August Birthstone: Peridot
Peridot History and Symbolism
Ancient Time
In ancient Egypt, peridot mining dates back to 1500 BC, at mines located in Topazios on the Red Sea.
The ancient Egyptians revered its vibrant green color, calling it the "sun gem," believing it to possess the power to ward off evil, nightmares, and darkness.
Emperor Cleopatra even had a special fondness for peridot; it's said that the "emerald" jewelry she wore may have been peridot.
During the Middle Ages, the Crusaders brought peridot to Europe, where it was used to decorate church relics.
For example, the gemstone on the "Altar of the Three Magi" at Cologne Cathedral in Germany was mistakenly thought to be an emerald, but is actually peridot.
Middle Ages
During the Western Middle Ages, peridot was often crafted into amulets and religious relics, inlaid in church vessels and vestments, symbolizing light and holiness.
Among European aristocrats, peridot was a status symbol, closely associated with wealth and a noble lifestyle.
By this time, it was no longer simply an ornament, but rather carried multiple meanings encompassing religious belief, secular power, and spiritual pursuits.
Symbolism
In modern times, peridot is believed to ward off evil, enhance expression, and bring clarity of thought.
Peridot has been designated as the traditional birthstone for August and the 16th wedding anniversary stone. It is often associated with vitality and hope, and is widely used to symbolize strength, wealth, and peace.
Peridot is considered a balancing stone for the heart and sun chakras, helping the wearer calm negative emotions and promote spiritual harmony and emotional healing.
In Hawaiian legend, peridot is believed to be a teardrop of the volcano goddess Pele, and its green glow symbolizes life and the pulsing energy of the volcano.
Where are Peridot found?
The earliest documented source of peridot is the volcanic island of Zabaghad in the Red Sea. Ancient Egyptians mined the gem there as early as the 1st century AD.
Peridot was highly revered for its vibrant green color and was even used to decorate church treasures in medieval Europe, though mining there is limited today.
Today, the vast majority of gem-quality peridot (estimated at 80% to 95%) comes from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, particularly the Peridot Mesa. The peridot-rich basalt there hosts peridot nodules, which weather into gullies and canyons.
Besides the United States, peridot is also mined in Myanmar, China, Pakistan, and Africa. Furthermore, volcanic basalt flows in Hawaii form peridotite sands—sometimes called green sand beaches or "Pele's Tears."
Peridot even occurs in rare extraterrestrial environments: some calc-silicate meteorites contain gem-quality peridot (olivine), and traces of peridot have been found in lunar and Martian samples.
What color is Peridot?
Peridot is one of the few gemstones to have a single color. Found primarily in the green gemstone family, its color can vary slightly depending on texture and size.
Peridot's color is unique and uniform among green gemstones. Depending on the iron content of the mineral, it can exhibit shades of yellowish green, olive green, or even pure green nearing emerald.
An ideal peridot should exhibit a pure, grassy green color, with an even, saturated hue and no yellow or brown artifacts.
The rare, deep green is the most valuable. Yellow or brown tints not only diminish its vividness but also its value.
Furthermore, peridot, often called an "evening emerald," shimmers brilliantly in all lighting conditions.
Types of Peridot
Burmese Peridot
Burmese peridot is considered one of the world's finest gemstones. Renowned for its exceptional color and large crystal size, it is highly prized in the gem market.
Burmese peridot typically appears deep olive green to bright green, without brown or yellow undertones. Its color is vibrant and its transparency is high. It is typically eye-clean, meaning it has few or no visible inclusions.
Pakistani Peridot
Pakistan peridot, mined primarily in northern Kashmir, was discovered in 1994. Its color is typically apple or lemon green with a subtle golden sheen.
This gemstone's purity and brilliant luster make it an ideal choice for jewelry. Due to Pakistan's high altitude and extreme climate, its low production yields a significant boost to its market value.
Chinese Peridot
Chinese peridot refers to peridot mined in China's Changbai Mountains, Hunan Province, and Hebei Province. This variety is considered one of the highest quality peridots.
Gemstones from these regions primarily display a bright vivid green or light lemon green color. They typically have a fine texture, exceptional transparency, high purity, few inclusions, and a complete crystal structure. When held in the light, they exhibit a diamond-like brilliance.
