Not many months boast more than one birthstone and August is in this unique category with not one but two enchanting birthstones: Spinel and Peridot. These beautiful gemstones have been prized for years, each of them with its own individual allure and appeal. Believed to possess positive energy, bring luck and protection to those born in their respective months, August birthstones have held symbolic importance for a long time. Many cultures have believed these gemstones to have mystical powers, often incorporating them in amulets and talismans. In this guide, we are diving into the interesting world of August’s two beautiful birthstones, their origins, discussing their properties and exploring their captivating beauty that can allow you to appreciate and embrace the rich history and charm of these amazing gems.
Peridot: The Olivine Gem
This gemstone is a variety of the mineral olivine. Peridot is a silicate rich in magnesium that forms over years deep within the mantle of Earth. It is usually found in volcanic rocks, where immense heat and pressure makes it crystallize. Interestingly, this is one of the very few gemstones that are formed in the Earth’s mantle, meaning it is a true birth of the molten interior of the Earth. Its physical features include a stunning vivid green color, a ranking of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, a unique double refaction which creates a visually stunning effect and a pretty high refractive index. There are actually two kinds of olivine that form the peridot: Fayalite and Forsterite. With the finer specimens exhibiting great transparency and exceptional brilliance, qualified gemologists evaluate the peridot based on its clarity grades, general appeal and inclusions.
The Vivid Green of Peridot
The most striking feature of the peridot is undoubtedly is its vivid green hue, which ranges from light yellow-green to deep olive-green. This color is a caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition. Depending on the cutting and polishing techniques used, the exact shade of green can being influenced, with skilled artisans able to upgrade the hue of the stone with their craftsmanship.
The shade can also be affected by the gem’s origin, with some deposits producing a deeper, more vivid olive hue and some yielding a lighter yellowish tint. But aside the exact shade, its enchanting color has mystified admirers for many years, earning it a coveted spot in the world of gemstones.
Spinel: The Underrated Gemstone
Now, let’s talk about the spinel. This oxide mineral, rich in chromium is commonly mistaken for ruby because of its similarity in brilliance and color. This gemstones however, is a true gem in its own right, with great durability, ranking a solid 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, a high refractive index and a strong birefringence, which creates a dazzling play of colors. The spinel stone also exhibits pleochroism, this means when viewed from many angles, it can display many different colors. The spinel is assessed based on its clarity and inclusion grades, with unique varieties treasured for their vivid color and transparency. The spinel has sadly been overshadowed by the ruby for some years, however it has increasingly become more recognized and appreciated by gemstone buyers and connoisseurs in recent years.
The Mesmerizing Colors of Spinel
Many people do not know this, but the spinel is one of those gemstones that offers a stunning variety of colors, each with its own charm and allure. The classic, traditional red spinel, often confused with the ruby or the garnet is extremely valuable and has been prized for centuries for its rich, deep hue much like that of a beautiful summer sunset. A rather lesser known variety, the cobalt spinel, has a unique blue hue, reminiscent of the blue sea or a bright summer sky.
A rarer and highly prized variety is the Burmese spinel, which originates from Myanmar, (formerly Burma) and is known for its intense red-orange color. Aside the colors and varieties above, the spinel can also be found in pink, violet and even black shades, showcasing the diversity of this remarkable gemstone. The spinel is a true chameleon in the world of gemstones.
Spinel's Optical Phenomenon: Asterism
Another very fascinating aspect of the spinel is its ability to exhibit asterism. Now, this is a very unique optical phenomenon that creates a star-like pattern illusion within the gemstone. It is quite special. This rare effect is caused by the exact alignment of inclusions present in the gem, resulting in a dazzling display of light and pattern.
The asterism can be displayed in a six-ray star pattern or a gorgeous four-ray, depending on the crystal structure of the spinel, especially when cut in the cabochon shape because it has a domed surface.
For example, a highly mesmerizing variety is the “Star Spinel”, known for its exceptional optical properties contributing value and charm. These stones are prized not only because they are rare, but this unique visual experience is one that is one-of-a-kind and truly treasured.
Cutting and Polishing Peridot and Spinel
Both the peridot and the spinel are very versatile and work very well with a variety of cutting styles, allowed skilled artisans to showcase their brilliance, sparkle and beauty. Conventional cuts such as the oval and cushion are great and indeed popular choices, but more detailed cuts like the trilliant and cabochon can also be used to increase the optical features of the gem and create that mesmerizing play of color and fire. The cutting and polishing process is very important because it plays a huge role in enhancing the vibrancy of these stone, making sure their true beauty is showcased.
Artisans carefully factor in things such as gem’s clarity, color range, optical features to ascertain the most suitable cut, for the stone to be as breathtaking as possible.
Birthstone Jewelry: Peridot and Spinel
These two stones- peridot and spinel have long been celebrated in jewelry due to their unique optical properties coupled with their vibrant colors making them perfect for a wide range of designs. Peridot jewelry often has bold, eye-catching pieces that display the vivid green hue of the stone, with designs ranging from delicate cocktail bracelets and rings to classic stud earrings and pendants. On the other hand, depending on the cut and color used, spinel jewelry can range from bold and modern to sophisticated and elegant. Picture this, a vibrant blue spinel ring can make for a bold and daring choice while an intense red spinel pendant can exude timeless elegance. Combining these two birthstones in one piece can create a truly eye-catching, conversation-starting harmonious work or art, truly celebrating the beauty of the month of August.
Why Choose Us
Saratti is your one stop shop for birthstone jewelry. At Saratti, we take a lot of pride in our expertise in crafting the most intricate pieces that will allow you to truly appreciate the innate beauty of these prized gemstones. Our team of talented and skilled gemologists and artisans meticulously choose only the finest peridot and spinel gemstones, making sure each piece is the perfect platform to showcase the quality of these amazing stones. With our dedication to world-class craftsmanship and attention to detail, we pledge to create jewelry that captivates and also tells a story of passion and commitment unique to its wearer. We are also very insistent on providing you with a one-of-a-kind bespoke customer experience which is going to cater to your every jewelry need. Our designers also draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of history and unique properties of these two gems, crating pieces that are beautiful and symbolically relevant.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your peridot and spinel jewelry, you ought to take proper care to maintain it. This is very crucial. First off, do not expose the jewelry to harsh chemicals and abrasive. Also, do not expose it to excessive temperatures as these can not only compromise the settings but damage the gemstone. Regular clean the jewelry with a soft bristled brush and mild soap solution to maintain its luster and brilliance. When you aren’t wearing it, store the jewelry in a protective pouch or a fabric lined jewelry box to prevent scratching and damage. This also prevents it from being exposed to potential hazards. You can properly cherish your August birthstones with proper handling and care so it can maintain its vibrant colors and enduring charm.
Conclusion
Peridot and spinel, August’s birthstones are true gemstones in every sense. The peridot enchants with its vivid green hue and connection to the fiery depths of the Earth, while the spinel also comes with a fascinating kaleidoscope of colors and optical properties. Whether you simply appreciate the beauty of amazing gemstones or you are an August baby, these birthstones offer a unique opportunity for you to adorn and radiate your life with beauty. Embrace the charm of these stones and let them be a reminder of the wonders the natural world offers.