August Birthstone
Birthstone
Peridot
Peridot was revered as the 'sun's stone' in ancient Egypt and used in pharaohs' ornaments. Known as 'olivine' in Japanese, characterized by beautiful olive-green color. With Mohs hardness 6.5-7, it's relatively soft. Interestingly, peridot has been found extraterrestrially in meteorites. Zabargad Island in Egypt's Red Sea (ancient St. John's Island) is famous as an ancient source, while current major sources include Arizona USA, China, and Pakistan.
Features
- Beautiful green hues ranging from olive-green to yellowish-green
- Shows distinctive oily luster due to double refraction
- Called 'evening emerald' as it maintains beautiful green color even at night
- Rare space-origin mineral also found in meteorites
Personality
- Bright and positive personality stone giving hope and courage to the owner
- Peaceful and harmonious nature that improves human relationships
- Enhances creativity and expression, developing artistic talents
Symbolic Meaning
- Testament to marital love and harmony
- Symbol of destiny's bond and happiness
- Light of hope and progress
- Inner beauty and purity
Reason for Selection
- Chosen as its green color expressing summer sun's blessing harmonizes with August's abundant nature
- Considered the stone of sun god Ra in ancient Egypt, believed to have power to ease summer heat
- Selected as a stone bringing abundance and prosperity in August, the harvest season
Protection & Effects
- Protects from nighttime disasters and nightmares
- Guards the mind from negative emotions like jealousy and resentment
- Protects the body from illness and poor health
- Guards against relationship troubles and conflicts
Trials & Growth
- Trial of expressing inner beauty outwardly
- Trial of releasing past wounds and resentments to live positively
- Trial of balancing material wealth and spiritual fulfillment
Gallery
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a variety of agate characterized by beautiful alternating bands of reddish-brown sard (carnelian) and white onyx. Known as 'red-banded agate' in Japanese. With over 4000 years of history, it has been prized since ancient Roman times for cameos and seals. With Mohs hardness of 7, it's relatively hard and durable. Major sources include India, Brazil, and Uruguay. In ancient times, it was used as an amulet to protect from evil, especially favored by warriors and travelers.
Features
- Beautiful parallel bands of reddish-brown and white
- Excellent durability with Mohs hardness 7 and ease of carving
- Layered structure ideal for cameos and seals
- Timeless beauty and practicality from ancient to modern times
Personality
- Stable and reliable personality stone bringing tranquility to the owner
- Faithful and devoted nature with power to deepen bonds
- Calm personality bringing concentration and mental stability
Symbolic Meaning
- Marital harmony and happy marriage
- Power of warding off evil and protection from harm
- Testament to loyalty and sincerity
- Symbol of courage and justice
Reason for Selection
- Considered August's guardian stone in ancient Rome, believed to give strength to survive hot summer
- Selected as a stone to deepen family bonds and unity in August, the harvest season
- Chosen as its banded pattern represents life's cycle and permanence, symbolizing August's abundance
Protection & Effects
- Protects from evil spirits and malevolent forces
- Guards against marital discord and domestic troubles
- Protects safety during travel and movement
- Guards the mind from mental agitation and emotional turmoil
Trials & Growth
- Trial of learning patience and devotion in long-term relationships
- Trial of maintaining justice and honesty even in difficult situations
- Trial of balancing personal desires with family happiness
Gallery
Spinel
Spinel has a history of being confused with ruby for centuries and was newly added to August in the December 2021 birthstone revision. Named from Latin 'spina' (thorn) after its crystal shape. It has rich colors including red, blue, pink, purple, and black, with red spinel historically called 'balas ruby.' The 'Black Prince's Ruby' in the British Crown Jewels is actually spinel. With Mohs hardness of 8, it ranks high in hardness after diamond, ruby, and sapphire.
Features
- Rich color variations including red, blue, pink, purple, and black
- Excellent durability with Mohs hardness 8 and beautiful brilliance
- Shows pure and vivid colors due to single refraction
- Natural beauty requiring no heat treatment
Personality
- Energetic and positive personality stone giving courage and passion to the owner
- Curious and challenging nature that opens new possibilities
- Promotes positive thinking and gives power to overcome difficulties
Symbolic Meaning
- Achievement of goals and path to success
- Symbol of vitality and life energy
- Embodiment of passion and spirit of challenge
- Inner fulfillment and security assurance
Reason for Selection
- Chosen as a stone bringing vitality and passion to August, the active summer season
- Selected as its diverse colors express August's rich nature and diversity
- Considered suitable for August as its historical confusion with ruby represents recognition of true value
Protection & Effects
- Protects the mind from negative emotions and stress
- Guards against obstacles encountered on the path to goal achievement
- Protects from physical fatigue and decline in stamina
- Guards the spirit from weakness of will and feelings of giving up
Trials & Growth
- Trial of continuous effort toward high goals
- Trial of mental strength to never give up despite difficulties and setbacks
- Trial of judgment to choose the best path among diverse options