Compared to peridots from other sources, Chinese peridot has a richer yellow hue, and its unique pale yellowish-green hue gives it a fresh, bright appearance.
Vietnamese Peridot
Vietnamese peridot was discovered in the 1990s and has become a major source.
Due to Vietnam's unique geological conditions, peridot from this region often exhibits exceptional fire and brilliance, making it highly sought after in the market.
Vietnamese peridot ranges in color from light yellowish green to dark olive green, with many examples boasting vibrant colors and high clarity.
American Peridot
American peridot primarily comes from the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Arizona, which reportedly supplies approximately 80% of the global peridot demand.
These stones typically have a rich, grass-green color and are the world's largest source. San Carlos peridot is relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for jewelry of all qualities.
Egyptian Peridot
Zhabaged Island (St. John) in the Red Sea is one of the oldest known peridot mining areas.
The ancient Egyptians mined this gem here, calling it the "Gem of the Sun."
Red Sea peridot ranges in hue from light lemon green to deep olive green. Large, high-quality crystals are frequently unearthed here, and many valuable collections have been unearthed throughout history.
While high-quality peridot from Zabaged Island is now extremely scarce, it remains cherished for its enduring cultural value and beautiful green color.
Other Sources
In addition to the sources mentioned above, peridot deposits have also been found in Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
Peridot from these sources varies greatly in quality, typically leaning toward a light yellowish-green or lemon-green color. It is less transparent than the high-quality sources mentioned above, and the individual crystals are typically smaller.
August Birthstone: Sardonyx
Sardonyx History and Symbolism
Ancient Time
In ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, sardonyx was often carved into seals or symbols of power.
Due to its hard structure, which lends itself to relief carving, early humans used sardonyx as amulets intended to enhance courage and protect warriors.
In ancient Rome, sardonyx was extremely popular.
Roman soldiers wore it on the battlefield to enhance their strength and protect themselves from harm.
Nobles used it as a signet ring to sign official documents, symbolizing their status and power.
Furthermore, the Romans believed it enhanced eloquence, making the wearer more persuasive and charming in public.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, carnelian's symbolism gradually shifted to religious and moral dimensions.
In Christian culture, it became associated with virtue and holiness, believed to inspire justice, humility, and honesty.
Mystics used it as a spiritual guardian stone, said to ward off evil, clear dark emotions, and enhance the willpower and self-discipline of spiritual practitioners.
During this period, carnelian was often used in reliquaries and crosses and was considered a sacred aid to prayer and meditation.
It was believed to ward off temptation, maintain marital fidelity, and promote personal moral growth.
Modern Time
With the development of rational thought during the Renaissance, sardonyx gained increasing recognition as a symbol of natural beauty.
Its unique patterns and vibrant colors made it a favorite among artists and collectors.
People began using it in necklaces, brooches, and carved jewelry, showcasing its exquisite craftsmanship rather than simply its mystical symbolism.
In modern society, sardonyx's mystical significance has not completely faded.
It is believed to promote emotional stability, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and enhance self-discipline.
Many spiritual healers recommend wearing sardonyx to enhance communication skills, stabilize the energy field, and protect the wearer from negative external energies.
Symbolism
Sardonyx is considered one of the traditional birthstones for August.
Its dual colors symbolize inner balance and spiritual harmony, believed to resolve conflict and bring about a stable energy. It also symbolizes courage, happiness, loyalty, and clear communication.
Giving sardonyx to couples symbolizes loyalty and fidelity, while wearing it in the workplace or social settings is believed to enhance persuasiveness and approachability.
Where are Sardonyx found?
High-quality sardonyx is produced in several regions around the world, with India being widely recognized as the source of the finest.
Indian sardonyx with its distinct hues and vibrant red and white stripes, is ideal for jewelry carving and relief seals. It has long been a favorite among artisans and is particularly prized in the traditional hand-cut market.
Brazil and Uruguay both possess abundant igneous rock formations, creating natural conditions for the formation of sardonyx. The rich and diverse colors of sardonyx produced in these regions are commonly used in the commercial gem market and the bulk rough trade, providing a stable supply for the global supply chain.
