First: how did birthstones get chosen for each month?  It’s said that it can be traced back to the bible, to the breastplate made for Aaron, the High Priest of the Hebrews.  It contained twelve precious gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.  Later, the stones got linked to astrological signs, and then to the months of the year.  (I’m pretty sure jewelers also got into the act, adding gemstones and using the whole concept as an advertising campaign.)  

The original birthstone for August was sardonyx, but then peridot was added (possibly by jewelers?) and it eclipsed the popularity of sardonyx.  The addition of spinel gives shoppers more color choices.  (See what I mean? LOL! But now we have the tradition, and it’s fun, so let’s keep exploring it!)

PERIDOT

Peridot is gem-quality olivine, a mineral found in igneous rocks, and is often found in areas of the world with shifting plate structure and hot spots, such as Arizona, Hawaii, Myanmar, China, and Pakistan.  Hawaiian lore calls peridot the “tears of Pele” and as such, along with any lava rock, should not be taken from the islands.  (Side note: gift shops in Hawaii sell lava bead bracelets and olivine necklaces.  I asked about this, and the stones do NOT come from Hawaii!  Because–who would willingly want to piss off Pele?)

Peridot, with its bright green color, may derive its name from the Arabic “faridat” meaning “gem” or from the Greek “peridona” meaning “giving plenty,” and the ancients felt peridot was a gift from nature to celebrate spring and the annual rebirthing of the world. 

As peridot was believed to be connected to nature, it was said to be able to harness the power of nature and help with communication with nature gods.  Ancient Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the sun” and believed it to be protection from nightmares/night terrors—a metaphysical property we to this day attribute to the gem, along with protection against evil, and ensuring happiness, prosperity, and peace.    

SARDONYX

Sardonyx is the natural combination of two types of chalcedony: sard and onyx.  Sard can look a lot like carnelian, and sardonyx gets confused with banded agate.  The stripes in sardonyx are parallel bands in layers as opposed to the curved and more random bands in agate. 

Sardonyx has long been known as a stone of protection and strength, as well as courage, happiness, and clear communication.  Ancient Romans and Greeks wore talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of gods and heroes to bring them protection, courage, and victory in their battles.  Sardonyx was used as signet rings and as seals for making wax imprints, as hot wax won’t stick to it.  In the Renaissance, people wore sardonyx to help with eloquence and clear communication.

At The Green Man, we like red sardonyx and green sardonyx for house protection; they are on our windowsills and doorsills.  They also make great hand-fasting or wedding gifts to help bring the relationship lasting stability and harmony and to attract good fortune.  The red sardonyx also stimulates energy and protects against fears jealousy, and rage.

Spinel

Spinel is often assumed to be ruby or sapphire, because of the resemblance, but the crystalline structures are different, and spinel is softer than ruby and sapphire.

Spinel shows up in many colors.  The most sought-after (and therefore most expensive, of course) are vivid red, cobalt blue, bright pink, or bright orange.  The less expensive ones are paler, but you can also find black, violet, greenish blue, gray, pale pink, mauve, yellow, and brown!

Spinel is said to help you put aside your ego and strengthen your devotion to another person.  The various colors have their own qualities…but that’s another blog.