What is the birthstone for August? The question is in fact more properly asked, what are the birthstones for August? The month of ...
What is the
birthstone for August? The question is in fact more properly asked, what are
the birthstones for August?
The month of
August has two birthstones; the peridot and the sardonyx. Both of these stones
have been seen throughout history and have rich symbolism. The two birthstones
are quite different, both in terms of quality and substance.
Peridot:
Formerly known
as chrysolite, peridot is the modern birthstone for August. Before peridot was
the main zodiac stone for Libra, which falls partly in the month following
August. Peridot is a transparent olive green stone, sometimes drawing very
close to yellow. The color of the August birthstone ranges from lime green to
olive green, dark green and yellowish green. Chrysolite is the golden yellow
variant of Peridot.
The August
birthstone enhances confidence and self-esteem in wearers. The stone is known
to be rejuvenating and invigorating promoting clarity of thought.
Sardonyx:
Sardonyx is the
variety of onyx where the black bands are replaced by red, which is composed of
sard or dark carnelian, hence the name sard-onyx. This stone for August is
indeed an agate of white and red stripes.
Both the peridot
and the sardonyx make lovely jewelry although their effects are very different.
The crystal look of the peridot gives off a more elegant vibe while the matte
sardonyx has more of an earthy and rustic feel to it. The vast difference
between the two stones provides a wide range of jewelry options for those
searching for August birthstone jewelry. Other stones such as diamonds and
tanzanite stones can be terrific additions to these gems, especially to the
peridot.
Though the
peridot and sardonyx are not as popular as other birthstones such as diamonds,
pearls, emeralds, rubies, and even amethysts and tanzanite gems, they are
beautiful stones that are delightful to incorporate in birthstone jewelry. These
stones may look similar to other gemstone such as emeralds and colored
diamonds, but there are qualities that are exclusive to peridot and sardonyx
stones, which make them unique and extraordinary stones.