Germany has been mined for centuries. The region is renowned not only for its high-quality mineral resources but also for its traditional gem-cutting techniques. Vast quantities of sardonyx are transported here to be processed into high-quality finished jewelry.
Sardonyx deposits in the United States are located in Colorado and California. The ore from these regions is often used for local markets or handicrafts. While not as abundant as other major producing areas, they still have a significant influence on the North American market.
What color is Sardonyx?
Sardonyx is a gemstone with a striped pattern, primarily composed of layers of reddish-brown sardonyx and white or light-colored onyx.
Its typical color range includes red, brownish-red, orange-brown, and light brown, alternating with white stripes for a striking contrast. This natural color gradient makes it unique among gemstones.
The intensity of sardonyx's color and the clarity of its color gradations influence its value, with sardonyx with clear, even red and white stripes often being the most sought after.
While it lacks the dazzling brilliance of some gemstones, its natural texture and warm hue make it a symbol of strength and classic beauty.
Types of Sardonyx
Classic Sardonyx
Classic Sardonyx is the most famous variety, characterized by its striking contrasting alternating reddish-brown and white stripes.
Historically, this variety was most widely used in seals and cameos and is also considered a symbol of protection, strength, and courage. Its unique color gradations and durability make it ideal for jewelry and carvings.
Black Sardonyx
Black Sardonyx is a less common variety, typically featuring a dark brown or black base with white or gray stripes.
This more understated color combination is often used in men's or contemporary jewelry. It also symbolizes stability, balance, and deep protection.
Green Sardonyx
Green Sardonyx is a special variety, ranging in color from dark green to gray-green. Due to its natural rarity, it is less common in the market than red and white agate.
Despite its name, this gem is often mistaken for dyed or other green minerals. Its energetic properties are believed to promote healing, growth, and emotional well-being.
Banded Sardonyx
Banded Sardonyx is named for its banding structure, which can be horizontal, wavy, or irregular, sometimes with intricate layering.
This visual effect makes it particularly striking in decorative and artistic carvings. While color varies widely, its key characteristic is the striking contrast of the banding.
Dyed Sardonyx
Dyed Sardonyx is a common treated variety on the market.
It is artificially dyed to enhance the color of the natural banding, typically black, green, or deep red.
This gem is relatively inexpensive, making it suitable for mass-market jewelry, but its value is not as high as untreated, natural red agate.
August Birthstone: Spinel
Spinel History and Symbolism
Ancient Time
The history of spinel dates back to the ancient Middle East and Asia.
In its earliest days, it was often confused with ruby and considered a precious gem symbolizing royal power.
In the East, spinel was considered a powerful amulet and was often used in warrior amulets and crown jewels, symbolizing strength, protection, and success.
It is also often found in religious ornaments, believed to bring divine inspiration and spiritual strength, and to promote meditation and inner balance.
Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, spinel began to appear frequently in royal jewellery.
Many royals mistook spinel for rubies and set it in crowns, scepters, and other symbols of power.
One of the most famous examples is the "Black Prince's Ruby," a precious red spinel that adorns the British crown jewels.
It wasn't until later that it was confirmed to be a ruby. This confusion persisted for centuries, leading to spinel being long considered an imposter.
Although spinel wasn't officially recognized at the time, its beautiful colour and hardness made it a favoured decorative gemstone for nobility and clergy.
The emergence of spinel reflects the evolving understanding of the nature of gemstones and holds significant symbolic significance in the history of jewellery.
Symbolism
After the 19th century, advances in mineralogy enabled scientists to distinguish the chemical structure and composition of spinel from ruby for the first time, truly recognizing spinel as a unique gemstone.
This shift in perception reignited appreciation for its beauty and value, particularly in the colored gemstone market.
Modern jewelry designers have also begun incorporating spinel into their creative designs due to its rich colors and exceptional cut.
Spinel symbolizes restoration, vitality, and inner strength. Many cultures believe it can bring new energy, awaken inner potential, and help overcome fatigue and low moods.
Today, it is not only a beautiful gemstone but also symbolizes the process of rediscovering true values. Red spinel is seen as a symbol of passion and confidence, while blue and violet spinels are associated with intuition, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Where are Spinel found?
