August Birthstones

Two birthstones are available for August birthdays: Peridot and Sardonyx.

PERIDOT

Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.  As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.  Today, most of the peridot supply comes from Arizona; other sources are China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.  This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens.  Peridot, in smaller sizes, often is used in beaded necklaces and bracelets.

Etymology

The origin of the name "peridot" is uncertain. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests an alteration of Anglo–Norman pedoretés (classical Latin pæderot-), a kind of opal, rather than the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem".

The online Merriam Webster, however, says "French péridot, from Old French peritot First Known Use: circa 1706".

The Middle English Dictionary defines peridot with several variations : peridod, peritot, pelidod and pilidod -- in the examples other variants substitute y for i. (peridod, peritot, pelidod and pelido are also used in Old French). In Medieval Latin peridotus, pl peridota.

The earliest use in England is in the register of the St Albans Abbey, in Latin, and its translation in 1705 is possibly the first use of Peridot in English. It records that on his death in 1245 Bishop John bequeathed various items to the Abbey: "He gave also three noble Rings, in one whereof is an Oriental Sapphire, of wonderful bigness : In another is the Stone call'd Peridot, in the middle whereof is set a Sapphire of great beauty; it is said to be good against the Cramp, and is made almost in the form of a Buckler: in the third Ring is also an Oriental Sapphire, but less than the former."

A copy by Johannis de Trokelowe of the Latin reads: Dedit etiam tres nobiles aureos annulos, in quorum uno habetur sapphirus orientalis mirae magnitudinis; in alio, lapis qui dicitur "peridotus," sive "pederotes;" in cujus medio sapphirus excellentis pulchritudinis collocatur, et habet virtutem spasmum potenter refrenandi. Iste lapis ad modum clypei fere formatur. In tertio vero annulo alius sapphirus includitur orientalis, sed minor quam prior de quo locuti sumus.

(Modified Google translate: He also gave three noble gold rings, the Oriental sapphire in one of which a surprisingly large, in another, the stone which is said to be a "peridotus," or "pederotes;" in the midst of which is placed a sapphire of surpassing beauty, and has the power of powerfully restraining convulsions. This stone is shaped almost like a shield. In the third case, an Oriental sapphire is included with another ring, but it is smaller than the first of which we have spoken.)

Other variants quoted by the Middle English Dictionary range from 1300 to 1500.

There are also early uses in French : The 1667 Le mercure indien, Ou Le Tresor Des Indes: Dans laquelle est ... - Page 87 by Pierre de Rosnel has two short chapters on Peridot. The 1694 "Nouveau Dictionnaire françois, Volume 2 By Pierre Richelet", in part reads : "PERIDOT, Sorte de pierre précieuse qui n'est pas fort considérable, qui tire fur une couleur qui rient du vert ..." or "Kind of gemstone that is not very considerable, which takes a color as laughing green ... " (Also a 1680 edition with a less colorful description)

Appearance

Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, an olive green. The intensity and tint of the green, however, depends on how much iron is contained in the crystal structure, so the color of individual peridot gems can vary from yellow- to olive- to brownish-green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green.

SARDONYX

Sardonyx  is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white banding.  It was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory.  Because of its attractive banding, sardonyx has long been used to fashion cameos (carved raised figures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos).  This gemstone is found throughout the world.  The most attractive specimens are found in India, but material also is mined in Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and in the United States.

History, Significance and Properties of Sardonyx

The gemstone was especially good for engraving upon, having a hard smooth surface capable of taking a high polish, and in ancient cameos the under-stone is generally used to form the ground, the lighter top layer being carved into figures, the different depths of the carving affording variety to the effect. These qualities made it a favourite with the ancient Romans, who believed that the virtue of stones could be increased if suitably engraved. The Sardonyx was therefore frequently carved with a figure representing Mars or Hercules to render its wearer fearless and courageous. The ancients also believed that this stone had the property of preserving its wearers from infectious complaints and the bites of venomous creatures, particularly from the sting of the scorpion. If hung round the neck it would allay pain, give self-control, attract friends, ensure conjugal happiness and success in legal matters.

Sardonyx Gemstone meaning

Sardonyx is a stone of strength and protection. Use it to enhance willpower, integrity, stamina and vigor.

It is believed to bring lasting happiness and stability to marriage and partnerships. It attracts friends and good fortune.

Some people use sardonyx as a protection grid - placing it at each corner of the house, at doors and windows to prevent crime and misfortune.