Peridot & Sardonyx: August’s Birthstones & how opposites attract in Gem Healing

Welcome to Rock Talk with Angel!

August Babies—

Ever felt like you have two different sides of your personality? The bubbly, fun one, and the classic beauty? Your birthstones are two of the few modern gems sharing a month that aren’t anything alike: verdant Peridot, and smoothly layered Sardonyx. Read on to tap into the benefits of these two very different gems! 

Depending on who you ask, one birthstone may be considered to be a more classic choice than the others. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with either of August’s birthstones. Peridot will certainly be easier to find, however. Read on to learn 5 facts about each of these unique gems! 

Peridot Facts

1. Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine, the most important mineral in the earth’s mantle. It has also been known as forsterite, and more creatively, “evening emerald”, a misnomer. 

2. Olivine is the only mineral we currently know to exist on other planets (Mars, in particular). It’s also the only non-metallic mineral we know of that exists in meteorites (the rare class of nickel-iron  meteorites known as Pallasites.) 

3. Olivine most commonly forms deep in the mantle and shoots to the surface in kimberlite pipes—its the only other gem material that travels this way aside from diamonds! 

4. Peridot is associated with wealth, abundance, and good luck. It is thought to represent the element, and is one of Leo’s primary zodiac gems. 

5. As a gem associated with volcanic environments, it’s no surprise that peridot has its own volcanic lore: in Hawaii, it is thought to be the tears of the goddess Hele, patroness of volcanoes and fire. 

Sardonyx Facts

1. Sardonyx is an ancient gem, and was valued in Ancient Rome for its contrasting bands of color. It was used for intaglio, carvings, and many other ornamental objects. 

2. Carnelian was once known as “sard”, and makes up the reddish or brown zones in sardonyx. The black or white sections are, fittingly, banded chalcedony or onyx. 

3. Sardonyx was worn in ancient times and thought to provide strength and protection to the wearer. 

4. Sardonyx can vary widely in appearance, and is one of the least understood of all of the gems. In modern times, you’re most likely to see sardonyx being used for the distinctive dark and light bands of cameos. 

5. The High Priest’s breastplate, described in the Torah, is adorned with many precious gems: these include two sardonyx gems (known as remembrance stones), and on each stone the names of six of the tribes of Israel are carved. 

Meet me back here next month for a fascinating look at the gems of September!

What was the most surprising fact you learned about the unique combo of August? Which of the two gems is your favorite? Comment below!

Follow Rock Talk with Angel for more interesting tidbits on the history and modern lore of the gems we love! Shop online with Phenomenal Gems for your own little piece of the mineral world, and keep an eye out for special events, promotions, and in-person booths to meet us in person. Rock on, my friends!