sleep. The stone is often believed to conquer evil spirits.
Color: Peridot is a gem variant of olivine that carries a signature mark of olive hue to lime green colouration valued for its saturation with its excellent hue of lime-green color.
Durability: Despite the birthstone being safer to wear for daily use by the wearer, it is still prone to chipping if badly struck. The stone needs to be kept protected from scratches and mitigate any hard impact by care to expedite its long-lasting durability.
Origin: Peridot is sourced from Mogok in Myanmar and its adjoining mountainous region. It is also found in meteorites and areas of volcanic regions. Vietnam, China, the USA, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Tanzania are also some of the places around the world for the source of peridot stone.
Process of maintenance: Peridot is a stone that must be carefully handled to mitigate damage from acid and long-term perspiration. It is a cautionary reminder of never using an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning purposes.
This stone cleaning process may involve a bristle brush with a mild soap ingredient in warm water. After the cleaning is done, rinsing properly and waiting for it to dry are crucial. If maintenance is handled with care, it is often seen peridot displaying a luster appearance with vibrant color.
Spinel Birthstone
Meaning & history: The word Spinel is derived from the Latin word “spina,” exemplifying the meaning of thorn as per the shape of the crystal spinel. Historically, this stone is significant in fighting against inflammatory diseases and also helpful in minimizing anger, coupled with promoting harmony. If you are a Leo or Virgo born in August and have issues with anger management, this birthstone will be a perfect remedial choice for you.
Color: Spinel comes in distinct colors ranging from red, pink, orange, blue, and purple. Each of the colors of Spinel stone has been derived from a distinct tracer element.
Durability: Unlike other gemstones, Spinel is durable enough to make it less prone to chipping, and the instances of fracturing are also low for it. It is strong and durable, with resistance to scratches, and seems appropriate for August-born people to wear daily as their birthstone.
Origin: Spinel stone is seen in Srilanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, and also in Myanmar.
Process of maintenance: Spinel is tolerant to steam cleaners and ultrasonic cleaning. Some clearing activity worsened the fractures, and hence, it is required to be mindful or proactive during routine cleaning.
Using soft bursts and warm water is safe and ideal for cleaning the Spinel stone. If handled with care, it is often seen that Spinel stone displays a lustrous appearance with vibrant color.
Sardonyx Birthstone
Meaning & history: Sardonyx stone is a popular stone often acknowledged for its use in signet rings and Roman seals. Wearing the birthstone Sardonyx gives the wearer courage, clear communication capability, and also happiness. These birthstones are also ideal for providing stability, a critical aspect for partnership and marriage.
Color: Sardonyx comes up with reddish-brown to dark orange colors, showing different variations in terms of color intensity. Measure of bandwidth and patterns.
Durability: The stone Sardonyx has a layered structure, making it necessary to embrace a certain level of care to prevent chipping. Extra caution needs to be taken while wearing the stone Sardonyx to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and guarantee its durability.
Origin: Czechoslovakia, United States. Brazil and Germany are some of the places around the world where the stone Sardonyx is found.
Process of maintenance: Although the usage of ultrasonic cleaning is not overlooked, one must use a method of gentle cleaning, which is best suited with Sardonyx. Using soapy water, a soft brush, and warm water is ideal for maintenance, and it is required to rinse properly and dry it completely to maintain its luster and brighter appearance for Sardonyx
Wrapping up
In a nutshell, if you are born in August and are willing to bring good luck, wealth, health, and love, then the three birthstones won’t make you feel disappointed. All three August birthstones are unique and have a rich historical significance. Meanwhile, if you are purchasing these august birthstones for your favorite Virgo or Leo, it will definitely make them feel elated. Also, it will be a lovely treat if you make yourself happy with birthstone jewelry, being an August-born.