Myanmar is one of the most famous sources of spinel. Its red spinel, with its highly saturated color and exceptional transparency, particularly the "pigeon's blood" color, is one of the most highly prized varieties in the market. Historically, many pieces of royal jewelry mistaken for rubies were actually mined in this region.
Sri Lanka is another important source of spinel. Due to its unique geological conditions, its mines produce spinel of consistent quality and a rich variety of colors, including purple, blue, pink, orange, and gray.
Vietnamese spinel is renowned for its vibrant pink and purplish-red colors. Spinel from Vietnamese mines is typically highly transparent and vibrantly colored, earning it a high reputation in the international market.
The Badakhshan region of Afghanistan has been a source of spinel since ancient times. The "Balaas rubies" found there were once prized treasures in the royal courts of the Middle East and South Asia.
Tanzania, Tajikistan, and Pakistan also produce various spinel varieties. Tanzania’s Mahenge region is famous for its vibrant peach and red spinels; Tajikistan is renowned for its deep red spinels; and Pakistan produces rare varieties with blue and purple hues.
What color is Spinel?
Spinel is a gemstone with a wide range of colors, including red, pink, purple, orange, blue, and even black and colorless.
The most popular color is vibrant red, often mistaken for ruby due to its resemblance to ruby. Red spinel typically has a saturated color and excellent transparency, making it considered its most classic color.
In addition to red, blue and purple spinel are also highly sought after by collectors, particularly high-quality bluish-purple spinel from Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Pink and orange spinel are widely used in jewelry designs for their vibrant, pastel hues.
Spinel is unique in that it displays its natural rich color in its untreated state, without the need for heat treatment or dyeing like ruby or sapphire.
Some rare spinel varieties also exhibit color-changing properties, shifting from purple to red or from grayish-blue to purplish-red under different light sources. This natural color versatility makes spinel a highly attractive gemstone in the colored gemstone market.
Types of Spinel
Red Spinel
Red spinel is one of the earliest varieties used in jewelry, and its appearance closely resembles ruby.
In the past, people mistakenly thought red spinels worn in tiaras were rubies, but we now know that their unique hue comes from the chromium contained in the mineral.
High-quality red spinel, with its pure, transparent color and free of impurities, is highly sought after for investment and collection.
Pink Spinel
Pink spinel's gentle and elegant color complements diamonds, highlighting a woman's softness and delicacy.
Pink spinel from the Pamir Plateau is pure and free of impurities, and its cool luster gives it a particularly refreshing appearance.
Pink spinel from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Tanzania each has its own unique characteristics, with neon pink being particularly easy to mistake for synthetic gemstones.
Orange Spinel
Orange spinel is extremely rare, and its pure color is even rarer.
Orange spinel with a red or yellow undertone is particularly vibrant when paired with gold jewelry.
The orange gemstone commercially known as "flame spinel" has a light, almost neon-like hue, while darker versions are extremely rare.
Blue Spinel
Blue spinel, ranging in color from bright neon blue to deep blue, is one of the rarest varieties of spinel.
Cobalt spinel, which is colored by cobalt, is particularly valuable.
Blue spinel that is too dark or opaque significantly decreases its value in the collector's market.
Purple Spinel
Purple spinel has a deep and elegant color, sometimes with subtle shades of pink or steel gray.
Light purple varieties exhibit a delicate dispersion effect under light, with shimmering colors along their edges.
This unique color gradation makes purple spinel popular in fine jewelry.
Black and Gray Spinel
Black spinel has a uniform texture and rich color, making it popular in silver jewelry and modern designs.
Well-cut black spinel exhibits a hard, luster similar to black diamond.
Gray spinel is understated and suitable for those seeking a minimalist style.
Green Spinel
Green spinel has a unique hue due to the presence of chlorine.
Its color ranges from bright neon green to deep green, often with a grayish hue.
Due to its rarity and low market awareness, green spinel is not commonly found in jewelry.
White Spinel
White spinel is translucent and bright, resembling diamond in appearance.
Some varieties have a pale pink, light gray, or purplish hue, and their luster is soft and non-glaring.
It is often used as a diamond substitute in affordable jewelry, offering both practicality and aesthetic value.