Peridot and Spinel - August's Birthstones
Peridot and Spinel, the birthstones of August
“…Enchased in gold its strong protective might, Drives far away the terrors of the night…”
- De Lapidibus, 1035-1123
The last of the true summer months is here, and with it, two beautiful birthstones; peridot and spinel.
~ Left, assorted spinel gemstones, right, assorted peridot gemstones, photo curtesy of Stuller
Peridot is a sunny green-yellow gemstone from the olivine family of minerals. While some may not love this cheery color, the gemstone is far from mundane.
Once upon a time, it hailed from the ancient island of Zabargad (St. John’s Island), which once was even called Topazios in honor of the bright jewels mined there. These included many peridot, which was often thought to be topaz in antiquity.
Another ancient name for this green gem was chrysolite, and while modern gemology has long since separated these three gemstones into their own species, lore and legends use the names interchangeably.
~ Peridot pendant and ring by Stanton Color
Peridot is often called the “stone of the sun” as the coloring is highly saturated in fine stones and is a brilliant, glowing light green with hints of yellow. The color is striking.
Romans called this gem the “evening emerald”, as they adored the color green but found emeralds dulled at night or in candlelight. Peridot, however, remained bright and was favored in jewelry for evening events.
In Egypt, they also favored this stone and thought it contained sunlight. In fact, many of Cleopatra’s emeralds are thought to be peridot.
This birthstone for August is also the chosen gemstone for Leo, the Lion, in the Zodiac. This is the sign associated with the sun.
~ Peridot dangle earrings
Many sources claim peridot gems are useful against phantoms and other night terrors, especially if set in gold. Yellow gold is said to enhance gemstones associated with the sun.
Many find the color mix of Arizona peridot to be particular lovely. While many locations on earth exist as sources, this intriguing gemstone can actually come from space.
Olivine minerals are common among pallasite (iron rich) meteorites, which can form into peridot crystals. These differ slightly, as they do not contain nickel, however they retain a similar yellow-green color, and transparency.
Few gemstones can claim they come from outer space!
~ Loose peridot gemstone display excellent color, photo by Isabelle Corvin
For those that might not love peridot, never fear, a new challenger has appeared.
In 2016, a brand-new birthstone was announced; spinel.
This lesser-known gem comes in every color and shade you can think of, making it the perfect alterative to a single color birthstone.
Like peridot, many spinels were thought to be other gemstones throughout history. Most commonly it was confused with ruby. Many famous ‘rubies’, like the Black Prince’s Ruby, are actually spinel.
~ Red spinel earrings
This was due in part to spinel’s appearance; able to mimic almost any other stone as it comes in every color. But additionally, many mines that produce sapphire and ruby carry spinel as well.
The modern name “spinel” comes from Latin “spinella”, thought to mean “little thorn”. This is due to the rough crystals have a sharp, pointed ‘spine’ like appearance.
With spinel’s history being tangled with other gemstones, it doesn’t have a large assortment of myths surrounding it. However, it is said to embody hope and help with breakthroughs in one’s life.
~ Loose spinel gemstone showcasing a unique color mixture, photo by Isabelle Corvin
This gemstone is prized for its excellent color options; it ranges from cobalt blues to lush reds, mysterious purples and grays, to pinks and pastels. It even comes in sparkling black.
Whether as a center stone or an accent jewel, spinel offers versatility, and a unique story.
~ Black spinel beads by Lika Behar
As summer continues to delight, you have a wonderful choice of birthstones. Bright and cheerful peridot, the stone of the sun. Spinel, the unknown jewel with a thousand colors.
You can’t go wrong!
~Blog by Isabelle Corvin, Staff Gemologist and Merchandising Manager at Panowicz Jewelers